By The Inspector

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Rating: 5 Star Rating

The leafy drive looks promising. Then a lake by a meadow creeps into view. In the distance, the South Downs are bathed in evening sunlight.

There could be disappointment round the last corner, but instead it’s joy unconfined as we come to a halt outside the Grade II*-listed Newick Park in East Sussex.

Privately owned. Set in 255 acres of parkland. Tasteful. Top-notch antique furniture; cabinets of fine old glass and china; stellar food. Discreet and efficient service. And an almost zen-like atmosphere.

Newick Park Hotel

Stately: Newick Park Hotel is set in more than 200 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland

It’s mainly Georgian, built on three floors with two tall bays on each side. At one time it was occupied by the Chief Justice of Bengal, reputed to have buried treasure from India in the garden.

Today, there are 13 rooms in the main house and three in the Granary. Ours is pretty in an understated, British sort of way. There’s something comforting about the old-fashioned headboard, a luggage rack, dressing table, huge cupboards, thick curtains, and a roll-top bath that looks like it’s been there for ever.

The public rooms downstairs are big and grand, fabulous for a party. A wedding will be held here in the morning, which is why the library has become the temporary dining room. It’s a gorgeous space, with a grand piano, bookcases galore, duck egg walls, elaborate cornicing.

Each round table easily seats four so there’s bags of room. Nothing grates here (well, perhaps the fussy pelmets) and it’s the antithesis of corporate.

A framed letter from John Major, who stayed in May 1994, hangs in the corridor. ‘I am particularly grateful to you and your staff for making me feel so welcome.’

I feel moved to write a similar sort of letter — even though it might not get quite the same treatment.
We went for a long walk in the morning and then played a game of croquet — anything to delay our departure. Newick Park is a discovery.

Travel Facts

Newick Park Hotel and Country Estate
Newick
E. Sussex
BN8 4SB

Tel: 01825 723633, www.newickpark.co.uk

Doubles from 165 B&B

Rating: 5 Star Rating