Published on 1st October 2024

South Lodge Hotel in Lower Beeding has opened The Reeds, comprising eight lakeside lodges set around the fringes of a wild swimming lake. 

Six of the lodges have two-bedrooms with open plan living space, making them ideal for families or for two couples to share. Two further spa lodges are aimed at couples, with only one bedroom but an extended lounge as well as a steam shower, outdoor whirlpool bath and infrared halotherapy sauna.

The Reeds has been designed to engage the senses and promote wellbeing, with each lodge named after the flora and fauna of the surrounding landscape, including Pond Skater, Water Boatman, Dragonfly and Water Lily, whilst biophilic architecture ensures guests feel of connected to the environment. 

Danny Pecorelli, Managing Director of Exclusive Collection, which owns South Lodge Hotel, said: ‘Our aim is to provide guests with a luxurious yet sustainable retreat in line with our B Corp certification, where they can relax, rejuvenate and connect with the natural surroundings.’

Reflecting this commitment to sustainability, The Reeds has adopted upcycled, locally sourced or naturally derived materials. One of the most creative components is concealed underground, with concrete-free materials used for the foundations. Lodges are instead supported by 120 thin steel rods that minimise disturbance to the bank of the lake and will allow the environment to recover quickly, should the lodges ever be removed. The flush on the toilets utilises rainwater collected underneath the lodges too, while heating and cooling devices are powered by water-sourced heat pumps, with submerged pipes absorbing energy directly from the lake.  

Daniel Wait, General Manager at South Lodge Hotel, said: ‘We have designed and constructed the lodges in a way that minimises the impact on the environment. Most of the trees and plants around the lake have been left ntouched and we have planted in new areas to replace any that were removed or uprooted. We have carefully landscaped too and as plants grow, The Reeds will become even more scenic. However, you can already see and hear wildlife from the lodges and the balcony views across the lake are fantastic. For those seeking a rural escape, this offers a new level of luxury accommodation, unique in the UK.’

Adding a touch of artistic heritage, the lake is also the only location outside France to be adorned with water lilies which have been exclusively sourced from Monet’s garden in Giverny. 

REFRESHING DIP!

South Lodge also offers wild swimming sessions in the lake, with the AAH editor among those to have taken a dip. The water cannot be accessed directly from the lodges, as the lake’s depth requires a duty lifeguard. However, guests can book into a swimming session, while spa members can also enjoy the experience. 

The lake is accessed via a jetty at the end of a wood-chip path, with small groups accompanied by a guide. All swimmers must wear a toe float or swimming cap for safety reasons. While the temperature makes it a refreshing dip (to say the least!) there are towel robes close at hand to help swimmers warm up, while the sauna and showers are not far away. 

Daniel Wait said: ‘The initial vision for The Reeds came from Danny Pecorelli. He had seen lakeside lodges elsewhere and felt there was scope to create something along similar lines around the Victorian lake on the estate. He didn’t want the lodges to be intrusive and the idea was always to create a peaceful, private setting. It has taken several years to come to fruition, as we needed to obtain planning permission, carry out ecological surveys and design the lodges with a strong focus on sustainable materials. One of the most challenging aspects was removing the thick layers of silt that had been deposited over many years, and installing a fresh clay bed to maintain the health and clarity of the water.’ 

‘When I first started working at South Lodge 24 years ago, it was still very much a country house hotel, with 40 bedrooms and one restaurant. Since then, we have built a new wing to offer more modern accommodation and now have 96 rooms, with three restaurants, two bars and a spa. The lodges and lake mean we can offer something different for a new generation who are seeking more of an experience from their hotel stay.’

LUXURIOUS LIVING

Despite the generous proportions of each lodge around a modestly-sized lake, The Reeds has been designed to offer complete privacy to guests. No one lodge can see into another from the balcony, and as the lake can only be accessed at specified sessions, the lodges offer peace and privacy. 

Guests of The Reeds can also access South Lodge’s facilities, including the Botanica spa and three restaurants (including The Pass, which has won a Michelin star under head chef Ben Wilkinson). If they prefer, guests can order breakfast and charcuterie hampers filled with Sussex produce, meats, homemade granolas and freshly baked breads and pastries, all to enjoy in the comfort of their own lodge, with opportunities to collect fresh eggs from the hotel’s free-range chickens too. The hampers can be left outside the lodge if guests wish not to be disturbed. On arrival, guests receive a chilled half bottle of Ridgeview and treats from Botanica, the spa’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. There’s also a special Reeds cocktail that guests can order.

INITIAL INTEREST

When it came to interior design, Exclusive Collection collaborated with Sparc Studio, having previously worked with the consultants on the Botanica Spa at South Lodge. The focus was once again on sustainability, with rugs fabricated from recycled fishing nets and kitchen worktops utilising recycled building materials. There are modern touches too, with Chromecast allowing guests to stream content from their phone directly to the TV and Sky channels available too, while a digital fireplace imitates a traditional fire using LED lights. 

 With lakeside lodges costing £1,200 a night (there is a discount for spa members), it’s not a luxury most can afford. However, initial demand has been strong, with six of the eight lodges occupied over the August Bank Holiday weekend and some already booked for Christmas. Several spa members who have enjoyed a wild swim have also made enquiries. 

Daniel said: ‘Because I work at the hotel every day and have seen incremental steps, from the foundations being laid to the final decorative touches, I can forget how impressive The lodges are. But whenever I guide people down to the lake for the first time, they’re always gobsmacked by the size of them and the beauty of the surroundings. For me and all of the team at South Lodge, it has been wonderful to see that reaction to The Reeds.’  

WORDS: Ben Morris PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information:

To book a stay at The Reeds, visit www.exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge/stay/the-reeds/