Dog-friendly Hotels South Downs

A sumptuous four bedroom country house offering spectacular views, set high in the hills of the South Downs near Chichester. Offering first class facilities, including a swimming pool and tennis court, this is a luxury holiday home for extended families and responsible discerning groups. Telegraph House is one in a line of Admiralty semaphore stations built in the early 1800’s to serve as a communication link between London and Portsmouth. Standing as one of the few remaining sites and following a premium renovation, it has opened its doors as a totally unique rural retreat.

Through the grand entrance hall and into the heart of the house, the elegant drawing room is spacious and bright with high ceilings and a refined co-ordinated colour palette. Two open side rooms provide additional spaces for convivial catch-ups over matters of great importance and perhaps a glass of something special. Doors from both the drawing room and hall lead into the vast kitchen/dining room which is well equipped with a full set of appliances. The ground floor presents three of the four kingsize double bedrooms and a family. Upstairs there is a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, and a window seat revealing wonderful long-range views over Sussex Hampshire, the coastline and all the way to the Isle of Wight on a clear day. Outside there are extensive beautiful gardens with mature trees, secluded corners and romantic spots to admire the panoramic views. The fantastic range of outdoor recreation includes an outdoor swimming pool area and lawn tennis court beyond.

Telegraph House is situated in the heart of the South Downs National Park, with bridleways and footpaths on the doorstep, and surrounded by charming hamlets and villages. Compton is a traditional Sussex village centred around a small square with a lovely pub shop and tea rooms. The wonderful National Trust property Uppark House and Gardens can be seen from the house and is a 5-minute drive from Compton. The picturesque town of Petersfield is just 9 miles away; this ancient market town was originally built as a Norman ’new town’ at the end of the 11th century. The main square provides an attractive focal point providing the perfect venue for the traditional market every Saturday and Wednesday.

Chichester, Chichester Harbour and Goodwood are all around 10 miles away. The city centre is neatly enclosed within the ancient but fantastically preserved Roman city walls with broad streets that are packed with listed buildings. It is a cosmopolitan, vibrant and friendly city proudly combining 2000 years of heritage, with a lively lifestyle headed by the towering presence of the cathedral. For some classically British pastimes, the famous Goodwood Estate offers a range of activities including a championship golf course, the motor circuit, racecourse and aerodrome.

For days out for a beach trip, look no further than West Wittering’s famous sands (it gets very busy in summer!). A little further afield, and Portsmouth is famous as the home of HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and also the Mary Rose. The historic dockyard sits right next to Gunwharf Quays and the Spinnaker Tower, which offer spectacular views over Portsmouth and the Solent. Beach 13½ miles.