Sussex


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



<p>Having previously reviewed <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://gardenhousesussex.com/the-bothy/" target="_blank">The Bothy</a> (another of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://gardenhousesussex.com/" target="_blank">The Garden House</a> collection, previously the old potting shed – now transformed to cute country cottage), Muddy already had insight into what this location has to offer the frazzled amongst us, as well as to entertain our Muddlet’s, amidst mid-summer holiday madness. Hidden away down a quiet country lane in the beautiful Hamlet of Coates, this luxury retreat sits nestled alongside a Grade-II walled garden, which once served the residence of Coates Castle &#8211; including an ancestor of Princes William and Harry (Louisa Hamilton, Duchess of Abercorn).</p>



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<p>The Bothy, The Shepherds Hut and The Yurt (co-created by the infamous Granny Mongolia as owner Lindsay de Grouchy will attest) provide unique getaways with all the little luxuries needed to switch off. However, the collection doesn’t stop there – if you fancy getting truly earthy, Lindsay also offers woodland camping or if you fancy going off-grid in style there’s the 1978 VW to explore Sussex called Ruby or 4 sleeper camper van.</p>



<p>This time round, we were all set to fully immerse ourselves in the luxurious&nbsp;<a href="https://gardenhousesussex.com/the-yurt/">Mongolian Yurt</a>&nbsp;(below) positioned just inside the fabled walled garden.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Yurt, AKA “Ger” (as Granny Mongolia calls it), welcomes with design, splendour and all the traditional mongolian magical artefacts you could imagine – but mind, theres a rule about how you <em>must</em> enter –&nbsp; a secret Lindsay will share upon your arrival.</p>



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



<p>The Yurt is truly welcoming, and we instantly feel at home. The traditional Mongolain yurt is a sight to behold inside and out and won’t disappoint. The experience is completed with an undercover alfresco dining area – fairy lights, stag horns chandelier on a dimmer to create ambience and lots of cool furnishings to boot. </p>



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<p>There’s even a garden sofa if you want to make like my husband and put your feet up for a few winks or read a magazine (yes, the vibe here is totally about making time and creating space for you). Adjoining is a kitchen divided by a bar (to serve your cocktails from, Muddy style) – with small fridge, gas hob and sink (not to mention wine rack). There’s also a BBQ for making dinner and of course fire pit for S’mores by moonlight. Last but (definitely) not least for the steadier glampers amongst us, there is a HOT (did you hear me?) shower/small bathroom so there is absolutely no slumming it or vast amounts of dry shampoo required.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PILLOW TALK</strong></h2>



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<p>We were only here for the night but wish we had more time for walks further afield – albeit we spent some lovely time exploring what the grounds had to offer, and playing games in the acre of garden, then there’s the private woodland complete with its own zipline and hammocks! If you’re lucky, you may spot a stag meandering the woodland too. 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. Scrambled for me, please darling!</p>



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



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<p>The Yurt is self-catering but if you’re eating out during the day you won’t need to bring much food with you. BBQ dinner &amp; brunch provisions is more than enough, and you’ll be well stocked for tea, coffee and eggs. A cold bottle of rose or red for by the fire will naturally be on the list of essentials.</p>



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



<p>Smack bang in the South Downs National Park, this makes for the perfect destination to explore our stunning countryside in Sussex. With easy walks from The Bothy to Lords Piece, Coates Common or to Burton Mill Pond or perhaps jump in the car for some water sport action at <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/days-out/best-places-to-paddle-board-sussex/">Pulborough Paddles or Chichester Water sports</a>, or visit <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/petworth-house-and-park/">Petworth House &amp; Park</a> or <a href="https://www.cowdray.co.uk/">Cowdray Estate</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A few miles down the road is&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house-and-park" target="_blank">Petworth</a> and we highly recommend lunch or dinner at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/review-e-street-bar-grill-and-the-angel-inn-petworth/" target="_blank">E Street Bar &amp; Grill or The Angel Inn</a>. Sunday lunch at&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.amberleyblackhorse.co.uk/" target="_blank">Black Horse, </a>Amberley&nbsp;is also 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&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.arundelcastle.org/" target="_blank">picturesque castle</a>;&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.cowdray.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cowdray</a>&nbsp;for polo, and&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.goodwood.com/" target="_blank">Goodwood</a>&nbsp;for horse and vintage car racing, or wine tasting at&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.tinwoodestate.com/" target="_blank">Tinwood Estate</a>,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.roebuckestates.co.uk/#agedModal" target="_blank">Roebuck Estates</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.uppertonvineyards.co.uk/" target="_blank">Upperton Vineyards</a>.</p>



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



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:&nbsp;</strong>The Mongolian Yurt would suit friends (if you doubled up and booked the hut or bothy for a bigger group), couples and families. However, it was a total winner for our family of 4 who hadn’t managed to get away together yet this holiday. Lots of Ooooh’s were heard when they saw the “forest school” inspired woodland area complete with zip wire and hammocks. The Yurt is so unique and gives all the fun of wild camping but with wow factor and some necessary creature comforts to boot.</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR:&nbsp;</strong>Those wanting an action-packed weekend away, although still plenty of fun for the kids to have in nature! This is more suited to those wanting to escape everyday life and relax, unwind, or feel at home with nature and the outdoors.&nbsp;Lindsay is even set to offer female retreats to rebalance, connect and recharge. See their <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/gardenhousesussex/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for info.</p>



<p><strong>THE DAMAGE:</strong>&nbsp;£195 per night. Bed linen and towels are included in your stay. Check-in 3pm. Check-out 11am. (Dogs are not allowed understandably as the boundaries may not be secure for four legs who love exploring as well as the abundance of pheasants and deer that are here). Muddy says its “reasonably priced when you look at all the luxuries you get without “roughing it” and with the quality of the accommodation and its beautiful and very serene surroundings.”&nbsp;</p>



<p><em><a href="https://gardenhousesussex.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Garden House, Coates</a>, Fittleworth, RH20 1EU. Tel: 07908 711092</em></p>


Stay: The Yurt at The Garden House, Fittleworth

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