Situated within the beautiful West Sussex countryside, South Lodge has released its latest offering, The Reeds lakeside lodges. Editor Vicky Doe checked in to experience the luxury and serenity this design has to offer.
The Reeds is a destination that cannot easily be described. Set within the 93-acre estate grounds of South Lodge, part of the Exclusive Collection, idyllic, exquisitely finished and breathtakingly romantic all are accurate descriptions of the sympathetically architecture eco-lodges. However, very little will fully capture the essence of the uniquely private, expertly crafted and incredibly considered design.
Space and seclusion are in abundance here in equal measures – perfectly positioned on the edge of South Lodge’s wild swimming lake, eight lodges have been carefully placed to maximise privacy. Each is designed as its own standalone sanctuary with access to a private deck overlooking the rippling water, where the only sounds to be heard are those carefully selected by mother nature. Here, a unique, free-standing, whirlpool bath offers guests the option of a private spa in the serenity of the woodland surroundings.
Internally, the living area is an open double height space whose full windows allow natural light to pour across the entire canvas. Curved furniture allows guests to weave through the room with ease and a virtual fireplace offers warmth and a sense of comfort. A stunning light fitting is suspended from the ceiling featuring petal-like fingertips, directing light into every corner of the room. Natural materials are used throughout the space creating a fully encompassed feeling within the lodge, connecting the interiors to the lake and woodland view through the sliding doors to the deck. Hues of green complement the wooden beams and structures within the lodge, with hand carved bespoke bedside tables, and organic custom-designed curved staircase and timber balustrades all contributing to the lodge’s natural aesthetic.
Six of the lodges offer a secondary bedroom downstairs, whilst upstairs is the lodge’s pièce de resistance – the master bedroom’s location on the mezzanine level presents breathtaking panoramic views across the lake. Fully blackout blinds can be operated from the bedside, gifting guests a morning view without having to lift their head from the pillow. A dramatic headboard features as a backdrop to the room, cleverly lit to highlight the shades of light and shadow across the space. Lighting has been carefully designed in the bedroom, with clever technology allowing guests to select from a range of tones and levels within the room.
The bathroom in the lodge is reminiscent of a spa, with soft lighting, marble finishes and brushed bronze fixtures. A large free-standing grey stone bath takes centre stage, and the ‘Aqua-vision’ screen allows guests to watch a film whilst soaking – a truly decadent concept!
Crafted from grey and walnut-washed timber, a beautifully appointed kitchenette completes the design featuring inset natural cane panelling, complemented by countertops made from up-cycled wood, plaster, and concrete waste.
An additional design gem of these lodges, and possibly my favourite discovery here, is the discrete internal/external access cupboards, which allow for the delivery of decadent hampers from the hotel, meaning guests can receive a selection of treats from the restaurant directly to their lodge without ever being disturbed by staff. The ultimate in privacy consideration!
Designed by the team at Sparcstudio, soothing, muted and tonal schemes were chosen. Beverley Bayes, Founder/Director at Sparcstudio, explained that two colour palettes were created for the lodges: the first is ‘a fresh springtime palette with light aqua tones paired with complimentary greens and yellows and modern plant motifs’. This is complemented by a warmer, more Autumnal palette ‘of russet-oranges, muted terracotta and red tones, plenty of natural textures with nature-inspired signature stitching running across the softer furnishings.’
She continued: “The materials’ palette is formed from natural, washed timber mixed with amazing upcycled, eco materials and soft linen and wool textured fabrics.”
Reflecting the Exclusive Collection’s position as a B Corp organisation, the concept of sustainability and being in harmony with the environment can be felt throughout the design at The Reeds. With innovative, up-cycled, locally sourced materials taking the lead throughout the design, Sparcstudio have added to the feeling of nature by including large selections of greenery, adding a biophilic element and drawing infinite connections between the luxurious interiors and the glorious natural world embracing the lodge’s exterior. Details, down to the naming of the lodges after life found lakeside (we stayed in Pondskater, which sits alongside Dragonfly and Meadowsweet) are gentle nods of thanks to the landscape which has offered this spectacular gift.
Having already completed the design of the beautiful spa within the hotel in 2019, Sparcstudio were the natural choice for the team when planning this new development. With access to The Reeds coming from a woodland walkway leading from the existing spa, outdoor heated pool and natural water pool, the team were keen for the design to feel seamless between the spaces. Danny Pecorelli, Managing Director at Exclusive Collection, explained: “We chose to work with Sparcstudio on this project because we absolutely loved the end result of The Spa at South Lodge and wanted the look and feel of ‘The Reeds’ to flow through from the spa. We are also about the little details of the customer journey and Sparcstudio are great at turning what we want into reality through those little details.
“We are most proud of the ‘Sustainable luxury’ element. We wanted to deliver a truly luxurious experience but using sustainable materials at every point in the project. Sparcstudio came up with some creative suggestions from rugs made from reused fishing nets to fabric made from corn.”
A lesson in sustainable luxury design, The Reeds is unlike any other – a creation that demonstrates space, serenity and seclusion can coexist in blissful harmony.
