insideKENT Magazine Issue 92 - November 2019 | Page 142

GETAWAYS
SOUTH LODGE
CONT.
Found nestled in the winding country lanes on the
outskirts of Horsham, South Lodge is both easily
accessible, yet totally away from it all. The picturesque
setting of the main manor house; home to the hotel’s
bedrooms, junior suites, master suites, banqueting
rooms, sun-soaked terrace, Camellia dining room,
and award-winning restaurant The Pass; and the
newly built and totally awe-invoking The Spa, afford
uninterrupted and truly breathtaking views across
the South Downs. From the moment you arrive to
the gravel lined driveway peace descends and
relaxation begins.
The house was built by Frederick Du Cane Godman,
first as a modest dwelling in 1883, taking care not
to disturb the beautiful camellia; which still thrives
between the dining room windows of its namesake
restaurant; with a host of latter grand additions
including the drawing room in 1911. The main
reception, in the magnificent lobby, is remarkable.
The Victorian architecture is still resplendent; think
high ceilings, imposing dark wood doors, grand stone
archways and fireplace, complete with the Godman
portrait whose eyes are said to follow guests around
the room! The maghony wood panelling and intricate
ceiling theme continues into many of the cosy fire-
lit lounge and bar spaces; and South Lodge has been
careful to preserve its unique historic charm, albeit
with a modern twist, in the range of bedrooms,
junior and master suites on offer.
Own our abode was the Lord Fairhaven room, a
corner master suite. The extravagant suite offered
a stone-floored entrance hall with hidden wardrobe
space, before opening into a huge lounge, leading
through to the main master bedroom, and onwards
again to a stunning bathroom. The room was the
ultimate collision between historic grandeur;
sumptuous furnishings and drapes, original windows,
prime South Downs views, and a contemporary
flourish; modern decor, underfloor heating, rainforest
shower, Aquavision TV and Nespresso coffee
machine. The result? A match made in master suite
relaxation heaven, made even better with a bottle
of Ridgeview Bloomsbury NV on ice for our arrival!
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Tempted never to leave, it was the draw of the new
purpose built spa, combined with a rare late summer’s
day of glorious sunshine, that spurred my guest and
I to amble over to the impressive latest addition, for
some much deserved downtime.
And it is incredible!
Built into the rolling hillside grounds of the main
manor house, the 44,000 sq. ft. The Spa is a lesson
in modern contemporary architecture; exposed
brick, bold full height windows, curved roof lines
and stunning vertical wood-cladding, and state-of-
the-art eco-encompassing wellness.
Guests can be pampered by a signature treatment
from one of the inhouse therapists, indulge at the
Ridgeview Beauty Bar, or build up a sweat in the
modern gym; bursting with cardio equipment, free
weights and weight resistance equipment, as well as
offering a popular spin studio and personal training
sessions with one of the knowledgeable and friendly
gym team.
But only if they can resist the temptation of the
simply stunning pools.
The indoor infinity pool offers views across
the outside spaces and rolling countryside beyond,
framed with loungers and cosy daybeds for two.
Whilst outside the split-level semi-circular wooden
decked terraces offer a host of loungers, chairs and
cocooned dome seating (as well as the handy informal
Waterside bar for a cheeky botanical gin cocktail,
light bite or gelato); as well as being home to the
blissfully warm and blissfully relaxing hydrotherapy
pool, and the stunning wild swimming pool. Less
pool more swimming pond, with wild water-based
plants and reeds with unique restorative qualities,
it’s a must try!
Suitably relaxed (and hungry!) we made our way to
the rooftop home of Botanica, The Spa’s Mediterrean
inspired restaurant.
Open for breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner
on weekends; the light, airy and nature inspired
dining room is the perfect place for Botanica’s head
chef Jonathan Spier’s to deliver his menu, that,
although not exclusively vegetarian, features a
plethora of plant-based Mediterrean-inspired dishes,
utlising the South Downs as a larder for fresh and
seasonal ingredients.
In fact there is a total commitment to fresh and local
produce and to ingredient-led menus across the
plentiful and inspired dining options at South Lodge.
Aside from foodie dinner destination, Tom Kemble
The Pass (which you can read about on page 143)
everything from afternoon tea and snacks to the à
la carte offerings by the 2 AA Rosette Camellia, led
by Jamie Gibson, and hearty breakfasts on offer (we
thoroughly recommend the full English!) are bursting
with locally produced fantastic produce.
Aside from sumptuous rooms, exquisite dining
and the best spa setting we’ve experienced for quite
some time, South Lodge can also be commended
on its unfaltering service with a smile. Every member
of staff that we encountered could not have
done more for us; from the signature drink
recommendations to the fresh towels at the pool;
the perfect cocktail to a quick history of the building
just in passing, the staff made this already amazing
stay all the more impressive.
South Lodge an Exclusive Hotel & Spa
Brighton Road
Lower Beeding
Horsham
RH13 6PS
01403 891 711
www.exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge
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