If walking is your passion then the Hayloft is just perfect as four footpaths radiate from the front door giving fantastic walking in the immediate countryside. Rookcross Hayloft is in the rolling countryside of the Sussex Weald next to the small hamlet of West Grinstead and affords panoramic views across arable farmland to the east and south east. It is in a perfect country setting yet is far from being remote, allowing you good access to make the most of this beautiful area.

The Hayloft provides very comfortable first floor accommodation that makes the most of the extensive views. It is set within the grounds of the owner‘s family home but is totally separate and private. From the ground floor entrance a boot and drying room with washing facilities is provided for your use and being on the ground floor does not impact at all on your living space. There is a large dual aspect double bedroom, spacious bathroom, a comfortable living room and a fully equipped galley kitchen. Outside there is a barbecue with garden furniture in a secluded area yet with an outlook across the open fields. The Hayloft is equipped with travel cot, highchair, stairgate and ‘z‘ bed for small children.

West Grinstead and beyond

West Grinstead is largely contained within the Knepp Castle Estate and the old castle ruin is most prominent at the end of Rookcross Lane when you first approach the Hayloft. It stands on a mound like a broken tooth and was originally built as a defensive castle, and is believed to date back to before the 12th century. The Knepp Castle Estate hosts polo matches regularly during the summer months and is the home of low goal polo in the southeast.

The Hayloft is very centrally situated to enjoy a lot of Sussex. West Grinstead Station on the old railway line between Horsham and Shoreham—by—Sea is now part of the Downs Link. It features a railway carriage just beyond the old platform that displays information on the local nature and wildlife in the area. The Downs Link offers excellent walking and cycling opportunities and if you head south from the old station you will soon enjoy beautiful views of the South Downs as you head towards the market towns of Henfield and Steyning.

The South Downs are within easy reach and the popular vantage points of Chanctonbury and Cissbury Rings are due south from the Hayloft. They are both iron age hill forts although Chanctonbury Ring is the more famous of the two because of its ring of beech trees originally planted in 1760. To walk between the two rings is a distance of about three miles providing wonderful views over the Downs and out to sea while on clear days Chichester and the Isle of Wight are easily visible from Cissbury Ring.

Heading north the market town of Horsham has good shops. It has retained much of its heritage with fine architecture on view, in particular along the Causeway which is lined with medieval homes that lead to the parish church of St Mary‘s, while the Carfax originally a meeting of four ways is now a relaxing place to stop and enjoy a coffee.

There are historic houses and gardens nearby including Parham House and Gardens, Nymans Gardens, High Beeches and Wakehurst Place. Wakehurst Place is an outstanding botanical garden with the world‘s largest seed conservation project, leased and run by the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew.

• Local shop — Buck Barn 1 mile
• Nearest supermarket — Horsham 5 miles
• Nearest restaurant — Dial Post 1 mile
• Local Pub — Dial Post 1 mile