Mill of Arun
Billingshurst, West Sussex, UK
Trade the buzz and bright lights of the city for a rushing river and starry sky at the enchanted Mill of Arun. Just over an hour from London, a tranquil clearing on the Arun River sets the scene for a grand self-catering getaway here in rural West Sussex. Throw in a four-story family millhouse, a romantic couples' barn, fine English topiary gardens and shady picnic spots beneath Babylon willows - and the whole family are guaranteed a ball. You pack the wellingtons, we'll put the bubbles on ice.
Introduction
They say an English country pile is the ultimate prize, and this enchanted home on the edge of sought-after Billingshurst makes it easy to see why. Encircled by mature gardens and built right over the river itself, Mill of Arun welcomes the whole family to come together for luxury self-catering escapes within a secluded fold of rural West Sussex. Outside the realms of the pretty gardens, the South Downs are within easy reach. With its twee villages, twinkling coastline and rolling chalk hills, this vast and varied National Park is a city dweller's dream. After days filled with bracing country walks and pub lunches by roaring fires, the millhouse and barn make a welcome resting place for tired souls.
Inside
Rustic on first impressions, the brick and wood-clad exterior of this former mill and grain store stay true to their industrial-agricultural roots. Inside however, it's a different story altogether. Set off the potted courtyard, the honey-beamed barn is double height and flooded with light - perfect for lovebirds or grandparents. In the main house, floral upholstered headboards and puddled curtains echo scenes from the garden, paired with chandeliers and restored timbers to complete the classical country theme. Unfurling over the old mill pit, the lofty living space is more than large enough for the party to come together to share drawn-out suppers and intricate jigsaw puzzles - mulled wine bubbling away on the stove behind.
Outside
Dominated by nature, the river sets the pace in the garden. In summer, water trickles by and afternoons are well spent tucking into cucumber sandwiches in the topiary gazebo before practising your croquet technique on the lawn. When the river levels rise, throw on waterproofs and take to the canoes, or wrap in wool blankets and observe as snowflakes melt into the millpond from the sheltered courtyard. When it comes to the itinerary, there's Petworth House and Park, Goodwood Racecourse and Cowdray Polo Club (boasting some 450 matches a year) all close-by. For those staying during festival season, the holiday wouldn't be complete without an outdoor music performance. If you can get tickets, glamorous Glyndebourne is a must.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 8 guests
From £3,295 per week, £2,495 per short break - Bedrooms and bathroomsThe main house has two staircases, one leading to the master and the other to two further bedrooms as well as a family bathroom and nursery area in the hall. The Family bathroom has a bath and handheld shower, please note there is not a stand-up shower in the main house. The first and second bedrooms have king-size beds while the third is a twin with en suite bathroom, also with a bath and handheld shower. One lucky child can play Rapunzel on the third floor, where a single bed sits below the A-frame ceiling at the top of the house (although charming, please note that the access is steep, there is no ladder handrail and beams are low). For extra convenience, there are two additional WCs located on the first and ground floor. In the sleeps-two barn, a king-size bed sits on a mezzanine floor overhanging the double-height living space, with a shower room on the ground floor.
View bedrooms - FeaturesHot tub, two kayaks for the river, table football in the games room, fishing is available year round outside of April and May
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyChildren and babies can sleep within the millhouse; a cot and highchair are provided.
- PracticalitiesThe country kitchen in the main house features a French Bocuse Range cooker, microwave, Nespresso machine, toaster, kettle, integrated fridge and freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer. The smaller open-plan kitchen in the barn is fitted with integrated appliances including an electric cooker with induction hob, a microwave, Nespresso machine, toaster, kettle and fridge-freezer. Due to the age of both buildings, please be aware there are areas of the property with lower ceilings. The grounds offer private off-road parking for up to five cars and the mill is located partly over the river, where young children should be supervised at all times. Please note, there is a public footpath between the two properties. There are neighbouring properties that are sometimes frequented by their owners, but Mill of Arun does not feel overlooked. Due to the historic nature of the property, guests should be aware that ceilings and doorways are low in some places. Please note there is not a stand-up shower in the main house (Mulberry Mill). If arriving by air, helicopters are welcome to land nearby.
- Homestay includesWelcome hampers of fresh local produce, Garlando Pro table football, Jaques croquet set, board games, luxury toiletries, linen and towels from Soak and Sleep...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.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Billingshurst
Equidistant between Guildford and Brighton, this charming old village lies in the beating heart of rural West Sussex within close reach of the Surrey Hills and South Downs National Park.
Getting there
- On the Map This large West Sussex family retreat sits near the village of Billingshurst, encircled by the Surrey Hills and South Downs National Park.
- By Car The mill and barn are under two hours drive from central London, and about an hour from the south coastal towns of Worthing and Brighton.
- By Train The journey time to nearby Billingshurst from London Victoria is just over an hour, with trains running approximately every 30 minutes, followed by a ten-minute taxi to the house.
- By Air Gatwick Airport is approximately 30 minutes away by car, while Heathrow Airport is around an hour away, both with taxis and car hire are easily available. Helicopters are welcome to land nearby.
From the owner
“This has been our family home for 25 years, where our children grew up and learned the love of the countryside.”
Whilst only an hour and twenty minutes from London, the house is set in the middle of the most beautiful countryside in a truly remote location. The river attracts a vast array of wildlife from kingfishers to swallows and much more.
It is a truly idyllic setting, as much as a home as for holidays, whether wanting to explore or just to sit and enjoy the secluded countryside that surrounds the house.
The mill was built in the late 13th Century on the edge of water meadows and is full of charm; it had been in our family for three generations before we converted it along with the barn which was probably built at a similar time. It was a wrench to leave the mill, but we have only moved a stone's throw away, now living on our family dairy farm in this wonderful part of the country.
The established garden is a delight to behold and the building itself is not just a beautiful house, but totally unique in its amazing character and timber construction. Evenings on the old stone terrace overlooking the millpond are impossible to beat.
The Adorian Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Billingshurst with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
The Bat and Ball, Wisborough Green
This independently run country pub and restaurant is a charming family business where care and attention runs through every part. They have truly cultivated the meaning of ‘locally sourced’, harvesting produce straight from their cottage garden to the chef’s hands before it reaches its final destination on the plate.
To See
The South Downs National Park
England´s newest National Park, the stunning South Downs boasts 3300km of trails within its unique landscape of water meadows, ancient woodland and tranquil countryside. Ramble, cycle or horse-ride along the 101-mile South Downs Way and savor scenery described by Bill Bryson as some of the country´s finest.
To Do
Goodwood, Chichester
An English estate like none before it, Goodwood hosts an iconic calendar of events that shape the diaries of the country´s high society. Goodwood Revival and the Festival of Speed are two of the estates most famous; dazzling displays of cars, stars and motor sport royalty exuding all the glamour of motor racing as it should be.
To Do
Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham
´This is a delicious house...´ once remarked Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, on her honeymoon at Polesden Lacey. Marvel at the glittering Gold Saloon designed to impress kings and maharajahs, explore the rose and winter gardens or admire Mrs Greville´s extensive collection of art, ceramics and sparkling Fabergé objects.
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.
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Snow white
Country Homes & Interiors
December 2024The UK´s cosiest boltholes for Christmas
The Times
December 2024Natural 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 2024
Luxury accommodation near Royal Ascot > UK > West Sussex > Billingshurst > Mill of Arun
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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.
