CAPE TOWN BUZZ IN – WEST SUSSEX
We went on a three-day jaunt into the countryside of West Sussex England. Leaving our baggage at home we checked in our luggage at the Alexander House hotel and Spa, fabulous! The whole idea was to indulge in fine food, good wine, country air, walks and no schedule. It turned out to be a soul nurturing experience, and fabulous place to unwind and love.
Dating back to 17th Century, the magnificent and picturesque setting of Alexander House, is set within 120 acres of glorious English countryside. It is as perfect as a Turner masterpiece, with a touch and scent of an English rose.
After checking in we went down the road to The Crown in Turners Hill. The Crown is a charming little pub with great grub – cottage pie, fish and chips or bangers and mash – that sort of thing.
After lunch we meandered through to Compton, East Grinstead and onto Horshem for afternoon tea and scones at South Lodge. Another magnificent country house – like a Grand Dame in all her glory in the heart of the dramatic Sussex Downs. A perfect place to drop in for tea. After tea it was suggested that QueenB! and her Drone go behind the scenes for a back buzz of South Lodge.
We happily accepted the invitation starting with the wine cellar, followed by the bar area, dining room, bedrooms and finally we reached the hub of activity, the kitchen. A Michelin star dining by chef Matt Gillian, the wait to dine can be as long as up to three months! I would imagine well worth wait, sadly not this trip.
Day two – when in England, do as the English do – a full hearty English breakfast and a walk on the downs for the daily constitutional. We donned our Wellies (which were much needed at this time of year) and set out to enjoy an hour’s walk, which promptly became three!
It did not seem like a three hour walk because the English countryside is gentle, pleasing to the eye and tranquil. This quintessentially British atmosphere, quietly seduced me far and beyond. We even came across a fox, a rare sighting scurrying away in fear of humans. The meadows were full of sheep, ducks on the ponds. All I can say is that it was English to a tee. As we ambled our way through farmers’ territories, we came across farm workers who did not speak English, we tried to explain and apologise that we were lost, but! They just shrugged their shoulders and carried on forking hay.
Eventually, we found our way back to Alexander House and after such an invigorating walk, it was time to relax at the Spa…
What better way to end the day?
QueenB!……..Abuzzing off
