insideKENT Magazine Issue 32 - November 2014 | Page 116

GETAWAYS

ULTIMATE LUXURY AT

SOUTH LODGE HOTEL
Nestled in the heart of the scenic Sussex Downs, the ever-opulent South
Lodge Hotel counts fine wine, award-winning cuisine, and unrivalled views
amongst its five-star offerings. BY GEMMA DUNN

Residing under the
Exclusive Hotels
Collection umbrella,
South Lodge
makes up a quarter
of one of the most
dynamic and
successful privately
owned hotel
groups in the UK.

Yet, it hasn't always been a frontrunner in the hospitality field. Built
in 1883 as a modest dwelling, it
was only after its auction purchase
by the Pecorelli family in 1985 that
the house was transformed into a
hotel. Looking to preserve the
character and charm of the oncefamily home, any additional work
that has since gone into South
Lodge has been completed with its
original elements in mind.

Boasting a portfolio
of four luxurious
hotels across the South of England, Exclusive's concept is refreshing in
that it offers guests a unique, secluded stay in each of its properties, while
also ensuring that its locations are not so remote as to deny access to the
surrounding areas.
My abode for the night, South Lodge Hotel is a leafy, picture-perfect country
house situated in Horsham, West Sussex. Represented by Small Luxury
Hotels of the World and Pride of Britain Hotels, this celebrated venue was
already one of the finest hotels in England, but since enjoying a stylish
investment programme, has been propelled to new heights in five-star hotel
luxury.
Moreover, as an unassuming guest, it certainly didn't take me long to realise
its magnificence. Tucked away off the A281 Brighton Road, the winding
driveway and snippets of parkland on route to the car park are at once,
enchanting – not to mention the sentiment once the 19th-century house
comes into view. Set in 93 acres of parkland, and bordering the South
Downs National Park, the South Lodge estate offers stunning vistas from
each and ever