About Mill Pond House – Emsworth
This spacious holiday home is situated directly on The Mill Pond, a sea inlet once used for milling and bordered by a walkway overlooking a stunning estuary, brimming with birdlife and boats. The house offers uninterrupted water views and is a 1-2 minute walk to the harbour, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a SSSI (Site of Specific Scientific Interest). The décor and facilities in Mill Pond House have been managed to a very high standard, offering the perfect setting for a flexible stay in historic Emsworth within easy reach of the eateries, independent shops and pubs (of which there are 11!). The location is ideal for peaceful retreats, water sports, wildlife lovers, hikers, cosy winter breaks (with optional pub crawls), and easy access to a host of nearby attractions for all ages and interests.
The flexible accommodation includes four bedrooms: one twin, one bunk & two double/kings over two floors. The large master bedroom has a window seat with views over the water and the double room leads on to the rear balcony. The spacious dining room and lounge both have bi-fold doors extending the width of each room to enhance the views, and there is a kitchen with ample seating, a pantry, laundry room, mini-gym and two bath/shower rooms.
GROUND FLOOR
Large windows frame the water views as you step into the well-equipped kitchen on the ground floor, which has been thoughtfully designed to provide everything you need for a stress-free, self-catering stay (including an air fryer, coffee machine, dishwasher, double electric oven and gas hob, American-style fridge freezer, microwave, toaster and kettle), plus ample seating and essentials for catering up to eight, both inside and out during the summer.
Adjacent is the spacious dining room, with seating for eight and a lovely outlook onto the sunny rear garden through bi-fold doors. On the ground floor you will also find a home gym (with a cross trainer, weights, yoga mats and other equipment for guest use) and access to the downstairs shower room and a laundry/utility room with washing machine, dryer, iron and drying racks.
FIRST FLOOR
Upstairs on the first floor, via the Moroccan-style staircase, the large sitting room is the heart of the home, comfortably and tastefully furnished with the seating positioned to take full advantage of the water views. The large smart TV allows you to view Freeview channels and sign into your own media subscriptions. Bi-fold doors open onto a front-facing balcony where you can enjoy the evening sunshine or, in cooler months, a wood burner is available with fuel for the first fire. Here you will also find a ‘book swap' reading bank, mobile/desktop charging station, Sonos speaker, and a selection of board games and DVDs.
The first of four bedrooms is on this floor - lovely double room with access to a spacious east-facing rear balcony, perfect for morning coffee.
TOP FLOOR
This floor features the master bedroom with a king-size bed, elegant chaise lounge and a high window seat overlooking the water, ideal for soaking in the view with a book. To the rear is a cosy twin room and a fun bunk room, all located next the family bathroom.
GARDEN
The rear garden offers ample seating for dining al fresco or simply enjoying the fresh air. Garden furniture includes two recliners, tables and seating for eight, including an ‘egg' chair. (Garden and beach toys are available for guest use, plus a family kayak – to be use at the guests' risk). The rear balcony on the first floor can also be accessed from here and, at the front of the property, there is parking available for two cars – very rare in Emsworth centre.
LOCATION
This beautiful home is on The Mill Pond in Emsworth which is a well-preserved, historic town on the Hampshire/Sussex border. Emsworth came into existence in the early 13th century but rose in significance with the rise of the British Empire and its need for naval provisions. The town's fascinating history is explained by the Emsworth Maritime and Historical Trust in the Heritage Museum.
The centre of Emsworth is the town square, one street back from Bridgefoot Path. Along with the many coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants and shops, there is a regular farmer's market, music festivals in the summer, live music events, art shows and many community occasions. Christmas time is especially joyful - the Mill Pond is illuminated by firelight, a large fir tree is erected by the harbour wall, all businesses put up decorations and carollers sing. (Emsworth provides a choice of six local churches.)
For great days out you can easily reach Portsmouth Historic Dockyard or The Weald and Downland, home of the BBC's The Repair Shop. Gun Wharf Quays in Portsmouth is a well-known shopping outlet with a cinema complex and bowling that you can easily reach by car or train from Emsworth. There are also cinemas and shops in nearby Port Solent and the cathedral City of Chichester. Fishbourne Roman Palace is very close and you can book water tours from Chichester Marina (look out for The Terror, a beautifully-preserved oyster boat), seal watching boat trips from Hayling Island, or hire kayaks, boats and paddle boards from Emsworth Marina or Port Solent.
Across to the races and Fontwell Park and Goodwood are easy rides from Emsworth making Mill Pond House the perfect location for enjoying horse racing, The Festival of Speed, Glorious Goodwood or The Revival.
