A Very Private Affair
The Garden Mews, Langshott Manor
Holidays with friends are on pause for the time being, but that doesn’t mean we can’t book our own British hideaway or look ahead to 2021 and find a private retreat to have all to ourselves. Here is my choice of small and private hideaways that you can enjoy exclusively in the UK, Portugal and Morocco:
The Gatehouse, Alexander House, West Sussex
Sleeps 4
Prices from: £3500 for 7 nights
You’ll be hard pushed to find somewhere more private than The Gatehouse at Alexander House in West Sussex. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence is the epitome of luxury with a full concierge service, breakfast hampers, chef-prepared meals and shopping delivery services. You literally don’t need to lift a finger during your stay! You can even enjoy bespoke cocktail classes. Set amidst mature woodland on the Alexander House estate The Gatehouse is reached by a private pathway with private parking next to the property. Ideal for a family of four The Gatehouse has a Master Suite that boasts a handmade super-king size bed with massive bathroom and a second en-suite bedroom is set up as a twin. The living room, dining and kitchen is open plan with orangery and gas fire.
Surrounded by mature woodland on the Alexander House estate The Gate House is reached by a private pathway via the tennis court by foot, with its own private parking.
Fluffy bathrobes, towel warmers, Nespresso coffee machine and L’Occitane products are just some of the luxuries you’ll find on your arrival at The Gate House. The kitchen is fully-equipped and there’s underfloor heating throughout. During the summer months you can enjoy al fresco dining on the terraces and relax in the private garden on the sun loungers. The Wifi is fast and free and if there’s a chill in the air cosy up next to the gas fire in the sitting room with one of the complimentary glossy magazines.
The Gate House, Alexander House
Dar Kawa, Marrakech
Sleeps 8
Rates from £745 per night including breakfast
Dar Kawa is one of my favourite places to stay in Morocco. I could finish there but my love for this 4-room whitewashed house is a hard to keep to myself. This design gem is in the heart of Marrakech’s old medina off the beaten track and not easy to find. The exquisite, unpretentious interiors are thanks to owner and talented Belgian Interior Designer Valérie Barkowski (who also by the way has a gorgeous design shop in the medina). It’s not only the design (I love the pompom towels and gorgeous bedlinen) but the amazing organic vegetarian food and slick service that sets this house apart from others. The 4 en-suite bedrooms vary in size, but it’s ideal to take over with friends and family for a few days while you explore the souks, medina and museums which are all within easy walking distance.
The Garden Cottage, Staffordshire
Sleeps up to 6 people
Rates from £220 per night
Self-contained and in the countryside Garden Cottage sits quietly, covered in roses, on the Wootton Hall Estate. Sleeping up to six people across three bedrooms and two bathrooms it’s perfect if you’re after a change of scenery. It’s just 40 minutes from Chatsworth, a short drive to the Peak District National Park and Alton Towers is close by. Decorated in a country style the cottage enjoys far-reaching views across the Staffordshire fields and there’s a working fireplace to cosy up to after a long country walk or cycle ride. The cherry on top is that it’s just 5 minutes from award-winning pub, The Duncombe Arms which serves delicious British food.
Rates from £220 per night for a minimum 3-night stay. 7-night stays receive a 10% discount.
Tel: 01335 324275
The Garden Mews at Langshott Manor, West Sussex
Sleeps 10
Rates from £5,600 for 7 nights
The Garden Mews at Langshott Manor in West Sussex is a private collection of 5 suites, three of which are on the ground floor connected via private gardens and the largest of 3 suites, the Wisley connects directly to the Leonardslea. Large and spacious with its own sitting room the Wisley Suite is decorated in the regal hues of amethyst complemented by contemporary furnishings and artwork. The Leonardslea Suite can made up as either a super-king or a twin room and the other suite on the ground floor is the Sissinghurst which boasts a beautiful wooden sleigh bed. Open up the French windows which lead directly on to the private garden, the ideal spot for a barbecue in the summer. You’ll find the other 2 cosy suites on the first floor. A stay at The Garden Mews at Langshott includes your own private room and bar in the mansion house, exclusively yours for the duration of your stay.
In the mansion house, Langshott Manor will reserve a private room for your exclusive use during your stay, complete with bar, for relaxing and dining.
Casa Fuzetta, Algarve, Portugal
Sleeps 10-24 people, minimum 5-night stay
Rates from £1450 per night
Casa Fuzetta is an historic townhouse in Olhao’s old town that is available to rent throughout the year. Just 15 minutes from Faro this barefoot chic hideaway is ideal for larger families (children over 8 are welcome), or groups of friends looking for a relaxed, private and luxurious house. Sleeping between 10-24 people there’s no compromise on space: there’s plenty inside and out. Lovingly restored over 3 years using local materials and craftsmen, the house has been transformed into a magnificent retreat with stunning rooftop pool. A palette of neutral colours, stones, linens and woods have been used throughout to create a relaxing atmosphere and a calming energy that can be felt as soon as you arrive. Early booking is ABSOLUTELY essential.
Included:
3hrs maid service per day excluding Sundays
Fresh linen once per week & fresh towels twice per week
Some initial provisions in the fridge and the pantry…. (normally this will include: Nespresso capsules (two per guest), tea, sugar, fresh bread, selection of fruit and veg, fresh local cheese, butter, milk, eggs, olive oil & vinegar, salt & pepper) If you would like a full fridge shop to be done before you arrive, you can let Casa Fuzetta what you would like.
Casa Fuzetta’s local house manager will be available to meet and greet you at the house, show you how everything works, share recommendations and local knowledge.
Check in between 16:00 and 18:00 and check out by 11:00.