Wrenmere

In the quiet, countryside village of Stedham, this 17th century home has been beautifully preserved and thoughtfully updated. Today, it’s an idyllic retreat for families and friends

Sleeping six, this luxurious cottage in Stedham is just right for families and groups of couples. Although the property is Grade II-listed and rich in period features, it’s been sympathetically renovated to an extremely high standard – meaning it’s infused with character but elevated by contemporary comforts.

From here, there’s ample opportunity to explore. Midhurst is just a stone’s throw away, while you can be at Cowdray Park – for polo, golf, or a leisurely stroll around its farm shop – in under ten minutes. A little further afield (around 25 minutes away), the Goodwood Estate hosts restaurants, house tours, and sporting experiences, as well as its popular annual events.

And of course, at every day’s end, there’s a welcoming base to come back to. Wrenmere has three double bedrooms; two with en-suite shower rooms, and a third with the use of a family bathroom. Its living spaces have been creatively styled to channel an abundance of natural light – with a double-height vaulted hall, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a dual-aspect sitting and dining room.

Outside, you can walk among landscaped gardens with mature trees, lawns, and a wildflower meadow – a tempting spot to escape to. Or, follow the steps back to the brick-paved terrace, where you can sit in the sun by day and gather around the fire pit at night. For laid-back al fresco dinners, throw open the wide kitchen doors and bring dishes out to the garden dining table.

Set in Stedham, Wrenmere is a fantastic holiday rental for the South Downs National Park and perfect if you’re seeking a midweek or weekend retreat near Goodwood. Whether you’re staying as a family or a trio of couples, you’ll find it’s just as easy to plan activities nearby (think polo, racing, walking and sailing), as it is to sit back, relax, and make an art of doing nothing at all.