Bedroom details
5 Bedrooms (Sleeps 10 + 2 cots)
Bedroom 2
1 x zip and link
Just wow! This beautiful homestay, nestled on the edge of a stunning salt marsh, is a gorgeous, unique getaway for ten lucky people, the perfect escape for celebrations and get-togethers, whether for a long weekend or longer.
With parts dating back to the 1530's, this is a retreat that has played an active role in the area for hundreds of years, with one of its incarnations being a customs house during the Napoleonic wars (with hints of smuggling too of course!). Legend also has it that some of the beams inside the house come from the wreckages of the Spanish Armada that washed up on the shore, too.
Today, step inside and you'll discover a warm, much-loved home that offers plenty of space for you and your loved ones. Beautifully decorated throughout, there are five exquisite bedrooms, two sitting rooms and even two kitchens for everyone, meaning there's room aplenty, whether you want to gather together or take a moment to yourself.
Outside, there's a glorious courtyard garden plus a secure field for your use - perfect for little ones to play and space enough for your four-legged friends.
Just two hours from London and nestled on the gorgeous West Sussex coastline between Chichester and Selsey, this is an extremely beautiful part of the country and perfect for both land and sea lovers, offering stunning walks, fabulous water-based activities, and there are incredible places to eat too.
Special lower occupancy rate
A special lower occupancy rate applies outside of school holidays, peak weeks, bank holidays, Christmas and New Year.
Option one offers a 10% discount for parties of 8 guests or less. At this rate, four bedrooms of your choice will be available for you.
Option two offers a 20% discount for parties of 6 guests or less. At this rate, three bedrooms of your choice will be available for you.
If you have any queries or would like to book, please don't hesitate to get in touch on 01872 553 491 or email enquiries@boutique-retreats.co.uk.
Living
Quay House boasts plenty of living space for everyone, with a host of rooms in which to gather, chat or simply find a quiet space to settle down with a good book. The main sitting room is situated in the oldest part of the house and overlooks the salt marsh. Filled with plenty of original features such as oak beams and fireplace, this room has a gorgeous teal, L-shaped sofa that's perfect for lounging and watching TV.
Immediately next door is the 'music' room with upright piano, two sofas on which to sprawl and views over the salt marsh, whilst next to this room is the quirky study in shades of mustard yellow with House of Hackney wallpaper. Perfect for those who need to make their stay a bit of a workcation, there's a desk, office chair, screen, keyboard and mouse, or instead you can recline on the chaise longue with a good book!
Eating
Once a separate building, the stunning wooden floored, beamed main kitchen and dining room is simply divine and the perfect setting for dinner parties and celebrations. Once referred to as 'The Old Apiary', there's a nod to its past with a beehive-inspired fireplace. Today, this is a wonderful spot to congregate and budding and professional cooks alike will fall in love with the incredible kitchen.
Dominated by the huge Aga (perfect for slow-cooked meals), it's equipped with everything you could need to rustle up feasts including a dishwasher, microwave, Jura coffee machine, ice machine, washing machine and tumble dryer. There's also a fabulous, curated selection of cookery books from around the world to give you inspiration.
The dining room lies next to the kitchen and comfortably seats everyone, next to the incredibly cosy wood burner, perfect for late night dinner parties. The mezzanine above is a lovely spot for coffee with great views.
In addition, there's a 'summer kitchen' with a range cooker that has a gas hob and electric oven, plus a cute table and chairs, perfect for a quick lunch or afternoon tea.
Sleeping and bathing
There are five exquisite bedrooms to choose from.
Four of the bedrooms lie on the first floor. The master en suite bedroom is simply beautiful; a light, airy room with a king-sized bed with pretty views over the harbour and salt marsh. The fabulous headboard hides a walk-in wardrobe with plenty of space for all your clothes. The en suite bathroom also overlooks the salt marsh, and comes complete with gorgeous toiletries, hairdryer and GHD straighteners.
The second en suite bedroom is adjacent to the master bedrooms and boasts a zip-and-link bed, meaning it can be set up as twin beds - perfect for little ones or friends - or reconfigured into a double. With gorgeous wood panelling in calming shades, this lovely room overlooks the salt marsh, and has a freestanding wardrobe and sofa. The en suite has a shower, perfect to wake you up in the morning.
The third bedroom is next door and is a moody, luxurious room with wood panelled walls and a king-sized bed with large wardrobe space. Interestingly, the room colour is the same as some of the rooms at Number 10 Downing Street (the owners have the same decorators!). The bathroom, with roll-top bath, is immediately next door with views over the courtyard.
The fourth bedroom, resplendent with deep green walls and William Morris inspired wallpaper, is a charming room with a king-sized wrought iron bed and has views over the rear of the house. This room has shared use of the bathroom next door.
The fifth bedroom is downstairs and is a bijoux double, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in configuration as it's really an apartment on its own complete with a private living room with TV and Playstation, plus its own shower room.
All the bedrooms come complete with White Company Egyptian cotton linens, sumptuous bedding and luxurious throws and cushions. All en suites and the bathroom have Moulton Brown toiletries and have heated rails to keep towels warm and fluffy.
Outdoor space
Outside you'll find a gorgeous, sun-speckled courtyard, adorned with a table and chairs and barbeque for alfresco dining plus a circular lounger and a fire pit. Amazingly, there's also an ancient mulberry tree planted in the reign of Elizabeth I - definitely just to be admired and not climbed! In addition, there's a field for your use. This is a fabulous secure space for dogs, although seasoned escape artists may find a way out.
Parking
There is plenty of off road, private parking.
Babies and children
Babies and children are of course most welcome at Quay House. Travel cots suitable for newborns up to 18 months are provided, along with one highchair and stairgates.
Dogs
Two dogs are most welcome at Quay House. Please note, there is an additional fee per dog, per week or short break.
In the Area
Set within the pretty village of Sidlesham, once a busy port during the Napoleonic wars now a tranquil and beautiful nature reserve, Quay House is beautifully positioned to explore this gorgeous part of West Sussex. This is a top spot for sailing and beach sports, with a plethora of sailing clubs nearby, most notably in Bosham, Itchenor and the nearest to Quay House, Chichester Marina. Head to East and West Wittering for bathing, wind and kite surfing. If being on land is more your thing, to the north the South Downs National Park awaits, providing beautiful countryside that's a playground for walking, horse riding and mountain biking.
The Goodwood Estate is perhaps best known for its racecourse, but also provides a country club, and has become increasingly well known for its annual Festival of Speed and the revival of its historic motor circuit.
Chichester city centre is particularly well known for its cultural activities centred around the 12th century Cathedral and its fabulous shops. The home of Cowdry Park polo club at Midhurst, Arundel Castle and Petworth House (home to one of the finest National Trust art collections) are all a short drive away. If you like a tipple or two, there are also the Vineyards of Tinwood Estate and Nyetimber (a very popular champagne!) to visit for tours and tastings. Bosham also has a fascinating history, with the chancel of its Saxon church featured in the Bayeux tapestry and nearby Fishbourne home to an amazing Roman settlement.
