The final edition to the Summer in UK series…..Yes, it is November but for some unknown reason it has taken me a while to get to pen to paper with the last part of our trip. Perhaps little to do with still pining for Summer and maybe a little of wanting to keeping this beautiful abode to myself. So much has happened since September and now, which makes the Summer adventures even more precious, but alas, keeping it all to myself would not be fair now would it? There is nothing like a second lockdown to make you reflect on past trips and adventures, although it can also seem too far to grasp. But the fabulous thing with this trip is that as it is on home soil, as soon as December 2nd comes and we can roam freely again, it is a lot more attainable, making all those escapism dreams perhaps come to life with a little more ease… welcome to The Shepherd’s Barn, West Sussex!

Tucked away in the West Sussex countryside, a twenty minute drive to the particularly stunning beaches of West Wittering, with waves and soft white sand to envy Tulum. Tucked away in the South Downs, surrounding beautiful views, is the very luxurious, beautiful quirky Little Barn. As we pushed the gate through to the barn, we were enveloped into the perfect, quiet, private, very green oasis. We had lots of plans on what to do in this area but as soon as we arrived we knew we happily wouldn’t be doing any of them and continued on in a very slow, very relaxed mode for two restful nights. The hideaway had everything you could possibly need, so why leave? So we barely did!

The owners restored and up cycled the 17th Century barn in 2016, which is next to their beautiful home, into a very stylish space. With bi-folding doors that look out to the Downs and woodland, and out to the wooden deck, perfect to watch the sun set or star gaze. We sat out there all night, roasty toasty with candles, blankets and wine…heaven. The barn has a beautifully styled, sweet and fully equipped kitchenette with lovely ceramics and features, a living area with original beams and flint walls and a gorgeous midnight blue velvet sofa, which if I could have taken home with me I would have. Additionally you can cosy up with the log burner which would be perfect if you are visiting in the colder months (post lockdown) after a long walk. I feel I may have to return just to experience this space in Winter. The wow factor being the most comfortable bed, sitting quite perfectly on the mezzanine, reached by the wooden staircase….an almost fairytale feel, especially with tea and toast in bed, and the elements, the wild life and fresh air flooding through the skylights…..perfection!

We spent our time, at the beach reading -me, surfing -Wes, walks in the surrounding area, but mostly relaxing in the barn. The owner Lucy, fully respected our privacy, but did leave us some fresh eggs and wine which were perfect at breakfast, the eggs that is not the wine.

It is very clear lots of thought and consideration has gone into this very stylish, yet warm and beautiful and little barn…..a perfect romantic bolthole, I can feel the fresh air just thinking about our stay…and in these times it is quite lovely and needed to think back on memories of a very different but very special `Summer.

Whatever the season, whatever the reason, I would happily tuck myself away in this very beautiful part of the country, in this very idyllic Little Barn again and again!

Thank you for reading x

We found the hideaway through Kip Hideaways but booked through Lucy, who very kindly gave us a discounted stay. Thank you so very much we had a lovely time and hope to come back very soon!