Hound Lodge is a magnificent country retreat located just 1.5 hours from London, available on an exclusive use basis for up to 20 guests. The Lodge is set in the idyllic Goodwood Estate, surrounded by spectacular scenery encompassing some 12,000 acres with vistas across the South Downs National Park towards the Sussex coastline.
Hound Lodge began life in the 18th century, after the infamous Charlton Hunt became the playground of the aristocracy, and the first Duke of Richmond consequently decided to make Goodwood his home. Hound Lodge was later created as the Estate’s kennels, housing the Duke’s prized hunting hounds, and was considered by many to be the most luxurious dog house in the world. Hound Lodge has now been meticulously restored to offer a special place for humans (and their four-legged friends) to relax and escape the stresses of everyday life, with supremely comfortable accommodation and a sense of peace and tranquillity.
Everything about Goodwood’s Hound Lodge is designed for pure indulgence, from the sumptuous mattress hand-stuffed with wool from sheep grazing on the estate, to your own private butler to ensure your utmost comfort. The interiors take inspiration from the family’s sporting heritage, and every room contains dog bowls and baskets, staying true to the building’s history.
Hound Lodge exudes a warmth of welcome, with the beautiful Drawing Room forming the heart of the Lodge, complete with sumptuous and comfortable seating, bookcases brimming with books and plenty of board games and a card table. Settle into a cosy armchair by the fire and indulge in a cup of tea and slice of homemade cake, or a enjoy glass of chilled champagne served by your butler before dinner.
Enjoy superb, bespoke cuisine from your very own private chef, with the magnificent Dining Room with its beautiful Georgian table creates the perfect setting for special occasions. The Dukes of Richmond have been entertaining distinguished guests at Goodwood for over 300 years, so you can expect the highest standards coupled with all the warmth and informality of a private home. Sustainability is at the heart of the Goodwood Estate, with locally sourced ingredients including many from the Estate’s award winning organic farm.
For those looking for a very grand occasion, dining can be arranged in the nearby Goodwood House in its spectacular State Apartments, or if you would prefer to dine out, one of the Goodwood Hotel’s superb restaurants are available.
The lodge offers 10 luxurious bedrooms, each named after the hounds of the famous 1739 Charlton Hunt and each beautifully furnished with antiques and paintings which reflect the Estate’s sporting history. There are thoughtful homely touches in the bedrooms such as mini decanters of whiskey and hot water bottles for the winter months.
Many people are attracted to the Estate by its sporting reputation, renowned for its horse racing, motorsport, golf, cricket and shooting. The Estate is home to three of the biggest sporting events on the social calendar; The Festival of Speed, The Qatar Goodwood Festival and Goodwood Revival.
The activities available here are as unique and special as Hound Lodge itself, from the traditional country pursuits of shooting and archery to off road driving in the Estate’s fleet of classic Land Rovers, from stunt driving lessons and supercar track days to vintage road rallies.
The Estate’s aerodrome offers Cessna flying lessons and Warbird flight experiences, along with “grapefruit bombing” – a fun and surprisingly competitive activity that takes place with one person flying a plane (under instruction), and the other aiming grapefruits at targets on the airfield.
For a more genteel approach, wander around the extensive grounds or stroll along the path to the Valdoe, an ancient woodland, this area was originally used to exercise the dogs and moonlit views of this woodland can be viewed from the Lodge on clear evenings. For the ultimate in relaxation, the Estate’s Health Spa can be found in the nearby Goodwood Hotel complete with spa treatment rooms, an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, along with yoga and exercise classes and a well-equipped gym.
There are no less than two golf courses including the infamous Downs course, along with a driving range, simulated putting green and a golf academy, all just a stone’s throw from Hound Lodge. There is also the renowned cricket pitch widely acknowledged to be the birthplace of club cricket, set opposite Goodwood House under the enormous Cedar of Lebanon tree.
For those looking for a truly special experience, we can offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to be driven around the Goodwood Motor Circuit by a professional racing driver in one of the most valuable supercars in the world – a La Ferrari, a McLaren F1 GTR or a Ferrari 250 GTO. Follow the experience with a helicopter flight across the stunning South Downs and South Coast, then take to the skies in a Spitfire and fly in the very same airspace in which the Battle of Britain was fought.
Whatever your idea of the perfect stay, be it relaxing in pure luxury with fine food and wine, or an action-packed stay full of high-octane activities, Hound Lodge is the perfect country retreat.