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 Pond House will provide just that. Located on the edge of a wild flower meadow at Shadows Wood and with its own private pond right beside the house, it has been sensitively restored and extended so it retains its rustic charm yet at the same time offers every modern comfort.

The house will sleep between six and eight although the fourth bedroom is a unique ‘cabin bed’ so is better suited to children who are happy to share or adults who are drawn to something a little different. The three main bedrooms have double beds and the two in the original house display this rustic charm in full. They are bright, spacious and very comfortable. There is a shower wetroom attached to one bedroom. A full family bathroom is also upstairs with these two bedrooms and the cabin bed, and a separate cloakroom is located on the ground floor. In the additional wing a master bedroom suite is located on a lower ground floor set beside a lower garden courtyard. There is a full sized bath within the suite and also a cloakroom and separate shower wetroom on that lower floor.

Pond House has the most wonderful living space. A superb kitchen and living area combine in the new wing with panoramic windows giving views to the woods and across the meadow. The living area has its own open fireplace and relaxing sofa and armchairs. It is a beautiful space flooded with natural daylight that is linked to the original house by a glazed hallway.

The kitchen is fully and comprehensively equipped with an Aga, seperate four ring electric hob and a full American style fridge freezer. The room also contains a ‘casual’ dining area, while there is a formal dining room in the original house along with a second living room that is beautifully presented using traditional furniture. This room too has an open fireplace along with an outlook over the meadow.

The house is available for your exclusive use from Christmas to the end of April and at selective other periods upon request, so please do ask us about your requirements at other times during the year.

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