France Cottage, Worthing

About this property

A traditional Sussex cottage with a traditional cottage garden, great for walking the South Downs

In one of the most wonderful rural settings on the southern slopes of the South Downs, France Cottage has open views to the east and north and with lovely cottage gardens is just a perfect rural retreat.

This traditional flint faced cottage which in part dates back to 1724 has its main history around the Napoleonic Wars when this area of Patching was a French prisoner of war camp. A wood that can be seen from the cottage is called Surgeon’s Fields where there is reputed to have been a field hospital. Certainly in nearby Arundel there are many cottages built by the French prisoners, so we presume they were transported to Arundel to work from Patching.

France Cottage is beautifully presented retaining many original features such as open fireplaces, original floorboards, a traditional cottage style kitchen with a separate larder and a 1930’s style period bathroom. The cottage will sleep four in three bedrooms. The main bedroom overlooking the front and facing west is fitted with a king sized bed. It is a lovely bright room with much space. The second and third bedrooms are both single rooms with views east and north to the Downs. The bathroom also on the first floor is finished in a 1930’s style and has a shower attachment that can be added to the bath taps but note it is not standard.

The cottage has the most beautiful cottage gardens with open views north towards Patching village. There are horses summer grazing throughout the main season in the next door field which added to a gloriously peaceful garden makes for a very restful setting.

Patching and beyond

Patching is a quaint village centred along “The Street”. At the top, as the lane climbs towards the South Downs is Patching church. A number of footpaths radiate from here allowing easy access to the Downs on a choice of different routes. To the east is Long Furlong a magnificent crescent shaped piece of downland, it’s like the South Downs in minature! It is easily reached from the next door village of Clapham where a walk along the top gives great views inland.

Take the downland paths around the woodland of Angmering Park you reach the attractive villages of Wepham and Burpham three miles to the west. Like Patching they lie at the foot of the Downs and are frequented by walkers. The George at Burpham a traditional English country pub set right in the heart of Burpham is worth visiting and is hard to pass by without stopping when enjoying a walk to Burpham!

Just across the Arun valley from there is the historic market town of Arundel dominated by the symbolic castle and the rising spire of the cathedral. It offers a plethora of craft and antique shops as well as restaurants and tearooms. It’s a great place to wander and just enjoy its hospitality.

Arundel Castle is the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and is set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens. The castle has been seasonally open to visitors for nearly 200 years. It is one of the great treasure houses of England and is home to priceless works of art in stunning rooms. Climbing the 131 steps to the Keep which dates from the 11th century to take in the views over Arundel and The South Downs is definitely worth the effort.

The River Arun winds its way around the town and is a magnet for wildlife. With more than 60 acres of ponds, lakes and reed beds, Arundel Wetland Trust attracts some of the most spectacular ducks, geese and swans. The best way to enjoy the river is on a river cruise stopping off at the Black Rabbit pub or proceeding further north where the river hugs the scarp wooded slope at the foot of the Downs before reaching Amberley.

France Cottage is also well placed for the coast. Climping Beach and Littlehampton’s West Beach are only a short drive away. This is a beautiful unspoilt length of beach of Special Scientific Interest and at the eastern end beside the mouth of the River Arun is the West Beach Café built by local craftsmen using materials sourced locally. It is worth a visit, the fish and chips come highly recommended!

Goodwood and Fontwell racecourses are nearby along with the cathedral city of Chichester with its excellent Festival Theatre noted for not only the quality of productions but also the fact many world premieres are featured as well.

Places to Visit

Arundel Castle

Arundel Wildfowl and Wetland Centre

What's On

Arundel Festival — August

Local shop — 1 mile Angmering

Nearest supermarket — 3 miles Rustington

Nearest restaurant — 1 mile Angmering

Local pub — 0.2 miles Patching

Mainline rail service — Angmering for services to Gatwick Airport, London Victoria and Brighton

Gatwick Airport — 35 miles