A stack of firewood, a twisting rose and a huddle of foxgloves greet you at this restored 18th-century flint cottage. Tucked away behind the old schoolhouse in the peaceful village of Angmering, a handful of pubs and shops are a few minutes walk from the front door. Inside, exposed stone feature walls, masonry marks from 1666 and latched, wood doors retain the home’s history. French doors open out from the cosy little living room to the garden – a walled oasis filled scattered with flowering pots and furnished with a bench and bistro set for two. It’s the perfect spot for a G&T in the evening. A welcome pack awaits your arrival in the kitchen, packed with organic produce and luxury tea and coffee to get you started. Make the 10-minute drive to the castle-topped village of Arundel to refill the cupboards from the delis and farm shops in the area. Just beyond Arundel, the walking trails of the South Downs await those who really want to get out in the countryside. Home truths: * Parking is free, but it is on a public road a short walk from the cottage * There is a small food shop within walking distance, but larger supermarkets require a car * The owners live next door and have a dog and a parrot, and you may hear the parrot talking and singing on occasion