Set in 63 acres of traditional managed bluebell woodland in the heart of the Sussex Weald, this is a true rural retreat and a fabulous place to take a well earned break. There is every opportunity to become fully immersed in the tranquil surroundings here. If you are searching for a quiet place to read, or maybe find inspiration to do some writing or even paint then Keepers Cottage will provide just that. Located on the edge of a wild flower meadow at Shadows Wood, Keepers Cottage has been sensitively restored so it retains its rustic charm yet at the same time offers every modern comfort.

The cottage sleeps four to six guests, the smallest bedroom is a unique ‘cabin bed’ so is just ideal for children who are happy to share or adults who are drawn to something a little different. The two main bedrooms are double bedded rooms that display this rustic charm in full. They are bright, spacious and very comfortable. There is a wetroom shower attached to the main bedroom. A full family bathroom with a shower over the bath is upstairs and a separate cloakroom is located on the ground floor.

The living room is beautifully presented using traditional furniture with an open fireplace and an outlook across the meadow. There is also a separate dining room. The kitchen is very compact, however for its small size it is well equipped containing both a full double oven and microwave oven. It has that traditional cottage feature, a stable door opening straight on to the cottage garden outside. This cottage may not be suitable to very young children, given the traditional furniture. The cottage does have a satellite TV connection although the television set is smaller and is located in the dining room. The living room is intended for relaxing, reading and conversation!

The woods here are rich in biodiversity and history. The owners who live in an additional wing of the cottage separated by a glass corridor, are pleased to offer guests the opportunity to learn more about them and to revisit the many traditional woodland skills and country crafts that once existed. Woodland Skills is run from nearby Keepers Barn and we link to their website from our general links page. Do have a look at their website.

The Haven and beyond

Not too far from Keepers Cottage and beyond the woods is the Downslink long distance path. This is in fact the old railway lines that link Guildford with Shoreham-by-Sea that meet at Christ Hospital. Today it provides excellent walking and cycling along level ground. To the northwest the Downslink passes through a wonderful treelined avenue along raised embankments on route to Rudgwick, while south east a cycle ride towards West Grinstead and Henfield and the draw of the South Downs is easily achievable.

Five miles away is Horsham, a traditional Sussex market town that retains much of its history to this day. The Causeway a beautiful and calm tree-lined street of medieval houses is the jewel in Horsham's crown. It links St Mary's with the Carfax, which is at the very heart of the town – once a village green but now a meeting place with open air cafes, bandstand music and street markets. The Saturday market features a large variety of stalls across the town and is worth calling in to see.

Keepers Cottage is also well placed with National Trust properties, Petworth House and Nymans House and Gardens being comfortably within a half hours drive in each direction. The small market town of Petworth is also worth spending time in featuring antique shops and coffee houses interspersed with traditional homes many with courtyard settings.

A short distance northwest towards the Surrey borders the Wey Arun Canal at Loxwood offers trips on a restored narrowboat . It takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside before linking up with the River Arun further south. The boats leave from beside the Onslow Arms, so have lunch first and enjoy the ride! We feature a link to the Wey Arun Canal under “Places to visit” on our homepage.

• Local shop - 1 mile Rudgwick
• Nearest supermarket - 4 miles Broadbridge Heath
• Nearest restaurant - 5 mies Horsham
• Local pub - 1 mile The Haven
• Mainline railway service - Horsham 5 miles for services to Gatwick Airport and London Victoria
• Gatwick Airport - 15 miles