THE REEDS LAKESIDE LODGES, SUSSEX, UK

Posted in Projects on 20 October, 2024

Gazing out under a canopy of oak trees, eight lakeside lodges bring sustainable luxury to South Lodge Hotel and Spa.

Words by Emma Kennedy

South Lodge Hotel and Spa is a jewel in the Sussex countryside. It’s a grand affair, sitting proudly in 92 acres of ancient woodland, wild meadows, and ornamental gardens. With more outdoor pursuits than you can shake an oak branch at, the estate has been a coveted escape since joining the Exclusive Collection in 1984. In 2019 it elevated its offerings further with the addition of an award-winning 44,000-square-foot spa. Soon to become a destination in its own right, SparcStudio – the visionary team responsible for the spa’s interiors – and architecture firm Felce & Guy, were the obvious choice for the design and delivery of eight luxurious lakeside lodges.

Hopping into the guest buggy at the hotels main entrance, we are taken down a winding path – passing through woodland, tennis courts and young vines (part of the estate’s future plans to establish its own vineyard). Approaching the Lodge from the back, we step inside and are met with the rich aroma of freshly hewn timber – an aromatic reminder that we are the first guests to cross the newly finished threshold.

With the doors wide open, the quality of the natural light combined with the double height ceiling, allows the space to merge seamlessly with the deck outside. Photographs courtesy of South Lodge Hotel and Spa.

With sustainability at the forefront of the brief, on arrival, it is immediately apparent that SparcStudio have designed the lodges with a deep respect for the surrounding area. Using innovative, locally sourced or naturally derived materials, the feel is authentic, natural and of course, luxurious – with a distinct high-end Alpine chalet feel.

Discussing the original brief, SparcStudio explained how they brought to life, Exclusive Collection MD, Danny Pecorelli’s vision. “His aim was to provide guests with a luxurious yet sustainable retreat in line with the hotels B Corp certification. Somewhere to relax, rejuvenate and connect with the natural surroundings of rural West Sussex. Combining natural eco materials with a natural palette, we took a biophilic approach in bringing the look, feel and essence of the spa to the lodges. We then integrated spa experiences, such as a copper bath for two on the exterior decks – a halo therapy infrared sauna overlooking the wild swim lake, and steam showers with multiple showering experiences.”

The lodges are designed around a central double-height lounge area.

Designed around a central double-height lounge area, the lodge is dominated by the stunning view, that stretches out across the lake. Despite the drizzle that falls gently onto the deck outside, the space is emersed in natural light, flooding in through a wall of glass doors, and windows. Outside, the large deck offers a generous dining area – with banquette seating and chairs, lush plants that echo the greenery beyond, and two recliners. So mesmerised by the rippling water of the lake and the woodland beyond, the deep tub hiding in a quiet corner, remained undiscovered until several hours later. Aesthetically the exteriors have the feel of a particularly good episode of Grand Designs. Bold in shape, and clad in dark wood, they are staggered around the lakeside, at angles that provide total privacy from its neighbours.

Back inside the lodge, with the doors wide open, the quality of the natural light combined with the double height ceiling, allows the space to merge seamlessly with the deck outside – the epitome of inside-out living. A soft tweed sofa in gentle jade, curves its way round a dark wood coffee table. Underfoot, pale ash floors lead off to the first of two bedrooms. The design and placement of the bedroom within the property, offers direct views across the lake, and positively encourages snoozing and daydreaming. When night falls, a flick of a switch, restores privacy as curtains envelope the room.

The galley kitchen area is beautifully appointed. Generous cupboards sit behind dark wood framed rattan doors under good looking composite resin worktops. Kitchen cupboards cleverly segue into wardrobes and lead the way to the bathroom, which as one would imagine, is heavenly. “We wanted to create a truly spa-like experience with a soothing ambience,” SparcStudio tell me. “Soft, concealed lighting was chosen to illuminate the subtle grey and amber tones of the tiled wall and floor surfaces. We took inspiration from the dappled greens of the surrounding landscape when choosing the green marble for the accent wall in the showers – and to add a pop of colour and freshness.” Travertine up-lit tiles with a ribbed profile form a backdrop to the sculptural, double ended grey stone bath that takes centre stage. A shelf lined with succulent plants add to the natural yet luxurious aesthetic. Everything you could possibly want- not least the small marble table to perch a glass on – has been catered for.

The design and placement of the bedroom within the property, offers direct views across the lake.

Curving its way to the floor above, a wooden staircase takes you to the second bedroom, where once again, an expanse of glass offers yet more uninterrupted, views across the lake, which from the bed, magically appears to be at eye level.

Leaving the country manor aesthetic at the doors of the hotel, in comparison the Lodges are a contemporary affair. Clean curvaceous lines and natural textures, in a soft earthy palette deliver extreme comfort at every turn. The woodwork and cabinetry – of which there is plenty – is a timely reminder that few things beat the presence of sublime craftsmanship. Working closely with local artists, the artworks throughout are a refreshing mix of delicate pencil drawings, colourwash landscapes and bas relief botanicals, inspired by the lakeside flora and fauna. They sit quietly, adding to the natural textures that surround them.

Leaving the Lodge after a mere 24 hours, I feel like I have been on a retreat. The restorative effect of being surrounded by nature is often overlooked in favour of therapies and treatments, but for me, it is often the simple things that make time stand still. Soaking in the final moments before we reluctantly close the door behind us, I silently congratulate SparcStudio on fulfilling their ambition, “to create soothing sanctuaries, that combine sophisticated elegance with barefoot luxury.”