Mulberry Mill
Billingshurst, West Sussex, UK
There’s something quite special about this romantic old mill on the River Arun. Sandwiched between the High Weald and South Downs AONB, this luxury self-catering home on the edge of Billingshurst is the picture of rural idyll. Plot Dickensian Christmases, summer tea parties on the lawn and magical Easter holidays hunting for eggs between the topiary pyramids. After all, an English country house escape is one of life’s loveliest pleasures.
Introduction
Like a scene from a delicate watercolour painting, this luxury West Sussex home near Billingshurst is encircled by ancient trees and positioned right upon the gurgling river Arun - intoxicating in its splendour from the moment you push open the gates. Established gardens wrap around the charming old watermill like green velvet ribbons; its weathered red brick and wood-clad exterior hinting at the warm, rustic-luxe interiors to come. Here is a place where summers are best spent sunbathing riverside with a hardback, or cooling off in the canoes provided. Winters, on the other hand, are for rosy-cheeked woodland walks and giant jigsaw puzzles spread out over the coffee table.
Inside
Floral buttoned headboards and heavy puddled curtains bring notes of the garden inside, where chinking chandeliers and beautifully gnarled beams complete the traditional country theme. The house runs over four floors; there is a smart boot room, playroom and atmospheric dining room on the entrance floor, while the main living space unfurls over the old mill pit and provides a separate large kitchen-living area on the first. Three cosy bedrooms are accessed via two staircases on the second floor, followed by a sweet single room nestled under the A-frame roof which invites children to play out fantasies of captive princesses in their imaginary tower.
Outside
The landscaped gardens and orchard flaunt oodles of English country house charm. A stone bridge crosses over the Arun River which wends through the garden, while secret walkways bordered by towering topiary pyramids and a charming old grain barn give a sense of Alice in Wonderland enchantment. Let children while away afternoons playing Pooh Sticks, keeping eyes peeled for a fleeting sight of The White Rabbit, while the older generations indulge in Mad Hatter-style tea parties beneath the tangled vines of the gazebo. As dusk cloaks the day, settle down on the old stone terrace and watch the shimmering millpond reflect the stars as they begin to pinprick the sky like powder spilt over a black marble floor.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 6 guests
From £1,950 per week, £1,450 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 4 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are two staircases leading to the second floor, the main central staircase leads to bedroom one and two and a further leads directly into bedroom three from the living room. The first bedroom is a twin with ensuite bathroom and bedrooms two and three flaunt king-size beds and share the characterful nursery space and family bathroom with hand held shower. One lucky child can play Rapunzel on the third floor, where a single bed neatly sits below the A-frame ceiling at the top of the house (although very sweet, please note that the access is steep, there is no ladder handrail and beams are low). The single bedroom is available on prior request and at an additional cost. For extra convenience, there are two additional WCs located on the first and ground floor.
View bedrooms - FeaturesCanoes for the river, football table, fishing is available year round outside of April and May
- PetsTwo pets are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome; a cot and highchair are provided.
- PracticalitiesThe country kitchen features a French Bocuse range cooker, microwave, food processor, Nespresso machine, toaster, kettle and integrated Fridge and freezer. The mill is located partly over the river, where young children should be supervised at all times. There is private off-road parking for at least three cars and a public footpath that runs between this property and the next. There are neighbouring properties that are sometimes frequented by their owners, but Mulberry Mill 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 at the property. If arriving by air, helicopters are welcome to land nearby.
- Homestay includesWelcome hamper of fresh local produce, Jaques croquet set, board games, luxury toiletries, linen and towels...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
Once a winter foraging site, Billingshurst is brimming with history. Flint tools found in the area are believed to date back to Saxon times and the village comes with an intriguing list of traditions. Today though, this charming West Sussex settlement enjoys a more tranquil scene.
Getting there
- On the Map This luxury West Sussex holiday home sits near the village of Billingshurst, encircled by the Surrey Hills and South Downs.
- By Car Under two hours drive from central London, and about an hour from south coastal towns including 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 by car, while Heathrow Airport is around an hour away, both with taxis and car hire easily available. Helicopters are welcome to land nearby.
From the owner
“The garden is magical. Evenings on the old stone terrace overlooking the millpond are impossible to beat.”
This has been our family home for 25 years, where our children grew up and learned the love of the countryside. It is an idyllic setting, ideal for holidays from which to explore or just to sit and enjoy the secluded countryside.
Whilst only an hour and 20 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.
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.
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. It was a wrench to leave the mill, but we have only moved a stone's throw away staying on our family dairy farm in this wonderful part of the country.
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 part of it. 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 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 See
The South Downs National Park
England´s newest national park, the stunning landscape of the 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 England´s finest´.
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.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
Absolutely stunning location. We loved the fact that we didn’t have to get in a car every time we wanted to go for a walk. The owner was a brilliant host and let us walk through the fields and visit the baby cows at feeding time, which was was a highlight for my girls! Table football was a big hit too. We adored kayaking and sitting on the different terraces having afternoon tea in the autumnal sun!
Well, what a wonderful holiday we had at Mulberry Mill - the house is perfect! Every corner is impeccable and cosy, the location is spectacular, and the owners so very kind and friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hopefully will be able to come back to Mulberry Mill in the near future!
I’d like to thank the property owner - she is so sweet and did everything above and beyond to make our stay as comfortable as possible. Truly a superb property in an amazing setting. Thank you!
The homeowner is wonderfully supportive. There´s something about the effort she made to greet us on arrival and show us around that helped us to settle in straight away. She was also really quick to respond to questions beforehand. The property is absolutely exceptional in both the grounds and facilities; we did so much without leaving the grounds and Mulberry Mill is perfectly located for day trips. We loved the kitchen and every need was thought of - including a Nespresso machine. A very memorable stay and we certainly hope to be back.
Everything at Mulberry Mill is fabulous and the owner is very helpful. The house is so clean and the gardens are beautifully maintained. The beds were very comfortable and the white, fluffy towels are so luxurious. The foosball table was definitely the winner for my lot! We had a really great week and would definitely recommend Mulberry Mill!
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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25 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 2024Highland fling
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024
Luxury Self-Catering Cottages > UK > West Sussex > Billingshurst > Mulberry Mill
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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.
