Catch up on the latest from around the county NEWS STAY IN STYLE You’ve got to follow that dream wherever it may lead, and for Jo and her husband Toby it was to West Sussex. They had a vision, which would include weddings, hospitality and guest experiences. The Vale House & Stables, an imposing Victorian double-fronted property was snapped up as a blank canvas, and as luck would have it is located in the midst of West Sussex’s well-regarded wedding venues, vineries and other well-known landmarks. The former stables, set within a walled courtyard of The Vale House have been beautifully developed into five boutique lodges, sleeping up to 12 guests on a two-night minimum stay, offering wedding couples and their guests versatile accommodation while retaining the delightful vaulted ceilings and character of the former stable blocks. “I’m absolutely over the moon with what we’ve been able to bring to the lovely village of Findon,” Jo says. “We’re also bowled over with the support from local businesses, public houses, restaurants, florists, make-up artists, hairdressers and many more.” The Vale House Lodges enjoy a wonderful relationship with local venues Cissbury Barns, Findon Place, Long Furlong Barn and Field Place Manor. They’re also surrounded by numerous other quality venues including Highden Estate, Castle Goring and Southlands Barn. “It’s always been my dream to be involved in a couple’s wedding preparations and to deliver this Sussex-based business where we can make such a positive contribution is an absolute dream come true,” Jo finishes. Learn more at https://thevalehouse.co.uk Nearlywed SPRING INTO ACTION! The team at Bailiffscourt were delighted to find themselves in this year’s Muddy Stilettos finals for Best Hotel in Sussex. These awards are entirely based on guest feedback, so they immediately sprung into action to thank their guests for putting them forward. As well as being a wonderful wedding venue with much to offer its couples, which you can find out about by turning to our Spotlight on… Chichester to Worthing feature this issue, there’s plenty for you and your guests to do here during your stay. Perhaps you fancy a spot of afternoon tea? Perfect for celebrating with your bridesmaids ahead of W-day, or just because you deserve a treat, enjoy the sundrenched courtyard or curl up by the fire and indulge. Additionally, it might be time to pay a visit to one of the most beautiful spas in the south of England. The spa here takes its inspiration from nature, built in the style of a Sussex barn it offers tranquillity and indulgence. Take time to gaze at the sky from the heated outdoor infinity pool, or float in the stunning outdoor pool. Keep your eyes on future issues to learn how Bailiffscourt gets on in the awards, and find out more about the venue at www.hshotels.co.uk/bailiffscourt IT’S PAMPER TIME If you can’t justify an indulgent spa break in the run up to your big day, when can you? Spabreaks recently revealed East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa as Sussex’s most booked spa following insights from its 2023 consumer data. It totalled 31 per cent of all bookings made in Sussex that year. Coming in in second place is Chakra Spa at Crowne Plaza Felbridge, Gatwick, closely flowed by Alexander House Hotel Utopia Spa, and Ockenden Manor. With the fifth most bookings in and around Sussex being for Ashdown Park. Spabreaks.com founder Abi Selby says, “It’s always insightful to look back across the past year and see where and how customers are using the spa. At Spabreaks.com we know that everyone uses them in different ways, whether it’s for a rejuvenating weekend break or just a quick visit of an evening. We make sure our offerings suit everyone, and that the spa is a place accessible to all.” Book your next Sussex spa break at www.spabreaks.com 8
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