The Gogs

Perched atop a gentle hill and embraced by ancient woodland, these side-by-side lodges form a rare and luxurious countryside bolthole. 

The Gogs once served as an impressive gateway to the Petworth estate. Built in the mid-1700s and designed by the architect Matthew Brettingham, they’re a quirky reminder of an age of fun, folly and countryside leisure. 

Today, they’ve been carefully converted into a unique West Sussex getaway, reached by a private woodland road. With three properties nestled together, guests can choose from two configurations: book both lodges for two people (and a baby up to two years old), or book both lodges and the bothy for up to four. 

Together, the properties strike a calm and contemporary note. Sensitive restoration has highlighted the lodges’ original elegance: lime-washed walls, bespoke furniture and curated antiques create a serene, Italianate feel, while subtle colour, art and personal objects add warmth, creativity and a quietly modern edge.

The charming novelty of staying in paired lodges means accommodation is split between the two gatehouses. Magog is your base for cooking and sleeping, with a well-kitted ground-floor kitchen and an open plan living area with a log burner. Climb the beautiful spiral staircase and you’ll find a balcony-level master bedroom, roll-top bath and shower. Close by is a separate sleeping nook; small but perfectly formed for a baby in a cot.

Just a few paces away, Gog creates a majestic second space for relaxing, gathering, and spending time together. During renovations, the owners uncovered and preserved a remarkable domed ceiling, which adds height, light and atmosphere in abundance. Here, you can dine beside the grand piano, settle down with a fireside book, or stretch out on the comfy sofas – the ideal end to an active day. 

If you’re in need of a little more space, the bolt-on bothy becomes a delightfully compact addition to your party. Just right for a second couple or older children, it features a small double bedroom, en-suite shower room, and kitchenette (with a sink, fridge and kettle).

Outside, you can revel in the deep peace of this countryside location. Uninterrupted views paint the backdrop for outdoor suppers and long summer evenings, with the South Downs stretching out below. This is a place with romance, tranquillity and ease – a luxurious rural retreat for couples, new parents, or friends looking to escape.