Tucked away in West Sussex, upon a hill with unobstructed views for as far as they eye can see, your own little taste of paradise. A charming structure, that feels like an ode to the charming builds and influencing colours of Nantucket, The Boathouse on the Lake.

I was in search of some peace and tranquillity as at the moment we live in a new build building site (and I can assure you it’s the opposite of peaceful. Since 2023 we promised to take our dogs on more adventures with us however, the issues we encounter; Otis our first rescue is highly reactive, meaning if it isn’t secluded its neither peaceful nor tranquil! The second issue I encounter often  is when homes say we are dog friendly but the t’s and c’s read if your dog jumps on the bed or sofa that will be £400. There is no way I am relaxing with that hanging over me!

So began my journey for peace, scouring the internet for; dog friendly, reactive dog friendly stays and more. I tried booking.com, VRBO, any random website that says it main focus is dogs (they still had the ridiculous cleaning fee) and then my last resort was Air B n B. And there she was: The Boathouse.

We booked to stay June 2024 Thursday – Saturday, now I won’t lie the price tag was hefty, but read on!

Situated 0.4 miles away from Thakeham Village and with hundreds of beautiful Pubs and beer gardens around – oh and just 25 minutes to the beach, the rental was already ticking boxes. And then the pictures! Am I seriously going to get to stay in this beautiful slice of paradise, an hour away from my house! Can I really take my dogs? Is there a decent kitchen, fully equipped, a nespresso coffee machine, a luxurious bathroom, a hot tub, a soft cloud-like bed, and a massive pond with its own row boat, yes yes and yes! SOLD I am booked!

Given the nervous nature of our rescue Otis I decided to boko a doggy playfield (totally secure) just two minutes down the road, we went to the field first, parking at Thakeham village hall and a nice ten-minute stroll to the field. I would note there was no water supply and it was quite warm, so make sure you pack a bowl, water and poo bags! You can find the field here.

Having this hour was so great for both Otis and Stella as they got to get their crazy zoomies out before we assessed the parameter of the Boathouse. Check out some pics here: AirBnB - The Boathouse on the Lake

What we packed: The Dog Edit:

• Waterbowls
• Dog beds
• Treats
• Food
• Their favourite toys!
• Blankets they sleep with (for regular smells)
• Four large quilts (we put these on the sofa, so that they could sit on it)
• Towels (they enjoyed tipping their toe beans in the pond!)
• Dog shampoo (just in case!)
• Poo bags
• Treat pouches
• Their life jackets
• Doggy first aid kit
• Doggy chill pills for Otis (he doesn’t like change and they were from the vets, and massively helped him adjust the first night)

What we packed: The Human Edit

• Clothes
• Swimsuits (for the hot tub!)
• Bathroom essentials (skincare, shampoo e.t.c
• Wine, and other beverages
• Food for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Snacks
• Water bottles
• Ice
• Card games
• A good book
• Canon Camera (so I can practise!)

Our hosts were great through the entire process! We booked a good few months before heading down to The Boathouse, but we loved receiving a welcome pack PDF giving us loads of great info about the house, and surrounding areas in advance (even local Vets and their distance from the house, which as a dog mum is so key to know!)

It took us just over an hour to get there from Berkshire, after a little wee stop for the dogs halfway. I will say Waze did not quite get us there, nor did Google maps, and then we lost signal! So we winged it! But I reckon What3Words would have got us there! On arrival you drive through beautiful gates to see lush green lawns as far as the eye could see! Driving down the winding driveway past the beautiful tennis court, and past the big house as we coined it (where our hosts lived) past the magical greenhouse bursting at the seams with gorgeous looking flowers, and down the little dirt track to the back of the boathouse. We jumped out the car and walked round the corner, I let out an exhale as I took in the house and the view, and I finally felt, peace.

Still now as I write, I am in awe of the quality and finishes of the Boathouse. Naturally being the nosy buggar I am I looked the property up online, and found the previous owners had in fact had the Boathouse as an open-air space by the pond, check it out below. And the new owners, have gone to exceptional levels to elevate the space into a useable space.

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taken from https://www.demalletmorgan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Thakeham-Manor-v1.5.pdf (Above) Personal Photograph Take June 2024

Personal Photograph; June 2024

Albeit what inspired me about this place was the simplicity and tranquillity, I was in awe of all the little details. The kitchen is finished to an exceptional standard, as is the bathroom, the Sofa so comfortable I took about four naps in three days on it! The folding doors the whole way round the accommodation allowing you to feel that true indoor-outdoor experience. We were exceptionally lucky with the weather, enabling us to utilise the hot tub, the rowboat, stroll around the property and just relax!

We didn’t actually leave the location for the entire stay! We had everything we needed and felt so relaxed, there was no need to leave! So if you are looking peace, somewhere to write a novel, somewhere to hear nothing but nature, or somewhere to spend time with someone you love, then the Boathouse is your place!