Win a stay at the stunning South Lodge Hotel in Sussex

5:20am Tuesday 31st July 2007

The Victorians knew a thing or two about grandeur.

And so did Frederick Du Cane Godman when he began building the small residence that was to become South Lodge Hotel back in 1883.

A modest dwelling at the close of the 19th century, the Sussex home was lovingly transformed in several stages into the breathtakingly beautiful hotel it is today. And the 42-bedroom mansion is still growing, with work well under way to double its capacity to 85 rooms by next summer.

I arrived at South Lodge at the exact same time as a wedding party. And as the blushing bride stepped out of her vintage carriage to a chorus of gasps from her guests, my sister and I tried to decipher whether their reactions were inspired by her gorgeous gown, or a first glimpse of the reception venue they had been spoiled with.

Because South Lodge is simply stunning. A maze of parlours, lounges, function rooms and bars, the hotel offers all the creature comforts you could possibly require, but its delicate Victorian echoes ensure it never loses sighe of its fundamental history.

I took up residence in South Lodge's Lady Eleanor suite. A room big enough to accommodate a small family and regal enough to leave me kicking myself for not packing the corseted gown and fur robe I was so tempted to throw in; the Lady Eleanor was a place to spend some time in.

The living' area of the suite was centred around two tall armchairs either side of a coffee table, with a deep mahogany desk, dressing table and closet, lining the wall space not taken up by huge windows drinking in the summer sunbeams and picturesque views.

Lady Eleanor's bathroom is its talking point. Even with its his and hers sinks, roll-top bath and walk-in jet shower cubby hole, the room had an abundance of remaining floor. And heated floor at that.

A mammoth four-poster bed occupied a corner of the suite, made up with a mattress and bedding with supreme sinkability. Once I was tucked into this bed for the night, not even an earthquake could have shifted me an inch.

A good night's sleep is particularly important to South Lodge, and dreamy guests will be excited by the menu of aromatherapy pillows available from reception - including a relaxing lavender blend and an airstream pillow to aid breathing during slumber.

But before resting my head at South Lodge, I set out to fill my stomach at the hotel's three AA rosette award-winning Camellia Restaurant.

The Camellia offers guests an intimate and formal dining experience, and staff and service are as elegant as its French-influenced menu.

Here, my sister and I enjoyed bite after bite of poached salmon wrapped in seaweed, fluffy wild mushroom risotto, juicy fillet of local beef in a rich Madeira sauce and herby slices of potato gnocchi. We also tucked into sweet treats of thick and smooth dark chocolate delice served with fresh spearmint ice cream and creamy vanilla panna cotta with a tangy strawberry risotto over cups of cappuccino.

A more informal breakfast is also served in The Camellia Restaurant, where guests can enjoy a bursting continental buffet or order hot dishes including the oozing and scrummy Eggs Benedict we devoured over the morning's newspapers and sunshine.

Before begrudgingly heading home, we filled our lungs with some coastal air by taking a leisurely stroll around South Lodge's lush green grounds.

The hotel boasts 93 acres of parkland housing a sea of 260 varieties of rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas. Guests have the opportunity to pop on a pair of the hotel's wellies, stretch their legs and pick flowers to decorate their rooms, or the more adventurous may like to hop on one of its mountain bikes and cover a bit more ground.

The fitness centre, tennis court, croquet lawn and nearby championship courses at golfing partner, Mannings Heath, mean there is plenty of scope for activity at South Lodge. But just as much fun can be had sipping champagne on the terrace in quiet contemplation while taking in the sumptuous South Downs backdrop.

Sometimes, there is just no need for anything else.

South Lodge can be found on Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, West Sussex RH13 6PS. Call 01403 891 711 or visit www.exclusivehotels.co.uk.