Parkhurst Cottage, Gospel Green

About this property

Spend quality time in this traditional country holiday cottage right underneath Black Down in West Sussex

This traditional estate cottage with its period door latches throughout and much character is perfect for anyone wanting a rural and relaxing break away. Set at the foot of Black Down the highest point in the South Downs National Park at 280 metres or 919 feet the cottage is easy distance for Petworth, Midhurst and Cowdray. The northern boundaries of the national park encompass some beautiful areas hence why the park boundary was extended to to the north beyond the Downs.

The cottage enjoys a completely private setting with wonderful rural views to the south east. Downstairs there is a traditional sitting room, separate dining room and fully equipped kitchen. From the latched door in the sitting room you head upstairs to two double bedrooms. The super king sized bed in the principal bedroom can be configured as twin beds where required. Between the bedrooms there is a family bathroom which is a good size with a full bath and power shower fitted above the bath. There is also a separate toilet downstairs.

Outside the cottage enjoys a private and secluded garden with to the side a very small brook. The lane outside leads south towards the Lurgashall Winery just a mile away and the picturesque village of Lurgashall just a short distance further. To the north it is just a short drive over the county boundary to the picturesque market town of Haslemere.

Lurgashall and beyond

The pine and heather covered slopes around Black Down are a favourite walking spot and there are many numbers of wonderful trails and footpaths to follow. Black Down also has strong literary associations with the poet – Alfred Lord Tennyson. It was also a favourite with many well known artists including Helen Allingham.

Lurgashall is the nearest village to Parkhurst Cottage just two miles along picturesque lanes. It is a delight, with cottages, a post office and village pub that surround the village green which combines as the cricket ground as well! On the edge of the village just a mile from the cottage is the Lurgashall Winery set in 38 acres against Black Down Hill. The Winery commenced production in 1985 and offers regular tours and wine tasting as well as having tearooms in the award winning 17th and 19th century farm buildings that are on site.

Head south towards the Downs and pass through the quaint village of Lodsworth. The village larder beside the pub is worth a visit just to see the Ben Law designed building constructed from locally sourced wood from the nearby Cowdray Estate. From there either head east towards Petworth or west towards Midhurst.

The historic market town of Petworth is best known as the location of the stately home Petworth House completed in 1696 and the deer park which was landscaped by Capability Brown. The House and its grounds are now owned and maintained by the National Trust and feature the Summer Festival of musical concerts held within the park which make a perfect setting to enjoy a picnic and open air concert.

The magnificent country house contains an internationally renowned art collection with numerous works by Turner. Petworth itself was immortalised in his paintings.

The town is full of quaint houses and cottages many within their own courtyard settings. They are interspersed with antique shops and tearooms so it makes the ideal place for a stroll following a visit to the house.

In Midhurst the grand Tudor ruins of Cowdray House form an imposing backdrop to Midhurst, a market town full of character and old world charm. The town is home to many fine 17th and 18th century buildings and provided the setting for many stories by past resident HG Wells. Today Midhurst is closely associated with Cowdray Park well known for the Polo held from spring onwards and in particular the Gold Cup events which are hosted each summer.

Parkhurst Cottage and Black Down is close to the Surrey border. The Devil’s Punch Bowl at Hindhead is within five miles to the northwest and is one of the best known beauty spots in the area. It is a large natural amphitheatre where until recently the A3 London to Portsmouth road passed around the side. The new Hindhead Tunnel has changed all that and the beauty spot is returning to its former tranquility. The 1.2 mile tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Great Britain has itself become an attraction with its own vantage point overlooking the southern tunnel entrance.

Places to visit

Petworth House and Gardens

Cowdray Park

Goodwood House

Uppark

What's on

Cowdray Polo — July

Petworth Festival — June

Local shop — 2 miles Lurgashall

Nearest supermarket — 3 miles Haslemere

Nearest restaurant — 3 miles Haslemere

Local pub — 1 mile Lickfold

Mainline rail service at Haslemere for services to Guildford, London Waterloo and Portsmouth

Nearest airport — Gatwick Airport 35 miles