Kingsley House Escapes: A Masterclass in Luxury on a Smaller Scale
Tucked in a quiet corner near Haslemere, not far from Goodwood, West Sussex, Kingsley House is far more than a B&B. With three beautifully designed bedrooms/suites available for individual stays and six if you take it over exclusively, it feels more like a private boutique hotel than a traditional bed and breakfast.
On arrival, the fire is already lit, the scent of fresh flowers fills the house, and your shoulders drop almost instantly, it feels like coming home, though a hell of a lot more stylish and smarter!. They’ll soon have a drinks licence too so you can enjoy one of Duncan’s powerful G&T’s (and choice of gin!). It’s English sparkling wine country, so there’s always a bottle on ice.
Duncan and Craig have poured their hearts into this brand-new countryside escape, and it shows. The marble bathrooms sparkle with heated towel rails, full-size Listerine, and stacks of flannels. Lights turn on automatically as you walk in, blinds close with a touch, and beds come with a pillow menu (duck down for me!) and duvet protectors (who knew?) for the ultimate night’s sleep. Even though there are six rooms in the house, unless you take all of the rooms exclusively, each room is separated from the others by another room, meaning you hear no noise from other guests - genius! Should you like a bath, there’s a secret additional bathroom with a roll-top bath off the landing (filled with Craig’s books). Just ask Duncan.
Hudson by the fire (by invitation only)
Head up to your room via the pink staircase and the handmade Jim Lawrence light feature that hangs from the ceiling to the floor. Turn-down comes with macaroons and Bendicks mints — a nostalgic touch that took me straight back to my childhood. Magazines and newspapers are artfully stacked, there’s still and sparkling water, and a luggage and shoe rack. Duncan is an early bird and will appear at your door with a tray of smooth Colombian coffee (at a time decided by you), a carafe of cold lemon water, and a flask for top-ups. No pods. No fuss. Just perfectly brewed coffee, made with care.
Before I arrived, Duncan had spotted on my website that I love 100 Acres products, and sure enough, there they were waiting in my bathroom. It’s that kind of thoughtfulness and attention that makes Kingsley House stand out, not only amongst other B&Bs but also amongst other hotels.
Need a G&T at 4 pm? A massage at 6? Supper for two? Everything is possible. Craig’s cooking is delicious — think local produce cooked simply and beautifully — and if you fancy company, dinner with them at their vintage Cotswolds refectory table is full of warmth and easy conversation. There’s even a cinema room for cosy film nights with a takeaway.
Breakfast is another highlight. Choose your time, settle in the elegant dining room, and enjoy fresh fruit and yoghurt, black pudding from Dundee (Craig’s roots), local mushrooms, bacon, grilled tomatoes and sausages from nearby farms, and warm bread from the local bakery. Beans, of course, are Heinz. Though don’t feel the need to go for the full - Duncan will ask you what you like in the morning, sometimes less is more!
Hudson, their Great Dane, is a magnificent, gentle soul. He won’t enter the house unless invited but will happily join you in the garden for a cuddle. Before adopting Hudson, Duncan and Craig fostered seven Great Danes — a glimpse into the care and kindness that runs through everything they do.
Set close to Goodwood, Midhurst, Haslemere and Chichester, Kingsley House makes a perfect base for exploring the South Downs. Whether you come for the races, a romantic escape, a midweek escape, or a long weekend with friends, this place is unforgettable. You’ll leave rested, impressed, and with bathroom envy — I certainly did.