Gravetye Manor Hotel

This peaceful 16th century Elizabethan stone manor house was built in 1598 and stands in a 35-acre garden and is surrounded by a forest, yet is only 30 miles from London. William Robinson lived at Gravetye Manor for most of his life and the garden is a prime example of his ideas on the English natural garden. The house has a splendid hill top site, sheltered but with fine southerly views. Great trees and a steep sided valley lead to a trout lake provided the perfect raw material for Robinson's creative gardening. He was one of the great gardeners of all time creating the variety and charm of the arrangement of trees and shrubs. Gravetye Manor was one of the first country house hotels and remains a shining example in its class. Visitors can relax in oak panelled sitting rooms with moulded plaster ceilings, warmed by open log fires and furnished with antiques and magnificent flower arrangements in every room. The day rooms are comfortably furnished, and the bedrooms are decorated in traditional English style, furnished with antiques with many thoughtful extras. Every bedroom enjoys vistas of the tranquil gardens. Dine by candlelight, savouring classical British dishes made by our Chef, Mark Raffan, home-grown vegetables and fruits, with wines from one of Britain's finest cellars. A treat for garden lovers and gastronomes. In April 2004 the General Manager Andrew Russell and Chef, Mark Raffan took over ownership from the previous proprietor, Mr Peter Herbert who retired.