Studio Fold
Nutbourne, Pulborough, West Sussex, UK
Meticulous design and eco-friendly credentials have seen this former water pumping station transform into an award-winning luxury retreat. Once derelict and forgotten, Studio Fold is now an unpretentious family home featuring two connecting 46ft-wide rooms and five bold bedrooms for large groups to enjoy. Ideal for walkers, this luxury self-catering eco-home is only a stone's throw from the chalky hills and rolling countryside of the South Downs National Park.
Introduction
Set in the sought-after West Sussex hamlet of Nutbourne, Studio Fold was originally built in the 1930s by Great War veterans. Tucked down a private country lane and ensconced in greenery, its salience is apparent from the moment of arrival. Following a thoughtful renovation from an obsolete pumping station, which featured on Caroline Quentin’s Restoration Home, Studio Fold is now a vast one-level family home. Flooded with natural light in its contemporary open-plan design, luxury self-catering escapes in the South Downs just got better.
Inside
The high-ceilinged living area at Studio Fold presents the perfect place to read fireside, admire the owners’ carefully curated art collection, or simply just enjoy being. The blank canvas of the basement den provides a contrast to the rest of the home, with enough space for a plethora of activities from yoga sessions to disco dancing under the ceiling mirror ball! Whatever the day's activities bring, the whole party can savour evenings spent unfurling beside the fire with a pile of coffee table books and selection of local wines.
Outside
Studio Fold’s large lawned area is perfect for children to play upon from dusk ‘til dawn, whilst older family members can gather on the terrace for barbecue suppers and evening sundowners. If you can bear to leave, there is much to discover whilst staying at Studio Fold, especially in the rolling hills of the South Downs stuffed with ancient woodland, chocolate box villages and thriving vineyards. Jaunt to the nearby market town of Petworth, best known for Petworth House and Capability Brown gardens, which offers an abundance of shops and eateries.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 10 guests
From £2,595 per week, £1,950 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 6 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are three double bedrooms, one with an en suite shower room, two twin bedrooms, one family shower room and one family bathroom.
View bedrooms - FeaturesPool table and cinema room
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per stay - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. One cot and one highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is ample parking for up to eight cars on the private gated driveway. The glossy, open-plan kitchen is well-equipped with three ovens, a dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer, washing machine and Nespresso coffee machine.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper, bottle of red wine, TV with Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney +, DVD player, iPad, WiFi internet, gas barbecue, linen, towels, candles, logs and kindling to get you started...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Pulborough
Bordering the edge of the South Downs National Park, Pulbourgh´s wisteria-covered buildings make a picturesque spot for a village holiday in a country setting, with a spot of river activity thrown in for marine enthusiasts.
Getting there
- On the Map Located in Nutbourne, near Pulborough in West Sussex.
- By Car Approximately two hours from London.
- By Train The nearest train station is Pulborough with direct trains to London Victoria with a journey time of just over an hour.
- By Air Gatwick Airport is just under an hour's drive away.
From the owner
“We love the reaction when people enter the house, with most people whispering ´wow´! Entering through the front lobby, the first of the main rooms was originally the machine hall and is around 1000 sq ft with 15 foot high ceilings. The house is beautifully simple yet sophisticated - we love it!”
The best way to introduce you to the property is for you to watch the 'Restoration Home' series with Caroline Quentin. The building is best described as a 'Nil Bill' house in that the energy systems, now in common use, were leading edge at the time we did the build.
The house is set up to allow a very broad range of visitors to enjoy very different experiences. The key to it all is an abundance of space which is the main reason we have resisted breaking down the main rooms with partitions and walls.
Whilst (we hope!) the building is interesting, we feel that the context is even better, with so many things to do within easy reach: from the amazing beaches to the South Downs National Park, and from the plethora of festivals to the abundance of history. Not to mention the great food and drink!
Stephen and Maria
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Pulborough with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
The White Horse, Pulborough
The White Horse is an excellent local pub within walking distance. It has a very cosy atmosphere and serves really super food and a specialist menu for burgers. If you pre-book and have a large group, ask for the rear table by the fireplace.
To See
South Downs Way
Experience some of our finest countryside between Winchester and the white chalk cliffs at Eastbourne. If you´re looking for wildlife, visible prehistory, fine pubs and pretty villages, the 100 miles of the South Downs Way awaits.
To Do
Cowdray Park Polo Club
In the centre of the 16,500-acre Cowdray Estate in Midhurst, Cowdray Park Polo Club is home to the world-famous Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship, launched in 1956. They also host up to 400 matches a year.
To Do
West Wittering Beach
An amazing soft sand beach with excellent walks; dogs are welcome in the northern part of the beach. We love it best of all on cold winter days with wellies and dogs scampering about, before returning to relax fireside in Studio Fold!
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
Many thanks, I have to say it’s a great property and we had a fantastic time. The new basement cinema and bar were a nice bonus that wasn’t in the photos. The kids loved it!
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
Natural beauty
25 Beautiful Homes
December 202425 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024At one with nature
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024Healing waters
Condé Nast Traveller
September 202425 of the UK´s best lakeside stays
The Times
September 2024
Luxury accommodation near Glyndebourne > UK > West Sussex > Pulborough > Studio Fold
Related Collections
Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
