The Coach House at Norton Priory

• Sleeps: 19
• Bedrooms: 7
• Bathrooms: 7
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Dreamily positioned amongst peaceful West Sussex countryside, The Coach House at Norton Priory is part of an intriguing rectory building that dates all the way back to 1539.

The entire ‘West Wing’ has now been beautifully transformed into a grand seven-bedroom retreat with magnificent gardens, and a private path that leads to the idyllic, deserted beach at Church Norton.

Filled with natural light and modern elements, this is the ideal setting for a family reunion, or even just a long-awaited catch-up with your favourite people. And with well-behaved pets also welcome by arrangement, nobody has to stay behind at home.

There’s certainly plenty of scope for fun, with a bunk room sleeping seven guests (perfect for giggly ‘sleepovers’) and a lively bar area in the family room that comes complete with a glitter ball!

Don’t worry if you’re not into sleepovers, though, as there are six more bedrooms to choose from, each one individually styled for unique comfort. Two superking rooms; the Eau de Nil, with a romantic freestanding bath, and the Sea Blue, with an en-suite shower room, are on the ground floor.

The first-floor rooms are all superking, of which some can be configured as a twin for the ultimate in convenience, and all feature private en-suite facilities. If you crave sunrise coastal views over coffee, though, choose the Vintage Rose Room, with its double French doors that lead to a gorgeous balcony.

Once you’ve claimed your favourite sleeping space, you’re free to while away your precious holiday time challenging your loved ones in the games room, kicking back with some TV, or cooking up a storm in the huge open-plan kitchen (if you don’t like cooking, just pour a glass of wine and chat at the sociable kitchen island, instead!)

At a glance

• The converted ‘West Wing’ of a historic rectory building on the West Sussex coastal peninsula, with private access to the isolated stretch of beach at Church Norton.
• The seven-bedroom property sleeps up to 19 guests, with well-behaved pets also welcome by arrangement.
• Most bedrooms – two on the ground floor and the remaining five on the first floor – have superking beds, some of which can be made into twins if needed. One ‘bunk’ room has seven beds – ideal for giggly sleepovers!
• All bedrooms have private en-suite bath or shower facilities.
• Relax in the huge open-plan living and games room, which features table tennis and a bar area with a glitterball!
• Dine indoors, or out on the terrace, with its al fresco dining area and barbecue.
• Chichester is just six miles away, with ample scope to explore the wider West Sussex area, including the South Downs National Park.

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Large Groups
• Seaside Breaks

More information

Break bread together at the dining table, or wander outside to the sumptuous terrace, furnished with a large outdoor table and chairs, and a barbecue for sizzling sunset suppers.

What to do with the rest of your days? Take advantage of that gloriously isolated stretch of beach, positioned between Pagham Harbour to the north-east, and Selsey to the south-west. Part of the Pagham Harbour RSPB Nature Reserve, there’s plenty of wildlife to see, so don’t forget your camera.

Meanwhile, bustling Chichester is just six miles away, and there are some wonderful eateries close by if you don’t feel like cooking. You’re also perfectly placed to explore the spectacular South Downs National Park and the Goodwood Estate.

Of course, if you’d rather stay put at The Coach House, nobody would judge you! Pour another glass of wine, get lost in a good book, and savour that blissfully soothing atmosphere for just a moment longer.

Things to note

Please note that the garden is partly unfenced, and features a pond along the route to the beach. Dogs and small children must be supervised at all times.