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Upper Barn

South East England West Sussex Amberley

From £171 a night
Sleeps 2–4
Barn
Cabin

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A unique and very comfortable West Sussex barn conversion that's perhaps the county's best eco-friendly – and car-free – rural retreat.

If you're looking for an eco-friendly self-catering holiday property in the South Downs National Park, then read on – we think we may have found just the place. Situated in a uniquely beautiful position a few miles north of Arundel, West Sussex, with splendid views over the Arun Valley and bang on the long-distance South Downs Way, Upper Barn is a glorious rural bolthole for two that can also sleep up to four people in comfort. It's also one of the most eco-friendly properties you could find, a rustic lodging that has been sensitively converted from its original purpose as a 'sheepfold' and is now almost entirely self-sustainable, with solar panels for lighting and hot water, a Biomass boiler for heat and its own on-site sewerage system. Not only that – the nearby village of Amberley has its own train station, just a 10-minute walk away, making it one of very few truly rural escapes that you can reach without a car.

With much of the original structure retained to give the overall setting a rustic feel, Upper Barn is almost literally rooted in the landscape of the South Downs, located right next to a disused chalk quarry that nowadays hosts the Amberley Working Museum (the entrance is a 10-minute walk away). The barn has one spacious double bedroom, a main living area with two single sofa beds, a well-equipped kitchen and a family bathroom with a walk-in shower. It's very secluded, with a private walled garden to enjoy that includes a rustic shepherds hut that's used as a summer house and a fire pit for cosy evenings and al fresco cook-outs; there's also a wash-down and storage area for bikes.

This is a place for those who really want to get away from it all while minimising the impact of their stay on the environment, with no reason at all to get in a car. Having said that, there is WiFi, should you need it for planning where to explore! Pets are welcome, which is just as well – you could set off in more or less any direction and find a walk to suit you: The South Downs Way is on your doorstep, and the ultra-long Monarch’s Way – which runs from Shoreham right up to the Midlands – passes close by, as do numerous other shorter footpaths and cycle routes. Birdwatchers will be happy, with kestrels, buzzards and red kites often hovering in the skies above, and you can explore the Arun River by boat from Amberley (where you can also hire bikes). Amberley itself is a lovely, historic Sussex village, and has a shop that can provide most of the supplies you might need, plus there are several pubs both in the village itself and around – all within walking distance.

As for further-afield attractions, you're close to the nearby RSPB reserves at Amberley Wildbrooks and Pulborough Brooks, the pleasant town of Arundel with its superb castle, and the Goodwood Estate and Tudor Parham House and Gardens. With so much accessible on foot, though, you may choose not to stray far – and we wouldn't blame you if you didn't!

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Details

Facilities

Upper barn has one bedroom with a king size bed. The living area has two Futon sofa beds that can turn into 2 Single beds. There is a smart TV with free view and a Bluetooth radio cd system. WiFi.

The dining area has two, large sliding doors that can open up to bring the outside in.

The kitchen is a one off industrial design and fully equipped with a propane gas hob and oven (Whistling kettle), fridge with freezer compartment.

A modern stylish walk in shower room (no bath) but great view!

Outside we have a large shaded BBQ area with table and benches

A secure bicycle barn

An original 1890’s Shepherds hut to sit and relax in

And a great fire pit to while away the evenings by.

Suitable For

Upper Barn is actually situated “on“ the South Downs Way and therefore Hikers, Mountain Bikers and Bird watchers are truly spoilt. We are pet friendly and a great base to take walks from.

Nearby

All Within a 10 min walk are the famous Amberley Working Museum that sits below Upper Barn in the old Chalk quarry. A great day out for the whole family .

Boat hire on the river Arun

Amberley Castle

And Beautiful Amberley village itself.

Food & Drink

In Amberley there is a village shop which stocks fresh local produce, a tea room and two pubs , The Black Horse and the Sportsman, both great food and beer.

Houghton has two pubs also , The Bridge Inn and the George and Dragon, again great pubs.

A tea room on the river also.

Open

Available all year.

Pricing

3 night minimum stay

3 nights £600

5 nights £900

7 nights 1200

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The Owner Says

We have spent 2 years converting the old cattle fold which kept livestock safe into a cosy self contained Eco holiday stay, that visitors have described as a "Secret hideaway" a "Retreat” and "Bolt Hole". We are "Off Grid “ with a solar panel array with battery storage for electricity, solar thermal panels for hot water and a Biomass boiler for heating. Low environmental impact has in converting and is in running very important to our ethos for the site.

Location

Contact Website 07773 962 212 Upper Barn, High Titten, Amberley, West Sussex BN18 9LY

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Getting There

Amberley Train station is only a 10 min walk and is on the Southern line with Direct access to London Victoria

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Reviews

Let us know what you think of your stay.

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Rated ★★★★★ over 11 reviews

★★★★★

A slice of paradise

We had a fantastic week at upper barn. The barn itself was cosy, very clean and well equipped with everything you could need. The garden however stole the show; it was a great size and fully secure, which was perfect for our two dogs. It was peaceful with an abundance of bird life and to top it off the views over the South Downs were amazing. There is plenty to do and visit nearby but we were always looking forward to getting back to the barn - It was the ideal place to relax and unwind. We look forward to visiting again soon.

Aug 31, 2023 by Nick Singleton

★★★★★

A fantastic week in a wonderful setting.

We had a truly wonderful week in Tim's gorgeous barn - the photos just don't do it justice! The barn was very clean and had everything we needed. The space is thoughtfully designed and finished to a high standard. The garden was a perfect safe space for our two children and dog. We loved it all.

Jun 26, 2023 by Laura

★★★★★

Amazing!

We had a truly lovely time. Upper Barn is a really beautiful and peaceful site and a very special place to stay. Tim has thought of everything one could need inside and outside and was on hand for any queries. There are beautiful walks from the door and it the train station 10 minutes walk away opens up more options. We will be back!

May 9, 2022 by Debra

★★★★★

Special place and fantastic location

We stayed at Upper Barn for 5 days. The Barn has been beautifully and thoughtfully renovated in a very eco-sensitive way. Much thought has gone into the design and set up and provisions to make your stay comfortable. The owners couldn't be more helpful. The walled garden was perfect for the kids and dog and the position on the South Downs close to the South Downs Way, Amberley village and pub and river Arun was fantastic. Thank you

Apr 5, 2022 by Natasha Ham

★★★★★

A truly beautiful, relaxing place to stay.

The barn is amazing, everything you need for a perfect few days, and the outdoor space is wonderful. A great fire pit, shepherd hut and interesting bird life. The villages of Amberley and Houghton are very close, easy walking distance, and both have welcoming, cosy pubs. Good walks on the doorstep, the barn is on the South Downs Way. This really is a great place to stay - just so peaceful and calm. Totally recommend a few days there.

Feb 27, 2022 by Sandy

★★★★★

Wonderful secluded property

A wonderfully secluded property which has high quality furnishings. It has an enclosed walled garden with beautiful views and fire pit. Private off street parking for two cars and secure area for bikes is an added bonus. Rail station and decent pub are nearby (walkable). The owner is very responsive with an attention to detail. Highly recommended.

Jan 2, 2022 by Simon

★★★★★

A special place to stay

We had a fantastic week at Upper Barn. It's such a special, secluded spot, perfectly located for walking on the South Downs and the local amenities (pubs! - three good ones within an easy walk). Tim has done a brilliant job with the barn and has thought of everything to make the most of its footprint and provides everything you'll need for a comfortable stay with lots of lovely touches. It's off-grid, but you lack for nothing. The outside area is great. It's all surrounded by a wall or fence, so our dog could have a good roam outside. We loved sitting round the firepit, roasting marshmallows under the stars (there was an owl hooting, too...). It's an easy drive to the beach and local farm shops, and Brighton too if you fancy it.

Oct 30, 2021 by James and Esther

★★★★★

Beautiful idyllic escape

Thank you so much to Tim for the most relaxing week in this beautiful barn. It was such a tonic to getaway from it all! The views are stunning and the barn and it's garden are wonderful. We were very lucky with the weather and enjoyed the firepit in the evening, toasting marshmallows. Tim supplied us with some fabulous goodies - English wine, delicious bantum eggs and plenty more treats. Much appreciated. Tim was a great host and excellent to communication with. We loved the walks and enjoyed a couple of delicious meals at the Black Horse pub - 15 minutes walk away. Amberley is a very pretty village with a shop, tearoom, train station, museum and pubs. We also visited Chichester Marina and Arundel Castle. Most of all we loved relaxing at the barn, enjoying the tranquility - just perfect!

Sep 29, 2021 by Simon Tofts

★★★★★

Wonderful and relaxing time at the Upper Barn

We had a wonderful time. Tim's attention to detail is what makes the barn exceptional. We have had everything we could wish for and were able to fully relax. The barn was squeaky clean, the bed and linen were very comfortable, cozy, and of high quality. The kitchen was very well equipped even with a large collection of spices (from the Mediterranean to Asia). The surrounding is beautiful, with a large enclosed garden (ideal for the dogs) and enough garden seating's to enjoy the morning- as well as the afternoon sun. You can watch the sunset from the garden. The South Down's hiking way is just passing by the barn, so no need to take the car. The picturesque Amberley village with the nice Black Horse Gastro Pub is just in walking distance another plus. Communication with Tim was quick and easy, we definitely would come back.

Sep 28, 2021 by Felix Kuestahler

★★★★★

Idyllic

We spent and excellent week at Upper Barn a totally relaxing place to stay - Very high specification with great interior design and a super secluded garden. Directly on the South Downs Way for great walking and close to the pretty village of Amberley. Owner is very helpful, would totally recommend to anyone.

Aug 24, 2021 by Dale Emmerson

★★★★★

Idyllic getaway

We had an amazing and very relaxing few days at Upper Barn. It's perfectly situated for heading off on long walks over the South Downs and exploring the area. We particularly loved the beautiful garden and evenings by the fire-pit toasting marshmallows while listening to the sheep bleating on the surrounding fields! The barn is well equipped, cosy and comfortable with real attention to detail that makes you feel welcome - like binoculars and local maps and welcome goodies like delicious local eggs! The perfect getaway.

Aug 12, 2021 by Caroline Osborne