We recently had the most incredible stay at Buxted Park Hotel which exceeded all of our expectations. The elegant Palladian country house hotel is located in East Sussex and sits within 312 acres of rolling Sussex countryside.
Buxted Park is owned by Hand Picked Hotels, a unique and luxurious collection of family-run hotels that let you escape the stress of everyday life and explore Britain at its best. What was particularly exciting about the stay was that not just Buxted Park, but each of the Hand Picked Hotels are dog friendly, which meant Moose was able to come along for the adventure.
Continue reading to hear all about our stay at the beautiful Buxted Park Hotel…
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Buxted Park dates back to the 12th century and upon arrival we were mesmerised by its rich history. Grand entrances and stairways, crystal chandeliers, quaint fireplaces, plush arm chairs and scenic garden views at every turn, we knew immediately that we were in for a memorable stay.
We were greeted with the most warm welcome by the staff. In fact, as we walked into the reception, the gentleman asked “Is this Moose?” bending down to give him the biggest fuss only to receive a million licks in return. Check in was smooth and we were soon shown to our suite.
OUR SUITE
Throughout its history, Buxted Park has hosted some rather prestigious guests including King George V, Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Mary. In total Buxted Park has 44 rooms, include 7 master suites, with some rooms named after the historical figures that have stayed.
We were fortunate to stay in the Basil Ionides Suite, named after one of Britains greatest designers who brought Buxted Park at the beginning of the 20th century. We felt immensely lucky to experience what use to be his momentous home.
Basil Ionides blew us away. We opened the door and were welcomed into our spacious suite with the most jaw-dropping high ceilings. The room featured a roaring fireplace, a dressing table, a cosy seating area and dinner table. What really caught my eye was the stately king sized bed fit for a queen centred on the far wall, backed by the most extravagant wallpaper. Now… what is the first thing ones self should do when checking into a hotel room and seeing what looks to be the most comfiest bed in the world…
Even the bathroom was impressive, with its marble floor, deep bath and high ceilings. And just when we thought the suite couldn’t get better, we wandered over to the tall windows to see what would greet us and were left speechless by the uninterrupted views of the hotels gardens.
FOOD AND DRINK
Buxted Park has an incredible two AA-rosette restaurant that is both beautiful by day with its large skylight and by night when it’s lit with ambient lighting. The hotel also offers dining in The Coat of Arms Lounge and Crystal Bar or on their Orangery Terrace, which is where we chose to dine with Moose enjoying a glass of wine overlooking the peaceful gardens.
Head Chef, Mark Carter has created a work-of-art menu, inspired by modern British food characteristics, with seasonality and local ingredients. I had the Buxted Vegetarian platter to start, followed by Paella and finished with my favourite dish that I could quite easily time and time again, the Crunchy Chocolate Mousse.
Two employees of Buxted Park that were truly remarkable were Marc Desseaux and Jean Francios. Both were passionate, charming, attentive and impeccable with their hospitality.
MOOSE AND HIS STAY
Needless to say, Moose was treated like royalty by the staff at Buxted Park. Not only that, but even other guests had the biggest smile on their faces when they saw Moose exploring the hotel and its grounds. Our suite had been fitted with a dog bed, food and water bowls and some tasty doggy treats. Moose did not want to leave.
THE GROUNDS
With 312 acres of the finest Sussex parkland, you will never run out of places to explore at Buxted Park. The hotel is surrounded by rolling hills, botanical gardens, rustic ponds, a bee apiary and three stunning lakes home to wildlife. I can safely say Moose had the time of his life.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, an escape to the countryside, a family getaway or a dog friendly break, Buxted Park Hotel has all the amenities you could dream of! We can’t wait to come back.
