WHERE TO STAY
LEONARDSLEE HOUSE A Grade II listed stately home within a half hour of Nutbourne and Ridgeview, this is as well-appointed as Claridges, yet priced for the Home Counties. People come from across the nation to wander the ancient gardens nd and dine at the in-house restaurant Interlude, with its Michelinstar menu. Linger in your canopy bed until checkout – it’s well placed near the window for views over the treetops. Breakfast, a medley of venison bresaola, garden eggs and homebaked sourdough, is taken in the old clock tower, overlooking the vineyard. leonardsleegardens.co.uk
TOTTINGTON MANOR The road here climbs from deep valleys up to hill crests with views to the sea. A heritage home conversion, Tottington (below) has 12 guest rooms, recently renovated top to toe with jet tubs and jump-up beds. Breakfast of South Downs sausage and farm eggs comes with the room, and dinner is a buzzy affair – the chef does killer steak pies and Sussex cheese soufflés. The gardens go on for days. Enjoy them from the back terrace with a glass of Poynings Grange Bacchus from the next town over. tottingtonmanor.co.uk
TINWOOD ESTATE Walk down to the viewing platform and you’ll spot a row of lodges skirting the vineyard – the latest five of which open this summer. The handsome oak-panelled boxes (above) have windows facing the fields, plus Jacuzzi baths and wine fridges. Overnight guests get access to a barrel sauna and bikes for doing laps of the estate’s 110 acres. In warmer months, tour guide Jade Swain conducts yoga classes among the vines. tinwood estate.com