Olea, a holiday cottage with Boutique Retreats

Earlier this year, I spent the week in an absolute peach of a cottage, located in a quaint village in West Sussex. Where the locals are friendly, the houses are adorable, there is an outstanding pub and its based at the foothills of the South Downs, if you want to find out where this is, then carry on reading..

A few months ago, I was scrolling through Boutique Retreats and found this absolute gem called 'Olea'. Located in Amberley,West Sussex and I thought to myself I absolutely have to stay here! I made an enquiry for the availability and I knew the cottage was dog friendly so I booked myself in for a week.

Upon arrival I was squealing with happiness, once you turn into the village of Amberley, you enter this quiet little world where time seems to slow down. There are numerous thatched cottages and views of the rolling hills of the countryside. Heaven. 

I couldnt check in until 4pm and I arrived around midday so I went for lunch at the Black Horse pub which is dog friendly (everyone I met in Amberley was very friendly) and once we were fed and watered we headed off on a dog walk to stretch our legs.

I had already researched and saved some walking routes on the All Trails app and thankfully there was a circular route right from where we were so Rosie and I bounded off into the South Downs. The views were so pretty, we walked down by the river, past a pretty church, past the old castle, down country lanes and past fields of sheep.

When it was time to check in, we were greeted with cozy and swoonworthy interiors. Everything was perfect, I loved the decor and we had everything we needed. The cottage has two double bedrooms, a bath tub and excellent over head shower. A log burner, all mod cons and a beautiful cottage garden.

The decor reminded me of the Pig hotels which I am obsessed with. I feel like the owner of this cottage and I would be friends or at least I would want to be!

The following day some friends drove down to join me and we set off for the beach. There are plenty of beaches a short drive away and we decided to visit West Wittering which is a large, sandy beach. Thankfully it was one of those days where the wind was calm and the sun was shining. Rosie loves the beach and it was great to see her run around like a mad puppy that she is.

On the Wednesday, Mr Poachie got the train down to come and stay with me and I was excited to see him. I picked him up and then we drove to Knepp Wilding to walk the estate walk. Along the way we saw wild ponies, horned cows, swans and many more. This was another loop that I had found on the All Trails app.

After a pub supper we went back to the cottage to light the log burner and to chill and watch some TV. I enjoyed a good soak in the tub.

The next day we made our way to The Pig hotel in the South Downs, its about a ten minute drive from the cottage and whilst they aren't dog friendly, you can sit with your pooch outside. So after a fantastic walk around Madehurst, the sun was shining and we enjoyed a cocktail on their terrace.

I had a nose around their gardens, and I wasn't that impressed by it. Now I have visited, I don't think I would want to go back and stay. The Pig in Bath was the first Pig hotel I ever went to, and I have stayed and eaten at many of them since but they just don't seem to be as good. They have also become so expensive but the staff are always amazing and it feels like a lovely treat.

The menu wasn't grabbing us either so we just ordered some 'Piggy bits' and enjoyed our drinks. Later that evening we had a smashing dinner back at the Black Horse pub and then headed home for another night by the log burner.

It did make me nervous lighting the log burner in a thatched cottage but the owner left clear instructions on what to do and it was fine. It did make me seasonally confused having the log burner lit with my glass of rose and the vase of daffodils! Its not been the warmest of Springs yet has it?

We checked out on the Friday morning and made our way home with a quick stop at Wakehurst place so Rosie could have a walk. They are now dog friendly which I think is excellent, I think more National Trust places should allow well behaved dogs.

All in all, it was such a great week. My agenda was to switch off, go on long dog walks and just relax which is exactly what I did! I was sad to have not visited the tea room in the village but it wasn't open. There is a village store that is well stocked with goodies and everything you might need to self cater as eating out costs a lot.

Every time I took Rosie out I couldn't help myself but take more photos of the village, it reminded me of a Miss Marple episode and everyone I walked past would say hello.

Whilst the cottage was everything I had hoped it would be, possibly the best place I have ever stayed, my only gripe would be that whilst the cottage is dog friendly, the garden is a patio which Rosie wouldn't do her business on. Grass is her preference so it meant I would have to take her out often, I'm not sure if this is a problem for other dog owners but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Cottage living, an absolute dream.

There is no dedicated parking at the cottage but I had a space just outside the front for the whole time I was there. There is also free parking at the entrance to the village as well.

There is a castle that has been renovated into a luxury hotel, I wanted to go and have a nose but I couldn't take Rosie so we didn't visit. There is also a museum (again I didn't visit) if that is your cup of tea.

For a sleepy week away with great places to eat and walk, then Amberley is for you!

This was a discounted stay with Boutique Retreats and the service and communication was great and fuss free, I look forward to my next stay!