Nest Stay

For those seeking solace from the hullabaloo of city life, few places can rival the serene tranquility of this West Sussex hideaway. Just over an hour by train from London, Nest Stay is a truly delightful destination for a weekend getaway in the countryside.

With an ornamental pond and thoughtful planting in the garden leading the eye to views of the South Downs, it’s got all the hallmarks of a grand country estate. Add to this the well-chosen antique furniture, open fire and a free-standing bath, and you may think you’re heading to somewhere rather stately. But note the name: Nest Stay. These cosy abodes may have country house characteristics and style in spades but it’s all achieved in a space that’s perfectly proportioned for couples or families – comfortable, well-cushioned and homely. You might say this is one well-feathered Nest.

Situated a couple of miles outside Pulborough on hostess Deborah’s New Place Farm, Nest Stay comprises a cottage for couples and a larger lodge sleeping up to six guests. Deborah’s expert eye for interiors and thoughtful extra touches is evident throughout. She’s worked for years in interior design and runs a cafe-cum-homeware shop in Ripley in neighbouring Surrey. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that the fresh coffee in your welcome pack is as top-notch as everything else. It also makes booking a luxury breakfast box or afternoon tea an appealing option.

The cottage is a private annexe attached to owner Deborah’s family home, and yet it somehow feels blissfully private. Bright and airy, the living room, dining room and corner kitchen of this charming cottage are combined in one open-plan space, which balances traditional country charm with contemporary style. A grandfather clock stands next to a cluster of eclectic paintings and prints, while the fireplace stands between the modern kitchenette and the TV. All of it is beautifully and thoughtfully lit. The same goes for the bedroom which offers views right out to the Downs from the king-size bed – needless to say the sunset views are spectacular.

The newest addition to Nest Stay is Nest Lodge – a three-bedroom luxury guesthouse that’s ideal for families. Boasting glorious views of the South Downs, it’s semi-detached and sits within its own floodlit Mediterranean garden. Fragrant lavender, wildflower meadows and olive trees form a glorious backdrop to the generous open-plan living room and kitchen, where there's ample space for formal and informal dining around an oak-topped eating island, which can spill outside during the warmer seasons. On the ground floor, there's a pair of comfortable double bedrooms for two; one double and one twin. These are served by a generous family shower room adorned with fluffy towels and luxury Italian soaps. The principal bedroom (with en-suite) spans the entire first floor, with French doors opening to a romantic balcony. All are dressed with quality Egyptian cotton white linen. In the garden, a firepit makes those evenings spent stargazing even more magic.

With such surroundings, no one would blame you if you stayed put in the cottage and its private garden for the duration of your stay. But equally appealing is the lure of what’s beyond the garden hedges: lots of walks in the Sussex countryside, not least in the nearby South Downs National Park. One of them, about a half-hour route, takes you to the nearby Nutbourne Vineyard, and another to RSPB Pulborough Brooks. Get in the car and there’s more: Bignor Roman Villa, Amberley Museum, Petworth and Parham House.