Owl Cottage, Chichester

About this property

A fantastic rural retreat on the edge of Itchenor, one of the finest quayside villages within Chichester Harbour

Under a mile from the picturesque quayside in Itchenor, Owl Cottage is one of a pair of delightful three bedroom cottages found in a most rural location on the edge of the village. Chichester Harbour an area of outstanding natural beauty is renown for its wildlife and birdlife and the cottage is in an ideal setting for anyone who enjoys seeing a variety of birdlife around them. In fact a barn owl is frequently seen and heard on the roof of the cottage hence its appropriately chosen name!

The cottage has been designed with guests in mind and offers really comfortable and well thought out accommodation for up to six people. It is comprehensively equipped offering a large living space and offset kitchen area. There is one king sized bedroom downstairs with a large shower room with widened doorways for any guest with restricted or limited mobility. Upstairs the cottage is perfect for a family with a large family bathroom with both a bath and a separate shower cubicle. The main bedroom has a king sized bed while the second upstairs bedroom is fitted with twin beds.

Outside there is a private garden that faces to the south accessed through bi-folding doors from the living room. It really brings the outside in during those lazy days in the height of summer.

For anyone looking for really flexible accommodation then Owl Cottage can combine perfectly with Pheasant Cottage next door making both perfect for a family reunion or a group of friends coming together. You will find details of Pheasant Cottage on our website.

Itchenor and beyond

Owl Cottage is just a mile from the picturesque quayside in Itchenor. The cottage is on the Salterns Way a cycle route that links the blue flag beaches of West Wittering and the nature reserve of East Head to Chichester via Birdham Pool and the Chichester Canal a distance of about nine miles in total..

Itchenor is abuzz with sail and pleasure boats and even if you don’t have a passion for sailing it is a fascinating quayside to sit and watch the constant activity. Boats can reach the quay at low water which is why many harbour tours also depart from here.

The Chichester Harbour Conservancy is also based by the quayside and provides a lot of information on the harbour area. 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 Itchenor along with Bosham are probably the best known of the quayside villages within the harbour.

Taking the foot ferry across to Bosham Hoe directly to the north opens up a beautiful walk around the Hoe to Bosham unfolding a wonderful view the nearer you get.

The coast road at Bosham floods twice daily giving Bosham a 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 each with their own speciality.

Chichester, four miles north of Itchenor is the cathedral city for Sussex. It is one of the great well-preserved Georgian cities in the UK. 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.

The famous beach at West Wittering is within a couple of miles and along the Salterns Way makes for a very pleasant route. It is a beautiful stretch of sand offering stunning views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and merging seamlessly with the East Head Nature Reserve a totally unspoilt headland at the entrance to Chichester Harbour. It is a wonderful piece of coastline to explore and enjoy.

Places to visit

Chichester Cathedral

Fishbourne Roman Palace

West Wittering Beach

What's on

Goodwood Festival of Speed — June

Goodwood Revival Meeting — September

Chichester Festival Theatre

Local shop — 1 mile East Wittering

Nearest supermarket — 4 miles Chichester

Nearest restaurant — 1 mile East Wittering

Nearest pub — 0.25 mile Itchenor

Local bus service to Chichester and The Witterings

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

Nearest airports — 50 miles from Gatwick Airport or 35 miles from Southampton Airport