Painters Old Studio, Amberley

About this property

Enjoy this delightful self catering cottage for two in the heart of the South Downs National Park with its glorious outlook over the Amberley Wild Brooks

In the heart of the picturesque village of Amberley lies this lovely holiday cottage for two. Adjacent to its owners’ own home, and set in multi level gardens with views over the unspoiled Amberley Wild Brooks, this is the perfect bolt hole for those seeking peace and tranquillity in the Sussex countryside.

As its name suggests, Painters Old Studio was once an artist’s studio. The living area is light filled and double height with a mezzanine bedroom above. The compact kitchen is under the mezzanine level, and has a dining table and chairs for meals taken at home. The combined microwave and conventional oven and separate two ring hob provide the means to cook your home meals, but you may prefer to dine at the local country pubs. Accessed via the kitchen is a shower room, with a large shower enclosure, basin and WC. There is also a heated towel rail to ensure warm and dry towels all year round. The bed in the mezzanine bedroom can be set up either as a super king sized double, or separated into two single beds. Just let us know what suits you best.

Guests also have use of the owners’ washing machine and tumble dryer during their stay, very handy if a walk on the South Downs Way leaves you a little muddy!.

The living area has French windows opening onto the guests’ outdoor sitting area, with wisteria covered pergola providing dappled shade in the summer, and beautifully scented flowers each spring. The owners’ garden lies through a small gate, and guests are invited to enjoy the garden, which is on many levels, and has an attractive outlook over the Amberley Wildbrooks. The garden is planted with a wide variety of interesting plants and is well worth exploring.

Amberley and beyond

Amberley is at the foot of the South Downs and is noted for its many thatched cottages. It is a village that has managed to retain its character and appeal over the centuries and it will delight. The River Arun with its tidal plain cuts through the South Downs at Amberley. The South Downs Way crosses the river beside the village where a walk either east or west will soon present you with stunning Downland views and total seclusion.

The tidal river plain north of the village forms the Amberley Wildbrooks — a Site of Special Scientific Interest known for its wildfowl and maintained by Sussex Wildlife Trust. The rspb reserve at Pulborough Brooks neighbours Amberley, and is a wetland haven for bird life, and an overwintering ground for many migrant species. It has many opportunities for studying the wild life from several strategically located hides.

Only a mile away is the Amberley Working Museum which was used as a set location for the James Bond Film ‘A View to a Kill‘. It is a 36 acre open air museum set into a chalk quarry and is dedicated to the industrial heritage of South East England. Depending on the timing of your visit there are many themed events so it is worth taking a look to see what is on.

Two miles to the east Parham House and Gardens is an imposing Elizabethan house facing the Downs. The rooms are graced with fresh flowers cut daily from the four acre walled garden. The main rooms are the Great Hall, Great Chamber and the Long Gallery which at the top of the house does leave a tremendous visual impression.

Five miles downstream from Amberley immediately south of the Downs you come to Arundel, a historic market town dominated by the symbolic castle and the rising spire of the cathedral. If you fancy making your visit a little different why not catch the train one stop down the line and come back on the river, but do allow plenty of time.

The town offers a plethora of craft and antique shops as well as restaurants and tearooms. A trip to Arundel would never be complete without visiting the castle. The seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens, Arundel Castle has been seasonally open to visitors for nearly 200 years. It is one of the great treasure houses of England and to climb the 131 steps to the Keep to take in the views is worth the effort.

Places to Visit

Amberley Working Museum

Arundel Cathedral

Arundel Castle

Parham House

RSPB Pulborough Brooks

What's On

Sussex Game & Country Fair, Parham — June

Goodwood Festival of Speed — June

Petworth Festival — July

Arundel Festival — August

Goodwood Revival — September

Local shop — ¼ mile Amberley

Nearest supermarket — 4 miles Storrington

Nearest restaurant — 1 mile Amberley

Local pub — ½ mile Amberley

Mainline rail service — 1 mile Amberley for services to Gatwick Airport, London Victoria and Portsmouth

Gatwick Airport — 32 miles