“Fantastic luxurious retreat” (TripAdvisor 5 stars)
Given my addiction for expensive hotels, I've found it difficult in the past to find a self-catering place that I like... but Rubens Barn combines the peace and independence you want from self-catering with the high standards you might expect in a luxury hotel.
The barn is tastefully decorated in white and duck-egg blue. A spacious king on the ground floor is serviced by two shower rooms and the twin room on the first floor has its own bathroom with roll top bath. All three bathrooms have White Company toiletries and many many fluffy white towels (and lovely fluffy dressing gowns - phew). The open plan living area has a really good quality flat-screen TV with FreeSat. The kitchen is well-equipped too (including a dishwasher). The owners (who were friendly but not intrusive) seemed to have thought of everything... the kitchen was pre-stocked with milk, yoghurts, fruit, ham, cheese, bread, croissants, cereal etc., and free WiFi is provided along with a mobile phone for use during the stay.
The local area has great walks... well... according to the visitors' book. It was a bit cold for us but we did manage a few strolls along to the local village where the Star & Garter pub served a fantastic three course lunch menu with traditional favourites and some great fish specials.
I'd highly recommend this for a relaxing and romantic getaway. It's close enough to London for a long weekend but far enough away to be a proper escape. And next time we might even manage to get out for proper walk, a visit to the gym at Goodwood (the owners can arrange temporary membership) or a game of tennis on the private court...
