HOME > FIND A PLACE > MERRION FARM
Withyfield cottage is an incredible environmental undertaking on a working dairy farm. Not far from the south downs and in some stunning countryside, it's the perfect weekend away. For more information and to book, take a look at the thumbnail to the right.
About the owners
The Griffiths have been on the land at Merrion Farm since the 1920s, it's even named after Alan's grandfather's family farm over in Pembrokeshire. The traditional dairy farm of around 100 cows supplies milk to local shops on a daily basis and the cows are even involved in the community in another way, disposing of the grains from the brewery after they've finished making Dark Star, a local ale.
Wildlife and the environment
As you'd expect from a strawbale house, the list of environmentally friendly features is pretty long. So, please bear with us...The shower is solar powered, the insulation is sheep's wool, the shingles are cedar, the plaster is lime, the frame and cladding are all local and the plaster render that seals the gaps on the outside is made of Weald clay taken from the foundations.
In all aspects the Griffiths have tried to make Withyfield as sustainable as possible. They love the fact that you can sit on the deck and see the wood where the trees that clad the outside were felled and then replaced. They have aimed to use local materials and craftsmen as far as possible. The kitchen was made in nearby Partridge Green and the bedroom's chests of drawers are either recycled or made by a local charity.
About the owners
The Griffiths have been on the land at Merrion Farm since the 1920s, it's even named after Alan's grandfather's family farm over in Pembrokeshire. The traditional dairy farm of around 100 cows supplies milk to local shops on a daily basis and the cows are even involved in the community in another way, disposing of the grains from the brewery after they've finished making Dark Star, a local ale.
Wildlife and the environment
As you'd expect from a strawbale house, the list of environmentally friendly features is pretty long. So, please bear with us...The shower is solar powered, the insulation is sheep's wool, the shingles are cedar, the plaster is lime, the frame and cladding are all local and the plaster render that seals the gaps on the outside is made of Weald clay taken from the foundations.
In all aspects the Griffiths have tried to make Withyfield as sustainable as possible. They love the fact that you can sit on the deck and see the wood where the trees that clad the outside were felled and then replaced. They have aimed to use local materials and craftsmen as far as possible. The kitchen was made in nearby Partridge Green and the bedroom's chests of drawers are either recycled or made by a local charity.
By public transport
Horsham or Shoreham are the nearest train stations and Horsham also has the nearest bus stop, both are 10 miles away. Given enough notice Janice, the owner, can arrange to pick you up at no charge.
By car - satnav will bring you straight to the end of the farm drive, using the postcode
From the M25 - leave at Junction 7, then keep left and join the M23, sign posted Brighton and Gatwick Airport. The M23 turns into the A23 after about 15 miles. Leave the A23 after another 6.5 miles to join the A272. At the roundabout take the 4th exit onto the A272, signposted London, Petersfield. At the next roundabout, (approx 4 miles), take the 1st exit onto the A281 (Henfield). After 2.5 miles turn right onto Partridge Green Road B2116, continue along here for another .75 miles. At mini-roundabout continue forward onto High Street - B2116. At the end of the High Street, turn left onto the B2135 (Steyning). After 1.5 miles you will go over the river, take the drive which is the 2nd on the left after the bridge, just after the post box on the right. There is a sign with a cow and Merrion Farm on it. (If you go past the Fountain Inn you have gone too far.)
Withyfield Cottage is on the left down the farm road, past the Farm House and some outbuildings. There is parking for 3 cars alongside the cottage.
Around Withyfield
There are many lovely pastoral spots to explore around Withyfield. Here's a small sample:
Steyning - Historic market town at the foot of the downs, quaint High Street with tearooms etc
Arundel - With its cathedral, castle, antique shops and wildlife reserve
Shoreham - Our nearest beach with historic airport
Lewes - County town of East Sussex , has a Castle and lots of history
Local produce
One of the things the area does really well is produce. Just about everything you could need is grown or reared nearby. All this good stuff is brought together for you to feast on at a series of farmer's markets in the area. There's so many that some kind of gruelling market crawl might be in order...
Arundel Farmers Market
3rd Saturday of each month from 9am to 1pm
Where: The Square, Arundel, West Sussex
Chichester Farmers Market
1st and 3rd Friday of each month from 9am to 2p
Where: East Street and North Street, Chichester, West Sussex
Henfield Farmers Market
3rd Friday of each month from 9am to 1pm
Where: Village Hall, High Street, Henfield, West Sussex
Horsham Farmers Market
Every Saturday from 9am to 4pm
Where: Carfax, Horsham, West Sussex
Shoreham-by-Sea Farmers Market
2nd Saturday of each month from 9am to 1pm
Where: East Street, Shoreham, West Sussex
Slindon Farmers Market
4th Thursday of each month from 9am to 1pm
Where: Coronation Hall, Reynolds Lane, Slindon, West Sussex
Steyning Farmers Market
1st Saturday of each month from 9am to 1pm
Where: High Street Car Park, Steyning, West Sussex
West Chiltington Farmers Market
2nd Saturday of each month from 9am to 12noon
Where: Village Hall, Mill Road, West Chiltington, West Sussex
Lewes Farmers Market
1st Saturday of each month from 9am to 1pm.
Where: Cliffe Pedestrian Precinct, Lewes, East Sussex
A selection of pubs & restaurants near Withyfield
The Fountain Ashurst – specialising in local beer and food
The Bull, Shermanbury (good for dogs and children)
The Green Man – Partridge Green
The Chequers , Steyning
The Black Horse Nuthurst
The Orchard (a traditional family restaurant on the edge of the Downs Link) (lovely breakfasts before 12)
Wiston Tea Rooms – traditional tea rooms – popular after a trip up Chanctonbury ring
About the owners
The Griffiths have been on the land at Merrion Farm since the 1920s, it's even named after Alan's grandfather's family farm over in Pembrokeshire. The traditional dairy farm of around 100 cows supplies milk to local shops on a daily basis and the cows are even involved in the community in another way, disposing of the grains from the brewery after they've finished making Dark Star, a local ale.
Wildlife and the environment
As you'd expect from a strawbale house, the list of environmentally friendly features is pretty long. So, please bear with us...The shower is solar powered, the insulation is sheep's wool, the shingles are cedar, the plaster is lime, the frame and cladding are all local and the plaster render that seals the gaps on the outside is made of Weald clay taken from the foundations.
In all aspects the Griffiths have tried to make Withyfield as sustainable as possible. They love the fact that you can sit on the deck and see the wood where the trees that clad the outside were felled and then replaced. They have aimed to use local materials and craftsmen as far as possible. The kitchen was made in nearby Partridge Green and the bedroom's chests of drawers are either recycled or made by a local charity.
© 2010 Canopy & Stars and the Canopy & Stars logo are registered trademarks of Alastair Sawday's Publishing Ltd. All content on this website is copyright of Alastair Sawday's Publishing Ltd.
Telephone: 01275 395 447