The interior designer and owner of The Cottage Barn has managed an exquisite balancing act with this wonderful country property. They have managed to maintain its charming, historic bones (part country cottage, part barn), while flooding it with natural light and adding every modern convenience you could possibly need. The styling is super relaxing, cottagecore chic, but sleek where it matters – like in the bright modern kitchen and beautifully refurbished bathrooms. The Cottage Barn is tucked away in idyllic River Common, just outside the walls of Petworth Park – a tiny hamlet that is hugely sought-after by locals, thanks to the no-through lane that ends in a smattering of wonderful historic cottages and perfect, absolute peace. You’re surrounded by countryside and woodlands and plentiful walking, with only the birdsong and occasional deer for company. 

Ground Floor

Arrive in the oak lined lobby to find two doors; on the left, the entrance to the Barn, housing a stunning drawing & dining room, and with a link through to the beautifully sunny kitchen. On the right, the entrance to the original cottage. There is underfloor heating throughout the ground floor.

Barn: The Barn has a wonderful vaulted ceiling, original oak beams, and offers comfortable, sociable seating, a woodburner, and dining table for six. This leads through to the bright, sunny kitchen breakfast room – with more original beams, paired with a stunning modern kitchen and huge new windows that look over the garden and countryside beyond, and let the sunshine pour in. There is a large induction hob, oven, dishwasher, washing machine and it is perfectly equipped with ample crockery, cutlery, and cooking equipment. A round table offers the perfect spot for breakfast.

The Cottage: The boot room is a suitably stylish place to hang your coat. This area also features a useful study nook, should you need to catch up on email! The second living room has large French windows that flood the room with light and give beautiful views of the garden. Large TV for relaxing with a movie. Stairs up to the first floor.

Also on the ground floor is the master suite – with superking bed, gorgeous fireplace with its own woodburner, and a bijou but beautiful ensuite shower room.

First Floor

In the cottage part of the house, the first floor features two beautifully styled bedrooms (one king and one twin), and a family bathroom complete with shower and double-ended bath tucked neatly under the window. Low doorways give a cosy feel up here!

Children: Babies & children over 5 are welcome. The steep stairs and antique furniture & accessories make the house unsuitable for toddlers.

Pets: Up to three well behaved dogs are welcome (£25 each per stay). The garden is securely fenced, and dog bowls and treats are provided. The garden and paddock are fenced and dog-proof.

Pantry Items: The kitchen includes pantry basics.

Parking: The drive has ample parking for three cars.

It is very easy to while away a happy weekend in Petworth – exploring the galleries, independent shops, cafés, and indulging in a spot of antiquing. Petworth House itself is open from March to December, and boasts an incredible art collection, as well stunning state rooms, gardens, and miles of glorious parkland that is home to the UK’s largest herd of fallow deer – reputedly there since Henry VIII’s visit in the 1520’s. 

The country walks are sublime, at any time of the year. This area is criss-crossed with footpaths, many of which end in fantastic country pubs! Or for more challenging hiking and expansive views, head up to the South Downs Way.

The Goodwood Estate draws many visitors over the season, and is just a 30 minute drive. Whether it is watching the horse-racing of the Glorious Goodwood Festival, the high-octane Festival of Speed, held at Goodwood House, or Revival, where guests dress to impress from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s to celebrate the motor circuits glorious heyday – Goodwood is a destination not to be missed.