Guests say
Paythorne Farmhouse is a charming, rustic property with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Guests appreciate its character, spacious garden, and the proximity to local walks and pubs. The house's quirks and dated aspects are noted, but often add to its charm for those seeking a country experience.
The property's cleanliness receives mixed reviews. While some guests found it clean and comfortable, others noted the need for a deep clean, mentioning dead insects and an unclean oven. The presence of ants and woodlice was also highlighted, suggesting room for improvement in this area.
The location is highly praised for its unbeatable setting at the foot of the South Downs, offering magnificent views and easy access to local walks and pubs. The peaceful and quiet surroundings contribute to a relaxing stay, making the location one of the property's strongest points.
Guests find the farmhouse comfortable, with a cosy lounge, quality bedclothes, and a well-equipped kitchen. However, some guests mentioned that the beds were too soft for their preference, and the lack of handrails on steep stairs was a concern for safety and comfort.
The farmhouse is well-equipped for large groups, with multiple fridges and a well-stocked kitchen. However, guests noted some maintenance issues such as broken chairs, lamps not working, and issues with the shower controls. The presence of an Aga and fireplace are positives, but some facilities require TLC.
While guests enjoyed watching birds at the provided feeder and appreciated the peaceful garden, there are no specific mentions of gifts or extra thoughtful touches provided by the hosts. Therefore, it is not possible to score this category accurately.
About this property
Paythorne Farmhouse: Authentic Countryside Retreat.
This charming, period farmhouse sits in a peaceful, rural position in the village of Fulking, within the South Downs National Park, surrounded by our beautiful working family farm.
Boasting a period interior across three floors, Paythorne Farmhouse is a remarkable, spacious base to call home whilst exploring West Sussex and the coast.
Please note: Paythorne Farmhouse is a much-loved family home with a wealth of history. Because it is an authentic, older period property, it does show its age in places and is a little tired and quirky around the edges. We have priced the stay to reflect this rustic, unpolished character. If you appreciate historic charm, creaky floorboards, and a relaxed, lived-in atmosphere over modern perfection, you will feel right at home here.
The Living Spaces.
The farmhouse offers large, generous spaces for families and groups to gather. Spend your down time in the sitting room, featuring exposed beams, traditional furnishings, and a woodburning stove set in a large brick fireplace.
The spacious kitchen is perfect for cooking for a crowd, where a rustic AGA cooker awaits, alongside a handy utility room for laundry. Enjoy meals together in the adjacent, sizeable dining room whilst appreciating the far-reaching rural views.
Outside, you can venture to the seating area surrounded by nature or head down to the large lawn, ideal for games and a family picnic.
Accommodation Layout
First Floor:
Master Bedroom: A lovely double bedroom with an en-suite shower and toilet.
Bedroom 2: A comfortable double bedroom with its own private toilet and washbasin.
Bedroom 3: A double bedroom with space for a travel cot.
Family Bathroom: Equipped with a bath, shower, and toilet.
Second Floor (Attic Level):
Accessed via two separate staircases, these characterful attic rooms have an open, quirky feel and do not have doors:
Bedroom 4: An attic room with a double bed.
Bedroom 5: An attic room with three single beds.
Exploring the Area
Your exploration can begin along the South Downs Way, which is the central thread spanning through the patchwork of culture and nature that is the South Downs National Park.
On your return, stop off for a pint and meal at one of the nearby eateries; choose from The Shepherd & Dog and The Royal Oak, both located within two miles.
Head into Small Dole for a further selection of eateries and the scenic Woods Mill Nature Reserve, or take yourself further afield to Henfield for an afternoon of shopping, with a host of tea rooms to while away the hours in.
Within close reach is the bustling city of Brighton, offering a traditional coastal pier, museums, art galleries, shops, and an aquarium for a welcome change of pace.
Paythorne Farmhouse provides a superb, wonderfully authentic retreat for uncovering this beautiful southern part of England.
Upper Beeding, a West Sussex village and civil parish, is close to the popular seaside resort of Brighton and the picture-perfect South Downs National Park. The village is an ideal base for a Devonshire break, with two shops, a pub, and charming architecture. Upper Beeding, surrounded by countryside and with the Adur River running alongside, is ideal for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Just outside the village are the hilltop ruins of the Norman castle, Bramber Castle, where you can stop on your way to Steyning Museum to learn about local history. Heading in the opposite direction, follow the river down to the port town of Shoreham-by-Sea, where there are a few pubs and eateries. While driving down the coast, make a stop at Hove, Worthing, or Brighton to continue your journey along the coast. Upper Beeding is surrounded by both the coast and the countryside.
Accommodation
Over three floors.
3 bedrooms on the first floor: 1 x king-size with en-suite walk-in shower, basin and WC, 1 x double with en-suite basin and WC, 1 x double.
2 bedrooms on the second floor: 2 attic rooms that do not have a door: 1 x double, 3 single beds.
Bathroom with bath, walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Downstairs cloakroom with basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Utility.
Dining room.
Sitting room with woodburning stove.
Conservatory.
Gas central heating.
AGA cooker, gas hob, microwave, fridge, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer.
Smart TV, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking.
Lawned unfenced garden with a small pond, children and dogs should be supervised at all times.
Please note No Pets.
Please note this property only accepts Mon/Fri changeovers.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 2.7 miles, pub 0.5 miles Sussex.
This property only allows bookings for a minimum of 3 night stay.
This property accepts no stag / hen parties or similar.
This property is on a working farm in the rural countryside.
Please note: This property only allows arrivals on Monday-Friday and Friday-Monday.
Please Note: AGA will be off from June - Oct.
Reviews (21)
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Loveday
It was the perfect place for us. Our party consisted of 2 families, with all 3 children over 13 and in need of their own space and there is a lot of space. It has a great vibe, we thought from the pictures that it looked like our kind of place and we were absolutely right. Itâs also right in the middle of very pretty countryside, directly opposite the end of the drive is a footpath up to the South Downs Way. There are some great looking walks suggested in the info folder, or you can do what we did and just set out. The indoors is beautifully cosy and warm, no draughts in this farmhouse. Thereâs a big telly with loads of streaming channels⦠we had no problem finding the film we all wanted to watch. The grounds are also extensive, fantastic views, meaning that we need to plan another visit to enjoy them in the warmer weather. Top tip: star gazing highly recommended. Thereâs barely any light pollution at all. Thank you Pauline, we will be back.
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Ian
There was plenty of space to accommodate us all and all very well equipped. Stunning views all round, we all enjoyed watching the birds feeding, lots of visits from the woodpeckers, a first time seen by most of our family. Footpaths and pubs within walking distance, whatâs not too like ! We would love to return again if we can.
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Kirsty
It was the perfect venue for a special family get together. The house is wonderful and is full of quirky and interesting furniture. My 8 year old loved exploring and finding all the different toys. The beds are really comfortable and the house was very clean (the two most important things for me!) The location couldnât be better and the views are incredible. We were very lucky with the weather so we got to enjoy the lovely garden and patio area. The hosts are also lovely and they went out of their way to reunite us with an item that was left behind. I would 100% recommend Paythorne Farmhouse and we are looking to book again next year.