Spending time at the top of a converted windmill with fabulous views over surrounding farmland and countryside has to make a great base from which to come and explore this part of Sussex!

This ten sided windmill is the centre-piece in the beautiful gardens at Hunston Mill House just a couple of miles south of Chichester. The gardens of just over an acre are made up of spacious lawn areas and flower beds and offer every opportunity to find a quiet corner just to sit and relax.

Mill Top occupies the upper floor of this converted windmill part of a group of buildings that date from the 17th Century and provides very private accommodation for two people. It is bright, comfortable, fully equipped and with a window in every direction it attracts sunlight throughout the day. This is a little gem.

Hunston is the perfect location to explore Chichester, Chichester Harbour or to enjoy the nearby beaches at Selsey and the Witterings

Hunston and beyond

Hunston is a small village within three miles of Chichester next to the Chichester Canal and has the popular beach destination of Selsey to the south. It nestles close to the western edge of Pagham Harbour. This part of the coastline is a haven for unusual birds and wildlife with Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve and Chichester Harbour a little further to the west both being areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Pagham Harbour is an internationally important site for nature conservation while Chichester Harbour also combines its wildlife attractions with sailing centres such as Itchenor, Bosham, Dell Quay and Emsworth. Between these harbours there are beaches at Selsey and the Witterings, the latter offering unrivalled views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.

Chichester the cathedral city of Sussex has played a key role in the affairs of Sussex since at least Roman times. The city has broad streets that are packed with listed buildings headed by the towering presence of the cathedral.

The city centre is neatly enclosed within the ancient city walls, which helps to make Chichester compact and pleasant to explore on foot. It is a cosmopolitan, vibrant and friendly city proudly combining two thousand years of heritage with a lively lifestyle. A trip to the Chichester Festival Theatre close by to the centre is worth considering since it is famous for the quality of theatre production many of which premiere here before moving on to the London theatre scene. For the film buff the cinema complex and nearby restaurants to the south of the city also make for an enjoyable evening out.

There is always much to see and do in Sussex and staying in this area gives the best of both; beaches close by and an easy springboard back inland to explore the South Downs a great area to walk.

• Local shop - 0.5 mile Hunston
• Nearest supermarket - 2 miles Chichester
• Nearest restaurant - 0.5 mile Hunston
• Nearest pub - 0.5 mile Hunston
• Mainline rail service - Chichester for services to Gatwick Airport, London Victoria and Portsmouth
• Gatwick Airport 45 miles, Southampton Airport 30 miles