Grade II listed Leonardslee House sits in the heart of an enchanting 240 acre estate with far-reaching vistas across the Sussex countryside. With just ten bedrooms, Leonardslee House blends exclusivity with impeccable attention to detail. The rooms showcase the very best of quintessential British design featuring Nina Campbell, Veere Grenney and Rapture and Wright amongst many others. Exquisitely curated touches include Leonardslee's own wine and fizz in the fridge, and a jar of bath salts ready to be poured into the roll top bath.
Thanks to the influence of Victorian plant collector Sir Edmund Loder, the gardens are an anthophile’s dream - particularly in springtime when rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias pop in a palette of vivid hues. Admire the neat rows of Leonardslee’s vineyards and explore the extensive lakes and gardens where you might bump into a wallaby - descendents of the wallabies introduced by Loder in 1889. For a guaranteed sighting of a wallaby - and perhaps a joey too - head to the enclosure for breeding pairs. Stunning sculptures around every corner add to a dream-like feel to this magical place.
The garden also provides inspiration for chef Jean Delport’s Michelin-starred Restaurant Interlude - a tasting menu centred around a ‘hunter-gatherer’ concept, full of components which have been foraged, cultivated and raised on the estate or close by: nettle, silver birch sap, alexanders - and the signature dish, ‘Rabbit Eats Carrot’. Every plate is a masterpiece of culinary craftsmanship and it’s no surprise that Restaurant Interlude recently made the top 50 at the National Restaurant Awards.
In terms of location, Leonardslee House sits deep in the West Sussex countryside and yet is within easy striking distance of London - providing the perfect spot to escape the city and unwind. A stay at Leonardslee House is an unmissable experience: a real destination hotel that will leave you daydreaming of a return visit.
Foodies
Golf
Wine tasting
Short break
Good wine list
Outstanding location
Airport
Restrictions on children
Country House
Sit-out Terrace
Country Escape
Romantic Break
Luxury
Traditional
Great walks
Restaurant
Rooms
10 rooms in this hotelGarden
Extensive gardens and lakes, with a wide range of plants and trees, including a vast collection of rhododendrons and azaleasGood wine list
They have a sister wine estate in South Africa, and there is a big focus on wines.Parking
Free on site parkingRestrictions on children
From 13 upwardsWifi
No pets
Sit-out Terrace
Restaurant
Golf
Wine tasting
Great walks
Why do people love staying in your hotel?
Guests are captivated by the sense of serenity and splendour at Leonardslee House. Set within the Grade I-listed Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens estate in West Sussex, the property offers luxurious, individually styled suites overlooking breathtaking gardens, woodlands, and lakes. The Michelin-starred (and Green Michelin star) dining experience at Restaurant Interlude, combined with warm, discreet service and a deeply restorative atmosphere, makes it a truly memorable escape.
What is there to do in the area?
Beyond exploring the 240-acre woodland estate—with its rhododendron-lined walks, ornamental rock gardens, wallaby colony, and sculpture trail—guests can enjoy the on-site Leonardslee Family vineyard for tastings and masterclasses, or visit historic sites like Petworth House and Parham Park. The South Downs National Park offers stunning walks and views just a short drive away, and Brighton’s coastline and cultural attractions are within easy reach.
What kind of breakfast do you offer?
Breakfast is a relaxed affair served in the Clock Tower a short walk from Leonardslee House. Guests can expect seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with a menu featuring dishes such as free-range eggs any style, full English, freshly baked pastries, house-made granola and preserves, and speciality coffee and teas. Vegan and gluten-free options are also thoughtfully catered for.
Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
The jewel in the crown is Restaurant Interlude, our Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant, which has just been voted 49th in the National Restaurant Awards 2025, offering a tasting menu that reflects the seasons and foraged ingredients from the estate. For lunch or lighter bites, Leonardslee Gardens' Clocktower Café and Courtyard Café provide fresh, wholesome options during the day. Should guests wish to dine out, we recommend The Pass at South Lodge for fine dining, or The Crabtree in Lower Beeding for modern British fare in a relaxed pub setting.
Which are your most popular room types, and why?
Our Deluxe Suites are especially popular for their spaciousness, refined design, and views over the estate. Each room is uniquely decorated with antique and contemporary furnishings, roll top baths, luxurious linens, and heritage detailing, blending traditional charm with modern comfort. The peace and privacy they offer make them ideal for romantic breaks and special occasions.
What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms?
While the property has a grown-up, tranquil atmosphere best suited to couples or solo travellers, children over the age of 12 are welcome. Some of the larger suites can accommodate an extra bed on request, and families can enjoy the wider estate with its nature trails, lakes, and wallaby enclosure, which are always a hit with younger visitors.
What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers?
If you’re looking for a refined countryside retreat where nature, culinary excellence, and historic beauty converge, Leonardslee House offers something truly special. Whether you're here to unwind, celebrate, or indulge, we invite you to step into a slower pace of life and experience the magic of this hidden gem in the heart of Sussex.
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