January
24
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ESCAPE LONDON – Enjoy a country welcome at a Wolsey Lodge private home
Wolsey Lodges is the marketing organization behind a group of luxury private homes, all of which offer Bed & Breakfast – and in many cases also an evening meal – to paying guests. No longer are they one of the best-kept secrets of the travelling cognoscenti; today they have some 140 different establishments in the group, stretching from Cornwall to the Highlands and with a number of properties in France.
The company was founded over 30 years ago and inspiration for the name came from King Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor, Cardinal Wolsey, who famously toured therealm, expecting to receive generous hospitality at suitable country houses on his travels.
All Wolsey Lodge members have met stringent criteria set by the group. They share an uncompromising ethos of exceptional hospitality and their guests like the individuality of each property and the chance to visit and stay overnight in some of the most beautiful private homes.
They are all very individual and one can stay, for example, in castles, manor houses, farms, town houses and rectories from a range of different eras. The welcome you receive at a Wolsey Lodge is one that a friend would receive; a genuinely warm welcome and a stay that charms and exceeds expectations.
We decided to stay in a Wolsey Lodge and can say first hand, that everything they say is true. The building was stunning and the hosts amazing.
The hosts at Boreham house in East Sussex, just one of the Wolsey Lodges Sarah and Simon were very welcoming, they oozed warm personalities and it was hard not to feel at home as soon as you walk through the beautiful door. I arrived at night, but the clearly lit sign ensured I was able to see where to drive in. Boreham House is an English Heritage Grade II late Georgian House, that was built in 1796 and was lovingly renovated to its former glory. The house is set in around 2 ½ acres of land, including some Woodland and a field. You can’t help but fall in love with historical buildings, especially when they are as well kept as Boreham House.
My bedroom the Ashburnham room, was exquisitely decorated with stunning wooden white doors, two large cupboards with engraved white wooden panels surrounding them. Every detail has been thought out and has a ladies touch, plump pretty pillows crown the inviting king size bed, with crisp white sheets and a soft velvet grey throw. The bed may well be the most comfortable bed I have slept in on all my travels and it is fit for a princess. The room is an excellent size, with two comfortable chairs and a table overlooking the window, along with a stunning set including a dressing table, chest of drawers and nightstands. The carpet has been well lined, as walking on it almost feels as if you are walking on air. Although the night air was cold, the room was the perfect temperature and a good selection of coffee, tea and, water and delicious biscuits were on hand. Down stairs there is a cute and comfortable snug room. Simon and Sarah have ensured your weekend in the country can be as relaxed and homely as you desire. Another favourite part of my delightful room is the iron real fireplace, with beautiful white mantelpiece, it looks absolutely divine is a stand out peace of the room.
Simon and Sarah have ensured your weekend in the country can be as relaxed and homely as you desire.
The bathroom was modern, with wonderfully plump and fluffy towels, including a flannel and an excellent selection of toiletries. The sink looked Victorian, in keeping with the style of the building, with modern touches such as the large walk in glass shower and on the floor lay lovely grey tiles and the room is decorated in light grey.
The breakfast room boasts an absolutely stunning open fire, with a marble surround that the owners discovered by accident when they loving restored it to it’s former glory. The table was perfectly laid, with fresh flowers, a crisp white cotton table cloth and china cups. Boreham House provides a lovely breakfast selection and for a vegetarian like myself, with a great twist on the usual vegetarian breakfast, by adding halloumi cheese. They also have tomatoes on toast, another favourite of mine. As well as porridge, omelette, fresh fruit, English breakfast and so much more.
Boreham House provides a lovely breakfast selection and for a vegetarian like myself, with a great twist on the usual vegetarian breakfast, by adding halloumi cheese.
I have to emphasise just how lovely the hosts were, they are easy to talk to and friendly, without being intrusive. They know how to make you feel welcome and really at home. I also found out why my sleep was so wonderful, as the bed was handmade in England and complete with a 600 count Egyptian cotton mattress topper. There is also a lovely pub you can take a stroll to for dinner and the hosts even provide torches, to ensure you can find your way back in the dark.
15 years prior during the renovations, some old artifacts were found in a wall. A child’s leather shoe, a 17th century penny and a key, which I was very privileged to be shown. Burying something leather was considered good luck and they were likely to have been put in the wall when it was built in 1797. It is so fascinating to hear stories like this, Simon also shared that the area used to be a smugglers haven and there is a tunnel that runs from the sea, under the house, to the field behind. They also have a stunning self catering holiday cottage, complete with its own patio and full amenities. The gardens are beautifully kept and there are many green fields to take a stroll in.
Staying at the a Wolsey Lodge is your perfect country getaway, Boreham Lodge is a beautiful stylish house that is rich in history, with amazing hosts, delicious food and beautiful surroundings. This stunning bed and breakfast is A class every step of the way and well worth a visit. We can’t wait to try out more Wolsey Lodges again, all rooms have en suite or private facilities. Prices are per person, per night, based on shared occupancy of a double or twin-bedded room and always include a generous breakfast.
Boreham House, Boreham Street, East Sussex, UK, BN27 4SF, 01323 833719
5 Star Rating
Bedroom 5
Service 5
Food 5
Décor 5
Cat, Heart London Magazine
Heart London Magazine 