Beautiful barn conversion on a 140-acre family farm, an hour from London and near South Downs National Park (sleeps 2 + 2 kids)
Space & setting.
Run, don’t walk, to Red Oak Barn this spring, when bluebells roll out the cobalt carpet, the scent of wild garlic fills the air and birdsong punctuates the countryside quiet. Set on a farm owned by siblings, next to an avenue of 100 oak trees planted by their father Mick, this beautiful barn conversion was built by family, for families. They are the 4th generation to own and care for the 140 acres of fields and woodland here, and have turned an old agricultural building into a gorgeous cottage that exists in harmony with its wonderfully wild surroundings. Storage in the kitchen and living room is handmade from reclaimed grain boards; a nearby fallen cedar tree was turned into the bathroom vanity unit.
Just 15 mins’ drive away you can cycle, walk or horse-ride along the Downs Link disused railway and through South Downs National Park’s rolling green hills — or just chill out here, reading on the south-facing terrace. Little ones can charge around the garden while you BBQ easy suppers, before they flop into the bunk beds, built so that kids can enjoy the farm as much as the owners did growing up. The main bedroom, meanwhile, is the icing on the cake, with By Lydia’s signature scallop-edged headboard, a thick Berber rug by Haz Interiors and antique furniture by Fern & Green. Its design is as fresh as you’ll feel after a couple of days here.
Getting there: drive, or train to Horsham then taxi (10 mins)
Sign up for FREE to view the pros & cons of each place and member reviews.
Plus gifts on arrival when you book with Kip.
Sustainability.
The kitchen and living room storage were handmade from reclaimed grain boards, and the bathroom vanity unit crafted from an old cedar tree that fell down a few miles away. Living room rug was made from recycled plastic bottles. Many furnishings sourced from vintage shops, flea markets or charity shops.
Surrounds.
-
Leith Hill Copyright National Trust -
Strawberry Picking -
Arun Canal Cream Tea Cruise -
Wakehurst Place Copyright Kew
- Kids will love picking their own strawberries and raspberries at nearby New House Farm.
- South Downs National Park is 20 mins away; acres of chalk downs which roll right down to the sea, and offer glorious walking and biking.
- Knepp Estate is a rewilding success story – spot purple emperor butterflies, nightingales, turtle doves or even nesting white storks between April and August (15 mins’ drive).
- Climb to the top of Leith Hill, the highest point in South East England. Sunset here is pretty special, but on a clear day you can see the English channel to the south and The Shard to the north (10 mins’ drive).
- There are some outstanding gastro pubs nearby. The owners recommend The Greets Inn (real ales and rustic food); The Sussex Oak (sophisticated cocktails and an inglenook fireplace) and the Chequers Inn (outstanding British food).
- Take to the river Arun with a paddleboard (try Pulborough Paddles) or book a cream tea cruise with The Wey & Arun Canal Trust, which looks after the waterways here (15 mins’ drive).
- The botanical gardens at Wakehurst Place are particularly fabulous in autumn and spring, but half term trails and buggy-safe paths make it a year-round family favourite (30 mins’ drive).
Specifics.
- Converted barn on a family farm, with 140 acres of fields and private woodland
- 2 bedrooms: master bedroom with super-kingsize bed on the ground floor; bunk room with full-size singles
- Family bathroom with walk-in shower, bathtub and double sinks; natural botanical toiletries provided
- Fully-equipped kitchen including oven, hob, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer; basic supplies provided
- Private chef available to book in advance
- Lounge area with Smart TV, board games, books and puzzles
- Large south-facing terrace with BBQ and seating
- Travel cot, highchair, changing mat, kids’ cutlery/crockery and toys available on request (BYO cot linen)
- Parking for 2 cars
- The owners live nearby, available by phone if you need anything
- Bike hire available locally
- Drive 10 mins to farm shops, bakery and fantastic local pubs
- Dog-friendly! Up to 2 dogs allowed (not on the furniture please)
- Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay
- Remember to pack: wellies/ walking boots, dog bed and bowls, bikes if you can
Book your stay.
Surprise gift on arrival when you book with Kip!
30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations
8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay.
FAQs.
Check in: 10am
Check out: 3pm
The bespoke kitchen has been painstakingly built using reclaimed grain store boards that were salvaged from old dismantled barns. Hidden inside the cupboards you will find a large fridge freezer, dishwasher and washer-dryer, as well as an oven and powerful induction hob, and all the pots, pans, plates and kitchen equipment you might need.
Inside the living room cupboards you’ll find a TV, high speed internet connection and a large selection of books, games and toys. Large glass sliding doors lead straight out on to a generous patio with bbq and uninterrupted views of the fields and woodlands beyond.
The south facing patio is a sun trap all year round and the perfect spot to enjoy a sundowner or two, and the terraced garden is a cornucopia of plants, shrubs and flowers with a winding path that leads down to a small pond.
Still have a question?
Send us a messageWhy book with Kip?
-
Save time
No more trawling the web – we’ve researched the very best boutique stays so you don’t have to – they’re all great value, and handpicked by travel industry experts.
-
Reap the rewards
You’ll get a secret Kip gift at most places you book, plus Insider and Inner Circle members get early access to new hideaways and in-demand dates, access to exclusive special offers, and Kip Member Perks from our favourite food, drink & lifestyle brands.
-
Book direct
(for less)No booking fees or hidden costs — just the best rates direct from our owners, with no mark ups. Kip members can book all of our hideaways instantly and hassle-free.
