Enjoy a holiday break of complete tranquility and relaxation at this luxurious 17th Century Sussex barn

A most beautiful 17th Century Sussex barn that is just perfect for two people and is perhaps everyone’s picture of how a traditional barn should appear. Light and bright Blacklands Barn enjoys a glorious and peaceful setting right on the boundary of the South Downs National Park with the Wey Arun Canal and the River Arun only a short distance away. There are walks aplenty as well as a very restful atmosphere for those who just want to relax and enjoy the tranquility that is found here. The barn enjoys wonderful rural views whether from the garden or from the picture windows that feature either side of the corner woodburning stove. It is a setting that draws the eye into the countryside.

There is just one bedroom that is fitted with twin beds. We have to advise that it would not be suitable for anyone who is infirm or unstable on their feet since it is accessed via a steep staircase with a final step across a roof beam at the top. It all adds to the character of the building but it is only correct we bring this to your attention. The bedroom is cosy and compact and looks through the roof timbers along the length of the barn and to the living space below.

The living space is the heart of this fantastic building and it is tastefully furnished using antique furniture to blend well with the period. Although the kitchen is small it is modern and for its size comprehensively equipped. Next to the kitchen the shower room contains a good sized shower cubicle. Both kitchen and shower room are located directly below the bedroom space.

Toat and beyond

Toat is a very small hamlet three miles from Pulborough set beside both the River Arun north of Stopham and the Wey Arun Canal. The canal is no longer navigable, however, at one time it linked the south coast with the River Thames. We carry information on the Wey Arun Canal, where it is navigable further north at Loxwood, under ‘Places to visit’ for West Sussex on our website.

The South Downs National Park boundary is very close to Toat since it follows the line of the River Arun at Pulborough Brooks before heading north to the Neolithic woodland at Bedham. The Pulborough Brooks is in fact a deliberate flood plain, so periodically it becomes a spectacular lake totally transforming the landscape. There are many excellent walks across the Brooks and along the banks of the River Arun offering uninterrupted views south towards the South Downs. Part of the Brooks contains one of the RSPB’s major reserves in the south and just three miles from the barn. We carry a link to the RSPB reserve within ‘Places to visit’ on our website.

Also nearby is the West Sussex Golf Club which is regularly judged one of the outstanding inland courses in Britain with ‘a priceless oasis of heather, sand, heath and trees beneath the Sussex Downs’. For any golf lover, staying at Blacklands Barn is very convenient.

Four miles south east in the direction of Storrington and nestling at the foot of the South Downs is Parham House, a magnificent Elizabethan home that is a real jewel. Again it is featured under ‘Places to visit’ - a half day there is time well spent.

Heading northwest from Pulborough is the historic market town of Petworth. It is best known as the location of the stately home Petworth House and deer park which was landscaped by Capability Brown. The house and its grounds are now owned by the National Trust. The magnificent country house contains an internationally renowned art collection with numerous works by Turner. Petworth itself was immortalised in his paintings. The town is full of quaint houses and cottages, many within their own courtyard settings. They are interspersed with antique shops and tearooms so it makes the ideal place for a stroll following a visit to Petworth House and Park.

This area of West Sussex has a variety of events that occur through the year from Goodwood racing and the Goodwood motorsport meetings, to the Arundel Festival, racing at Fontwell and polo at Cowdray. Details on all of these are found under our ‘What’s on’ heading.

Places to visit

RSPB Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve

Parham House and Gardens

Petworth House

What's on

Sussex Steam and Country Fair Storrington - June

Petworth Festival - June

Polo at Cowdray - May to July

Arundel Festival - August

• Local shop - 2 miles Pulborough
• Nearest supermarket - 2 miles Pulborough
• Nearest restaurant - 2 miles Codmore Hill
• Local pub - 2 miles Pulborough
• Mainline rail service - Pulborough for services to Gatwick Airport, London Victoria and Portsmouth
• Gatwick Airport 30 miles