Stableyard Cottage manages to be both supremely stylish and incredibly comfortable and welcoming, thanks to the love and care that the owner has put into the decoration, furnishing and details of this utterly charming two-bedroom home from home.

Set in the idyllic courtyard of the owner’s Georgian Farmhouse, this was once a stable and foaling box, but has been painstakingly converted to create a vaulted open plan living, dining and kitchen space, complete with gas fire, and two delightful bedrooms, each with its own shower or bathroom. Outside there is a private terrace surrounded by lavender and herbs, a stunning courtyard that is shared with other residents – and the owners even offer access to their all-weather tennis court.

White floorboards, muted neutrals, and warm natural wood combined with highlights of blues and green, mean that this home feels both classic and contemporary – and utterly serene. Everywhere you look there are thoughtful touches, from kilim rugs and cushions (perfectly placed), to books, magazines and clever lighting. The kitchen is well equipped with everything you need for your stay, and beds are carefully made up with beautiful linen. Combine all of this with its stunning location, in the rural heart of the South Downs, and you may never want to leave!

Stableyard Cottage is tucked away in the tiny village of Blendworth, in the heart of the South Downs but easily accessible via the A3, or by train – there is a station at nearby Rowlands Castle. Blendworth, originally a Saxon village, that developed as a staging post on the route from London to Portsmouth.

There is plenty of walking, cycling and riding from the door – and the Queen Elizabeth Country Park is just over the hill for more walking and mountain bike trails. The coastal resorts of West Wittering, Hayling Island and Southsea are all easily accessible, as is Portsmouth, which in turn offers ferries to the Isle of Wight.

The historic cities of Chichester and Winchester are both about a half hour drive, more or less – as is the Goodwood Estate for horseracing, cars and more. The New Forest National Park is a short hop away, too. Stableyard Cottage is perfectly placed to explore both the best of both West Sussex and Hampshire.

For seaside fun – West Wittering is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches on the South Coast, with white sand dunes, beach huts and a great café, while East Wittering is shingle but popular with surfers and with a definitely laid-back vibe. There are surf, SUP and kite-surfing schools with hire across the two.

Walkers and mountain bikers will be in heaven being so close to the South Downs Way, but there are lots of other routes to follow, too. The Queen Elizabeth Country Park has some fantastic mountain bike trails, graded by difficulty – easier ones that are great for families and some more adrenalin-fuelled.

Culture and the arts are well represented by Chichester Festival Theatre and the Pallant House Gallery of Modern Art – there is also a stunning art collection at National Trust Petworth House.

That’s all without mentioning horseracing at Goodwood and Fontwell, Polo at Cowdray, riding, golf, English vineyards, and much more!