The Old School House, Bosham

About this property

With possibly the finest quayside view in Bosham, this is a great holiday cottage retreat for anyone who loves the coast, leisure and boats, birdlife and wonderful walks

This is probably the most enviable position in Bosham. Set at the head of the tidal waterfront, the views over Bosham and to Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower in the far distance are the finest you are likely to find. Bosham is always popular with visitors who enjoy the waterfront sailing activity and take in the variety of wildlife that is found here in Chichester Harbour, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The Old School House is a delightful five minute stroll from the heart of the village and offers guests comfortable accommodation that although by no means modern is clean and spacious and in keeping with the period of the building. Think of it like a comfy old sofa, nothing elaborate but familiar. It is ground floor and forms one half of the old school that is shared with the owner who occupies the other half.

Both the living room and kitchen/breakfast room look directly onto the waterfront offering a wonderful and changeable outlook as the tide ebbs and flows. No day is quite the same which just adds to the magic of Bosham.

The two bedrooms are found at the rear and overlook the garden. They both have twin beds although they can be pushed together if guests prefer, but note they are not zip linked. The bathroom is clean and modern with an electric shower fitted above the bath.

Outside there is a large and private mature garden which guests may enjoy.

Bosham and beyond

Chichester Harbour is an area of outstanding natural beauty with a plethora of wildlife which co-exists at ease with the sailing activity that abounds. It is made up of a series of tidal creeks and Bosham is probably the best known of the quayside villages within the harbour and offers much of interest. The coast road round to the quay floods twice daily giving Bosham this changing outlook between low and high water. The church which is prominent in the village dates back to Saxon times, the earliest parts having been constructed during Canute’s reign and it is the only church to be depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry.

Bosham is always bustling and is a joy to be part of. The arts and craft centre, a popular visitor attraction contains many small craft shops with their own speciality and the Anchor Bleu pub which is so central to the village and the quay is popular for lunches and has that ‘local’ atmosphere in the evenings.

To walk the coast road around Bosham Reach is a delight offering fine views of the village and beyond towards the South Downs. You will soon arrive at Bosham Hoe and can take the foot ferry that connects with Itchenor, another popular sailing centre.

A short distance inland is Chichester, which is the cathedral city for Sussex. It is one of the great well-preserved Georgian cities in the UK. Chichester has played a key role in the affairs of Sussex since at least Roman times. The city’s broad streets are packed with listed buildings headed by the towering presence of the cathedral, now home to a family of peregrine falcons who swoop over the city at dusk.

The city centre is neatly enclosed within the ancient city walls and this helps to make Chichester compact and pleasant to explore on foot. There are plenty of good shops and restaurants and if you enjoy the theatre the Chichester Festival Theatre is worth booking due not only to the quality of productions but the fact many world premieres are featured here as well.

Places to visit

Chichester Cathedral

Pallant House Gallery

Goodwood House

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

What's On

Chichester Festival Theatre

Goodwood Festival of Speed

Goodwood Revival Meeting

Local shop — 0.5 mile Bosham

Nearest supermarket — 3 miles Chichester

Nearest restaurant — 0.2 mile Bosham

Local pub — 0.2 mile Bosham

Local bus service to Chichester

Mainline rail service at Chichester for services to Gatwick Airport, London Victoria and Portsmouth

Gatwick Airport — 45 miles