Wonderful Spring Days!

Primroses in the garden

Daffodils

This is when this particular part of England really comes into its own (we're probably ahead of the northern parts) - the warmth of the sun can be felt, everything is stirring, plants are budding up and the birds are singing and I, for one, energetically feel as though I should tackle all the dozens of little jobs at once.  Rather a mistake.

Unexpected guests, two little white girls

At present I have the evidence of half started tasks all around:  spring cleaning the cottage, ascertaining what I need to go and buy, looking at paintwork and smaller decorating jobs; turning out cupboards and rooms, unpacking from a recent trip abroad, plants bought to put into pots and beds, seeds sitting on the kitchen table waiting to be popped into the ground, the edging of the lawn, filling up the nuts for the birds - (constant challenge with the squirrel) - plans for a run for the chickens, taking photos when the inspiration takes me, sorting through a pile of mail and finishing off the website; taking bookings and finally making lists of everything that needs doing (which is getting longer rather than shorter).

Hellebore

Anemone blanda

Just occasionally a group of us get together and tomorrow we're meeting in West Wittering.  Like everyone else we're feeling the price of petrol so I've decided (based on today's weather) that the best idea would be to take my bike and go down Salterns Way - which is right beside the house here.

Yesterday I had someone who dropped in unexpectedly.  I rather wished that I hadn't made such a mess everywhere - do you know that feeling?  You're not sure whether to apologise or just pretend that you hadn't noticed there was anything amiss.   So I think rather than blogging I'd better just go and get on but here are a few photos to put you in the picture.

Hellebore

What to expect at Church Gate!

Friendly, calm oasis in Sussex countryside minutes from Chichester Harbour.

Forget the stress, enjoy our quiet picturesque village in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

On arrival, relax with a cup of tea and homemade cake either inside or on the sunny terrace surrounded by our beautiful garden.  Go-slow, enjoy the wildlife unwind.

Then it's time to show you around.  The garden cottage has a large flagstone sitting room and two separate bedrooms (double and a twin) which each have their own ensuite.   Sink into comfortable beds with beautiful bedlinen, goosedown duvets and pillows, fluffy towels and warm bathrooms - all a touch of luxury.  Pamper yourself with soaps and bath products which have been specially made for Church Gate.  A massage can even be organised!

You may already have lots of ideas about what you're going to do whilst visiting or we can help you plan your stay with advice on local restaurants, special events, cultural and sporting activities.  From lovely walks to bird reserves:  West Wittering beach, Chichester, Goodwood and other nearby towns and South Downs villages all within easy reach.

Choose when and what you'd like for breakfast and we'll make it fresh for you using mostly locally sourced or organic ingredients - often freshly baked bread and eggs from our own chickens.  Enjoy a walk or a game of tennis before breakfast or just amble down across to our kitchen when you're ready!

Bed and breakfast only but some lovely restaurants nearby or a gentle stroll down to our local pub.

Get in touch?

Our website's got lots of other information on it at
www.chichesterbandb.co.uk

you can always e-mail janie@chichesterbandb.co.uk

Church Gate
Itchenor
PO20 7DL

In our Area

Church Gate bed and breakfast is in the village of Itchenor about 7 miles (15 minutes) south of the historic cathedral city of Chichester on the Manhood Peninsula.  It is also within easy reach of the beach at West Wittering (10 mins) and Goodwood (20 mins).

Our local pub is The Ship - a short walk from church Gate and the small but beautiful ancient church of St Nicholas is just across the road.

Chichester Harbour has some of the finest sailing waters in the UK and Itchenor has an active club and boat building at Northshore. There are over 10,000 boats registered within the harbour area with 16 sailing clubs - a beautiful sight over a summer weekend.

The harbour has a network of over 90km of shoreline footpaths with stunning views and a rich variety of wildlife.  It has the 7th largest area of salt marsh in Great Britain and the Conservancy runs guided walks and special events.

Chichester Harbour water tours run daily and there is also a ferry (both seasonal) to the Bosham side of the estuary.

Explore Salterns Way - a bicycle and wheelchair friendly path which runs from the centre of Chichester to East Head and passes close to Church Gate....or just come and enjoy the water and local walks.

The nearest local shop is 5 minutes by car.  There is a bus service to Chichester from the end of the road (all week) and from the village to Selsey (weekdays only).

Our rooms at Church Gate

There's a double or a twin bedded room that we can offer you - both are in the cottage in the garden and can either be taken separately or you can book the cottage as a whole.  Downstairs there's a lovely large light sitting room with plenty of space to relax on the sofas and read a book or watch TV, or sit in the evening sun outside on the terrace.

Upstairs there's a double room with kingsize bed and ensuite shower.

And also a twin bedded room with lovely ViSpring mattresses which can be zipped and linked together to make a super kingsize bed.  This room has an ensuite with bath (shower over).