Sussex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE LOWDOWN&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57823" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-5-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-5-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-5-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Hidden away down a quiet country lane in the beautiful Hamlet of Coates, this luxury retreat sits nestled alongside a Grade-II walled garden, sandwiched between the market towns of Petworth and Arundel.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1250" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Yurt-2.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-57824" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Yurt-2.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Yurt-2-640x800.jpeg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Yurt-2-800x1000.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Yurt-2-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Yurt-2-420x525.jpeg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Garden House, dating back to 1820, was once used to accommodate staff working at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Coates Castle (opens in a new tab)" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1238470" target="_blank">Coates Castle</a>, just a short walk away. These days owner Lindsay de Grouchy provides unique luxury getaways with a range of accommodation that includes <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Bothy (opens in a new tab)" href="https://gardenhousesussex.com/the-bothy/" target="_blank">The Bothy</a>, a cottage-style retreat; Wild Camping in private woodland complete with four poster outdoor bed made with tree trunks and outdoor kitchen with fire pit and natural seating; a romantic secluded <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Shepherd’s hut (opens in a new tab)" href="https://gardenhousesussex.com/the-hut/" target="_blank">Shepherd’s hut</a> set with wood burner, outdoor loo (brace yourself!) and heated shower within its own 7 acre meadow; and an authentic, luxurious <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Mongolian Yurt (opens in a new tab)" href="https://gardenhousesussex.com/the-yurt/" target="_blank">Mongolian Yurt</a> (above) set inside the walled garden. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57825" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-6-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-6-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-6-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Our home for the weekend is The Bothy, set in the walled garden and surrounded by fields on the other side. Renovated in 2018 but dating back to 1820, it’s a high spec conversion complete with original period features, brickwork and open plan kitchen that gives a luxurious but homely feel with a nod in every room to the building’s history.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57826" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-7-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-7-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-7-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>First glance from the outside gives you little clue to how much space there is inside and the quality and attention to detail &#8211;  it feels like stepping into the home you wish you had!  There’s mood lighting and soft music on arrival, fresh cut flowers and magazines, and a well-stocked fridge. A solid oak stable door opens out into the stunning garden, and well-positioned decking with seating allows for afternoon drinks and alfresco dining without needing to go any further to take in the countryside views and wildlife. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1250" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Bothy-4.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-57827" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Bothy-4.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Bothy-4-640x800.jpeg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Bothy-4-800x1000.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Bothy-4-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Bothy-4-420x525.jpeg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We spent a lot of time exploring what the grounds had to offer, and aside from the acre of garden for children to lose themselves in, there’s the private woodland complete with its own zipline and hammocks! Free range hens live in the grounds behind The Bothy, much to the delight of my daughter who was able to collect fresh eggs for breakfast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PILLOW TALK&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-master-bedroom.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57828" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-master-bedroom.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-master-bedroom-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-master-bedroom-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-master-bedroom-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-bathroom.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57829" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-bathroom.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-bathroom-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-bathroom-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-bathroom-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The solid oak floor with underfloor heating and cottage-style doors lead onto two generously sized bedrooms, set at either end of The Bothy. The master bedroom has a fresh feel, with stunning views across the Sussex countryside, a large comfy, double bed with plush pillows and throws and a bath large enough for two! </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-twin-bedroom.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57830" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-twin-bedroom.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-twin-bedroom-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-twin-bedroom-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-twin-bedroom-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The twin room is suitable for adults or children, spacious and well presented with plenty of thoughtful touches which give this room a homely feel. A large Smart TV sits on the wall, ideal for snuggling under the fluffy duvets and zoning out at the end of a long day. This room also offers beautiful views across fields, with its own ensuite bathroom and good-sized shower. Ideal for families or couples. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-Kitchen.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57831" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-Kitchen.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-Kitchen-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-Kitchen-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/The-Bothy-Kitchen-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Bothy is self-catering but if you’re eating out during the day you won’t need to bring much food with you. Full marks to the owners who have really gone above and beyond, and recognise there’s nothing as depressing as reaching your holiday home and finding nothing in the fridge. Here you’ll find local butter, milk, free range eggs from the garden, sourdough bread, beer and wine – it really set the mood for the weekend. No need to bring your own coffee either as there’s a Nespresso machine here, as well as luxury hot chocolate (this went down a treat) and buttery biscuits. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<p>You’re on the doorstep of the South Downs National Park, so basically you’re spoilt for choice with gorgeous walks and nature reserves close by. It’s easy to while away time exploring the surrounding area, but there are easy walks from The Bothy to Lords Piece, Coates Common or to Burton Mill Pond. All provide stunning scenery in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Petworth.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-57832" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Petworth.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Petworth-800x450.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Petworth-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Petworth-900x507.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Image credit: Alice Johnson</figcaption></figure>



<p>A few miles down the road <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Petworth (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house-and-park" target="_blank">Petworth</a> (above) is worth checking out with its National Trust property, deer park and house, antique shops and award-winning deli. Sunday lunch at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Black Horse, Amberley (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.amberleyblackhorse.co.uk/" target="_blank">Black Horse, Amberley</a> is highly recommended but book in advance as it’s a favourite with the locals. If you’re happy to go a bit further there’s Arundel, famous for its <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="picturesque castle (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.arundelcastle.org/" target="_blank">picturesque castle</a>; <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Cowdray (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.cowdray.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cowdray</a> for polo, and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Goodwood (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.goodwood.com/" target="_blank">Goodwood</a> for horse and vintage car racing, or wine tasting at <a href="https://www.tinwoodestate.com/">Tinwood Estate</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Roebuck Estates (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.roebuckestates.co.uk/#agedModal" target="_blank">Roebuck Estates</a> and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Upperton Vineyards (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.uppertonvineyards.co.uk/" target="_blank">Upperton Vineyards</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE MUDDY VERDICT&nbsp;</h2>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:</strong> The choice of accommodation types means there really is something for everyone. Couples will enjoy the romantic seclusion of the Shepherd’s Hut, while the Mongolian Yurt would suit friends, couples and families. Wild camping is perfect for some family fun but the star of the show was the luxurious Bothy, suitable for special occasions, friends/couples or families not wanting to go without their creature comforts. </p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR: </strong>Those wanting an action-packed weekend away! This is more suited to those wanting to escape everyday life and relax, unwind or feel at home with nature and the outdoors. </p>



<p><strong>THE DAMAGE:</strong> £225 per night with a minimum of 2 nights stay. Dogs are not allowed which is a shame given the number of footpaths and walks in the area (but understandable given the abundance of pheasants and deer that are here). Reasonably priced when you look at all the extras included in the stay and the quality of the accommodation and its stunning surroundings. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://gardenhousesussex.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Garden House, Coates (opens in a new tab)">Garden House, Coates</a>, Fittleworth, RH20 1EU. Tel: 07908 711092</em></p>


Review: The Bothy at Garden House, Fittleworth

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