Hot tub, gardens and grounds
Classical lawned gardens with box hedging and yews recall grand English homes from Jacobean times. But Goodwood Manor is a 90s child with a classical taste in outside space and a rather cute cottage in its grounds. You’ll find a 6-seater hot tub, for adding a little sizzle to your stargazing.
Before you break out the barbecue tongs, you’ll want to find the games barn with the table tennis and darts. Then you’ll want to walk the woodland trails around the estate, check out the panoramic views down to Chichester and Portsmouth from the front lawn, or just stare at the poppies from the raised stone terrace.
Living spaces
The underfloor heating will warm your feet, and the ambience will warm your heart. Goodwood Manor feels like it’s been around for centuries, yet it’s a 90s new-build. That means it comes packed with modern conveniences without losing any period traditional charm.
There’s a sense of wow right from the off here and it all begins in the stately reception hall, where you’ll be welcomed by the high ceilings, grand staircase, roaring log burner and bar. From here, you’ll go through double doors into the heart of the action: the drawing room. Set the lights low and gather around the fireplace.
Linger around the dining table after dinner with good conversation and fine wine and unveil the smart TV from inside the wall cabinet for the kids, then retire to the deep sofas next door. Recovered? Play ping pong, pool or darts in the games room. Jam on the drums, pianos and guitars. Or just break out the board games.
Cooking and dining
The modern kitchen wants for nothing and will turn you into a gastro god or goddess. Open plan to the breakfast area, and with the doors open to the dining room, it’ll ensure you’ll not miss out on chatter while you’re simmering and stewing. Keep up with the news as you cook on the kitchen TV.
Eat around the large extendable dining table with the smart TV unveiled from its wall cabinet. There’s even a breakfast table to one side, perfect for feeding kids or for a relaxed croissants and coffee to start your day. Next to the main house, self-contained Yew Tree Cottage also comes with its own cute kitchen.
Get out and about to eat Asian at Indian Banyan in Fernhurst or Mystique Masala in Petworth. Or try local pubs such as The White Horse for beetroot salmon gravadlax and duck breast, The Unicorn Inn for pheasant breast or smoked haddock and prawn mornay, or The Horse Guards for light lunches, steaks or fishy mains.
Try The Lickfold Inn for classic British cooking blended with influences and tastes from Europe and around the world. Head to The Hollist for cuttlefish and mussel stew or grilled bavette. Or sample the spinach and ricotta gnocchi or confit duck leg at The Noah’s Ark Inn.
Bedrooms
Goodwood Manor sleeps 16 in seven bedrooms, including Yew Tree Cottage within the grounds, with its bedroom and extra king-sized day bed. With nothing but fields for miles, your nights will be quieter than the breath of a pipistrelle bat.
On the first floor, the master bedroom offers a superking zip-link bed, smart TV/DVD and gorgeous views towards the coast. An en-suite bathroom comes with panelled double-end bath, separate shower and the same amazing view. Bedroom two is a double with southerly views and an en-suite bathroom with shower over the bath.
Bedroom five is another superking that leads into bedroom three, a huge semi-circular room with twin beds – perfect for family flexibility. Bedroom four offers a kingsize with the feel of a hunting lodge and shares a bathroom with bedroom five. The games room will sleep two more, with en-suite shower room, and Yew Cottage a further four.
Children welcome
Goodwood Manor sleeps up to 16, so it’s perfect for bringing everyone along and making young children feel great about their multi-generational holidays. Older kids can even lay claim to Yew Tree Cottage in the grounds, offering privacy to do whatever older kids do.
Three acres of fresh air and fun are out there with a view of the Downs all the way to the Spinnaker Tower on the coast. Get the kids out on the woodland trail, soaking up the sunshine and hunting bugs without a screen in sight. Stay outside for a barbie on one of two terraces.
Head out to the games barn for a little competitive table tennis, pool and darts. Stay outside for the hot tub (coming July 2022) to add some sizzle to your stargazing. Indoors, superfast Wi-Fi will get you onto Netflix and Amazon Prime (pack your passwords with your toothbrush).
In the evening, the drawing room’s the place for dispensing with school-night rules. Stay up late with board games or charades around the fire, or put on a gig for the oldies with the guitars and pianos. If that’s too painful for them, the Sonos system’s your friend.
What people say
Alpaca the golf clubs
Bring your golf clubs and swing away at Hindhead and Liphook. Soak up history at Petworth House, Arundel Castle and Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyards. Unwind in Bar 54. Kids can walk with the Dunreyth Alpacas, chuck driftwood for the dog on West Wittering Beach, or meet Peppa Pig at Paultons.
