Pond View: Organic Ayurvedic Retreat, South Downs

Pond View is a wholly organic retreat for two, minutes from the centre of historic Midhurst and inside the South Downs National Park. A light first-floor apartment where the mattress, bed linen and toiletries are all certified organic. South Pond lies immediately behind the flat, with walks from the door and Cowdray Ruins and the polo within walking distance. Should you decide to book a treatment during your stay, I offer a full range of authentic Ayurvedic treatments. The space Pond View is a self-contained first-floor apartment: one open sitting room and bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and my treatment room on the floor above. Organic bedding and toiletries, fresh flowers, pillow spray beside the bed, breakfast waiting in the fridge for your first morning, and fresh herbs from the garden when there are some. You do not need to have a treatment during your stay, but if you wish to indulge, each treatment is tailored to you, including rejuvenating massages and detoxifying therapies. My treatment room is on the second floor, so there is no need to leave the building afterwards. You can come back downstairs to shower and rest. The room is for your sole use during your stay if you require a treatment. When not in use, guests will not have access to the second floor. Search Ros White Ayurvedic Therapy for a full list of my treatments and therapies. Treatments need to be booked before you arrive. The sitting room and bedroom A private entrance and a flight of stairs lead up to one wide, open room, lit at both ends by double-aspect Victorian sash windows. Velvet curtains and blinds draw across for privacy and for sleeping late. There is a large sofa, a dining table and chairs, a gas fire you are welcome to light, and a quiet corner for reading. A television, should you want one, though you will need your own Amazon or Netflix sign-in. Books, magazines and games. A full-length mirror, and a wardrobe with shelves and room to put suitcases out of sight. You will also find an iron and ironing board, a hairdryer, two dressing gowns and two yoga mats. The bed A double bed with an organic wool mattress and mattress protector, an organic wool duvet, and organic cotton and linen sheets, all from Woolroom — organic throughout, and free from harmful chemicals. Wool is natural, renewable and biodegradable, which makes it the choice that costs the earth nothing. The bathroom A large walk-in shower with a generous shower head, a heated towel rail, thick towels and organic toiletries. The kitchen A fitted kitchen at the back of the apartment, with oven, hob, extractor, a small fridge, washer-dryer, kettle and toaster, and cupboards, crockery and utensils enough to cook properly. The window looks over South Pond, and there is a Velux in the roof for anyone who likes to find the stars before bed. Cereal, yoghurt, butter, eggs and milk are waiting in the fridge for your first morning, with tea, coffee and sugar in the cupboard. The garden A small garden at the front with a table and chairs, planted with lavender and grasses, looking out to trees across the road. If you are bringing a dog There is a comfortable dog bed with a blanket, and two bowls. Getting here There is usually plenty of parking on the road in front of the apartment, or on the road opposite. The nearest stations are Haslemere, Petersfield and Chichester. Midhurst and around Midhurst is an old market town, with Tudor timber, Georgian brick and Victorian and Edwardian frontages standing side by side. There is no shortage of independent shops and cafes, and two small supermarkets for the everyday shopping. Within walking distance: Cowdray Ruins, Cowdray golf, the polo, and the Cowdray farm shop and cafe, which is where to go for something special. Further out: the South Downs Way for walking and mountain biking, with bike hire locally; National Trust gardens; Petworth; Goodwood for the racing and the motor circuit; Chichester and its cathedral; and the beaches at West Wittering. Guest access I like to meet guests on arrival and show you round, so you know where everything is and can settle straight in. You have your own front door and a flight of stairs up to the first floor. The whole floor is yours, with a couple of steps between the sitting room and the kitchen. My own flat is on the ground floor. If you want a recommendation for supper or a walk worth doing, I am a knock away. Other things to note The apartment is self-catering. There are stairs up to the apartment. If you are travelling with a dog, I will leave extra towels for paws before the stairs. There is a small pet fee, which Airbnb adds automatically when you book with a dog. Please note that South Pond is behind the property with ducks and geese. In the summer, if the windows are open, you will be able to hear them. In the winter, the wooden floor can be a bit chilly, so guests might like to bring their slippers. Do get in touch if you would like to extend your stay.