The UK summer has not blessed us; rain has been a far more common symbol on the weather app than sunshine. On the rare days when the mercury did creep high, however, few places were better to soak up the rays than on the private decks of South Lodge’s newly launched The Reeds lodges.
Located some 45 miles south of London, on the edges of Sussex’s pretty South Downs, South Lodge has become a mainstay for locals and city dwellers alike seeking a slice of countryside serenity. While the hotel has long been known for its exemplary facilities – you have likely seen its unique natural swimming pool on Instagram and its signature restaurant, The Pass, proudly bears a Michelin star – the launch of The Reeds helps propel it into a new realm of modern escapist luxury.
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Removed from the main hub of the hotel and accessed via a short woodland walk (or via an electric buggy, if you prefer), six of the new The Reeds lodges are arranged around South Lodge’s newly-filled wild swimming lake, with careful placement ensuring none of the decks are in view of one another. (Fair warning: it’s lifeguarded swimming only in the lake – you’ll be asked to sign a waiver when you check in, promising not to leap in from your balcony.) A further two one-bedroom spa lodges are set back from the lake; each one has its own infrared sauna and a steam shower.
While the main house gladly leans into its historic connections with dark paneled walls, lavish four-poster beds and jazzy floral carpets, down by the lakes, it’s an altogether more modern affair. Each named after a lakeside species (we were in the two-bedroom Water Boatman), the eight lodges subtly capture the serene atmosphere of the surrounding natural landscape and transform it into a soothing interior style.
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In the cavernous lounge, expect a neutral color palette with sustainably-sourced natural materials gently accented by flashes of sage and ochre yellow, while the bedrooms turn into a cozy cocoon via dark green paneled walls. Huge double-height windows throw light across the interiors; the lower portion of these windows open in their entirety, creating a true indoor-outdoor space. Out on the huge decked balcony beyond, dining space for four, sun loungers and a huge copper whirlpool bath await.
Imagined as a secluded home-away-from-home, each lodge also comes kitted with a small kitchenette (complete with a complimentary mini-bar and snack drawer). Make use of the option to have a breakfast hamper delivered directly to your lodge – each comes laden with still-warm bread, pastries, juices, homemade granola and local charcuterie.
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Come evening, raid the complimentary snack drawer and order a bottle of Ridgeview English sparkling wine (the hotel has a partnership with the producer and is in the early stages of cultivating an on-site vineyard) to sip al-fresco.
We managed to be one of the lucky few to visit The Reeds during a final late summer heatwave. “We could be abroad!” I exclaimed to my companion approximately 20 times as we hopped back and forth from the buzzy main pool to the privacy of our own deck. In fact, we were just over 15 miles away from the M23 motorway and even less than that from the bright lights of Gatwick airport – not that you’d ever know it at South Lodge.
From £1,200 (approx. $1,570) per night, exclusive.co.uk
