Luxury Overnight Stays this Autumn with Michelin Star Dining at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
The iconic Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens estate in West Sussex offers guests an autumn getaway that combines a stay in its boutique bedrooms with dinner at Michelin-starred Restaurant Interlude, and an extensive choice of relaxing walks within the 240-acre estate.
The Grade II listed mansion at Leonardslee, built in 1855, provides an intimate venue complete with ten individually designed en-suite rooms. Guests can immerse themselves in quintessential British interior design style, with each room showcasing a leading UK designer house's aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding Grade I Listed woodland gardens, the accommodation focuses on artisan details and sustainable furnishings.
By day, the legendary gardens blaze with autumnal colour. Wander oak-lined paths, flame-hued Japanese maple groves and ponds reflecting rich russets. Seek out exotic specimen trees, from hickories to ginkgo, and spot diverse maple varieties amongst rhododendrons.
As dusk falls, the lake mists create an ethereal stage. Then it's time to indulge in Executive Chef Jean Delport's seasonal tasting menu at Restaurant Interlude. Honouring the estate's 'hunter-gatherer concept', dishes feature foraged flavours, ingredients cultivated on-site and local farm produce. Menus might include estate rabbit, fallow deer venison or oysters with foraged juniper. Award-winning wines come from the owner's award-winning vineyard, Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate in South Africa.
Chef Jean Delport, formerly based in Cape Town, combines South African flair with classical French and English foundations. His passion for local sourcing and constant evolution creates a singular Leonardslee dining experience. As he notes: "Every dish connects our guests to the spirit of this special place."
Restaurant Interlude also offers a celebrated afternoon tea, overlooking sweeping lawns and the South Downs beyond, with freshly baked scones and cakes, plus savoury treats. Guests on arrival at Leonardslee House are greeted by a self-playing piano in the sunlit atrium and can also enjoy wine tastings, sculpture park tours, on-site vineyard visits and an exciting events programme.
Leonardslee owner Penny Streeter OBE says: "The bedrooms let visitors fully embrace Leonardslee's magic, from the Michelin-starred meal to the majestic gardens. Guests can immerse themselves in this quintessential English countryside retreat."
The autumn overnight packages at Leonardslee promise a getaway blending natural beauty, creative flourish and culinary artistry. Whether a peaceful midweek escape or an indulgent weekend, Leonardslee offers an authentic taste of the English countryside, now with luxury accommodation amidst its storied gardens.
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens offers Sunday stay and dine, two-night midweek and other packages, from £650. www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/leonardslee-house
