Everyone needs a little luxury in their life at least once in a while. And South Lodge is the perfect place to find it.
A little look back
Just outside Horsham, and with views across its spacious lawns to the South Downs, South Lodge has an interesting history. The current building was built in the late 19th century (although the estate predates that by several centuries) by Frederick Du Cane Godman.
Du Cane Godman was a famed naturalist who specialised in plants from Central America. His wife was both a keen explorer and gardener, and their influence can still very much be felt today. The Du Cane Godmans’ daughters, Eva and Edith, lived at South Lodge until their deaths in 1965 and 1982 respectively, and the house was then acquired by its current owners the Exclusive Hotels Group.
A look at today
South Lodge is now a 5-star hotel set in 92 acres and built in Jacobean / Gothic style with sympathetic extensions. It has echoes of its past in its elegant halls and lounges, but sumptuous signs of the present. It has a large terrace, sweeping lawns, vines and a wildflower meadow. The rooms have locally inspired names and just the right touch of indulgence: roll-top baths, spacious bedrooms and large double beds with sumptuous cotton bedding.
South Lodge also has its own spa, complete with a natural swimming pond, a hydrotherapy pool, an indoor infinity pool, a thermal zone with a choice of steam rooms, a sauna, treatment rooms and fitness facilities. If you want a complete retreat, they have recently opened six lakeside lodges and two spa lodges, designed using beautifully up-cycled, locally sourced or naturally derived materials.
Something to eat
There are three restaurants at South Lodge, namely The Pass, Camelia and Botanica. Botanica, is a dairy-free, sustainability and health-focused restaurant in the spa with a large balcony overlooking the wild pool. The Pass restaurant has a Michelin star and four AA Rosettes.
Your luxurious itinerary
If you’re looking for a luxurious break, arrive to enjoy a glass of Ridgeview sparkling wine as you unpack before you head off to explore. Whether you choose afternoon tea on the terrace, treatments in the spa or an afternoon by the pool, it will be an afternoon well spent that just leaves time for a walk around the ample grounds, and evening drinks on the terrace overlooking the lawns.
In the summer (1st June to 3rd September) Botanica closes at 8.30 pm but the Camelia or The Pass restaurants stay open for dinner later. And you can always try Botanica in the morning for breakfast or for lunch. Top tip, the spa opens at 6 am and in the summer, you may well have the pool to yourself if you slip down there for an early morning swim.
There is a slower pace of life at South Lodge. The stresses of the day slip away quietly as you sink into a place where they look after you well. It’s a little corner of luxury, a chance to relax and rejuvenate, and to be utterly spoilt for a while. And who doesn’t need some of that?
They offer a variety of different experiences at South Lodge which include a nature immersive spa, a Di-Vine spa experience and Walk Yourself Happy retreats with Julia Bradbury. For more information or to book, visit: South Lodge
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