The South Downs National Park covers more than 600 square miles of stunning English landscape, historic market towns and unspoilt villages. It’s also the location for The Courtyard, in the charming little village of Droxford.
Enjoying the freedom of natural scenery has become more important than ever in recent months. Step outside The Courtyard’s private gateway, and the vast National Park is yours to explore in any number of ways.
Boots on!
Walkers have over 2,000 miles of trails and routes to explore, including the long-distance Wayfarer’s Way and the Monarch’s Way. The 11-mile Meon Valley Trail, once a railway, passes very close to Droxford and runs from the village of West Meon down to Wickham. Another ex-railway is the 5½ mile Centurion Way, going from Chichester to West Dean, while the Serpent Trail twists and turns through 64 miles of gorse and heather between Haslemere and Petersfield. The South Downs Way is 100 miles long, starting in Winchester and ending in Eastbourne. There’s a walk for everyone, from serious hikes to gentle strolls and why not stop in at The Bakers Arms pub in Droxford for a well-earnt break, or even an award-winning Sunday roast.
On two wheels
Where walkers can go, so can cyclists (generally speaking) so now’s the time to buy that bike rack for the car. Most of the routes mentioned above can be tackled on two wheels. There are routes especially suited to cyclists, such as riding along the ridge to Ditchling Beacon or challenging yourself on the single track mountain bike trails in Queen Elizabeth Country Park.
Take a view
There are amazing views everywhere in the South Downs National Park, but two landmarks are worth a special mention. Butser Hill is the highest point in Hampshire, with 360-degree views, and it is particularly enchanting for its night sky panoramas. Blackdown is the highest point in the whole park, where up on the heathery tracts you’ll feel a real sense of being in the middle of nowhere.
Animal magic
This unspoilt landscape provides a safe home for many indigenous species and places where we humans can observe them. Kingley Vale is famous for its mysteriously ancient oak trees, where nightingales, woodpeckers, orchids and butterflies flourish. Shortheath Common is home to 23 kinds of dragonfly and the rare nightjar. Woolmer Forest is the place for reptiles and amphibians, while Arundel Wetland Centre offers boat safaris to spot the birds and other wildlife.
Historic houses and gardens
The National Trust looks after three magnificent estates within the park, essential viewing for anyone interested in history, gardens, art and architecture. Hinton Ampner, Petworth House and Uppark House are all fascinating glimpses into the life of the landed classes in bygone days.
Considering a move to the South Downs National Park?
The new homes, built by Kebbell, at The Courtyard are positioned in an ideal location for enjoying all that the South Downs National Park has to offer. There are now has just four homes remaining available, all have four bedrooms and stunning views across open farmland. Every home has a spacious, beautifully planned and stylishly furnished open plan kitchen/family area with direct access to the garden, which is of larger than average size too. There’s a separate living room and every master bedroom has en suite facilities. The kitchens are classic Shaker style with composite stone worktops; so right for this country village setting. There are oak cottage style internal doors, and Villeroy & Boch bathrooms with wall hung vanity units, and underfloor heating throughout the whole ground floor.
Find out more about these new homes in Droxford through The Courtyard development page or get in touch to book a viewing by calling us on 020 8901 8738.