Luxury bed and breakfast White Lodge Lewes already has a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor, even though it opened only at the end of February last year. The contemporary villa-style property, a few miles north of Lewes, is owned and run by Ann and Martin and offers three large and luxurious bedrooms, all with super-modern en-suite shower rooms.
When Ann and Martin bought White Lodge, the 1965 architect-designed building, was in disrepair. The couple spent a year renovating the property and now enjoy sharing it with their guests.
‘Martin and I worked for other people all our lives and wanted the challenge of setting up our own business and bringing the house back up to standard,’ explains Ann. ‘In my previous life I travelled a lot with 44 world markets to look after. This is a great way to continue meeting people from around the globe. The difference is now they come to me.’
White Lodge, situated on a rural lane with 10 acres of woodland garden, has gained a reputation for its home cooking, whether it be the sourdough bread, delicious brownies or breakfast cooked on the Aga. Ann and Martin amaze guests with their wide selection of breakfast options – there’s definitely something to please everyone.
What does Ann recommend guests come to stay for right now? ‘Glyndebourne for the Tour and National Trust properties Sheffield Park and Nymans for the autumn displays. Seven Sisters is always worth a visit, as is Brighton – right now to see the new British Airways i360.’
And what do they find most satisfying about running a bed and breakfast, here in East Sussex? ‘The joy of seeing people come back – some guests are now like old friends.’
What next for White Lodge? 'We are delighted to have joined a brand new group of fabulous independent bed and breakfasts for the Lewes area that will allow guests to book directly online for the first time. The group is called
Short Stay Lewes and it's been fun meeting new people and getting the business up and running for the benefit of Lewes and our guests'
So if you need accommodation, visit the group’s website, www.shortstaylewes.com, where you will find a range of wonderful accommodation and a warm welcome. The following bed and breakfasts can be found in and around Lewes and are part of the new group of quality-approved bed and breakfasts for the Lewes area: Beechwood B&B, Halland; Little Norlington Barn B&B, Ringmer; White Lodge B&B, Cooksbridge; The Corner House B&B, Lewes; Murrells B&B, Lewes; Aleberry B&B, Lewes; Berkeley House B&B, Lewes; no11 B&B, Lewes.