The Hotel Grounds
Our luxury hotel in Sussex nestles on
a secluded warm level terrace, on a gentle south slope with fine
views to the south and south-west across the Weald. The 93 acres of
woodland, formal lawns, ponds and gardens are particularly
impressive and effective in spring and autumn.
Planted mainly with trees and shrubs, over 200 varieties of
Rhododendron, azalea and camellia and a collection of native trees,
mainly beech and oak, the gardens are just one element of what
makes use one of the finest luxury hotels in West
Sussex. The upkeep of these extensive grounds is a full
time job for our team of gardeners and grounds staff.
A word or two from Head Gardener, Kevin Hodder
During August we can usually expect high
temperatures and little rainfall. Watering is quite time consuming
but general growth has slowed up giving the team a bit more time to
get outstanding jobs completed. There are plenty of colourful
flowers that save their display for the summer months as long as we
keep up to speed with deadheading, pest control and some routine
weeding. August is often considered to be a holiday month but we
all know that the demands of the garden rise and fall but never
stop.
Record breaking!
On the front lawn, you will find a
Rhododendron Arboreum. This is the largest single Rhododendron
in England, is over 150 years old and standing at 25 feet tall, it
produces a mass of cerise flowers in late April and early May,
which is truly a sight to behold.
Ancient roots
The Camellia Restaurant (3 AA Rosettes) is
named after the Camellia ‘Donckelarii’ that grows on the south
terrace. This Camellia was in existence when Frederick Du Cane
Godman built South Lodge in 1883; the story goes that the Camellia
was growing against the south wall of the previous Tudor building
and when this was demolished to make way for South Lodge, a small
section of the wall immediately behind the Camellia was left intact
to preserve its roots, which makes the Camellia well over 250 years
old.
Take me to the Camellia
Restaurant
Hidden treasures
A short stroll across the beautifully
manicured, tiered lawns brings you to a beautiful lake with a
pretty babbling brook running into the lake and winding pathways.
And lastly, tucked away behind the impressive Rhododendron on the
front lawn, is a Victorian rockery.
Tell me more about dining
al fresco on the terrace
There’s so much to see and explore, pick up a map of the grounds
from reception once you've arrived.