Hurst Hill

We’re definitely planning to come back. The food and accommodation were first rate, and the owner/operator was a real gentleman, a giant legend, and incredibly helpful throughout our stay. A superb experience from start to finish.

I felt at home here and made some really good friends. There’s a strong family spirit at this B&B, and I’ll keep in touch with Guy & his son and definitely come back soon. They’re both wonderful. I spent a week there this summer, one of my best vacations. The countryside setting and facilities were lovely, and Guy cooks very well. As a vegetarian, I appreciated that he was happy to adapt his daily cooking and try new dishes through my diet.

The gardens around the property were beautiful and extensive. Allen, the 89 year old gardener, clearly knew his work, raising lovely flowers and plants. He was slow but steady and got as much done as a young man. The roses all around made the stay even nicer. We slept well in the quiet at night, and the location worked perfectly for short trips to sights west, south and southeast of London. It’s remote, down single track roads that turn to gravel near the end, though the road was in better shape than many we saw in the U.K. The old part of the house was fascinating, more than 500 years old and built from reused wood, perhaps from ships. A carpenter thought some of it could be as much as 1,000 years old. The doors were very low. I brought home quite a collection of lumps on my forehead after hitting my head going in and out, apparently I never learned to duck. The room was very nice, with its own bathroom, and Winston, the owner’s dog, was lovely company. Guy was an excellent host and a very good cook. We were invited to family dinner each evening, sitting with his family and the other guests for good meals and conversation. Dinner cost around £15 per guest and was well worth it. Breakfast was included and perfectly prepared, with warm fresh bread, free range chicken eggs, sausage, mushrooms and bacon.

Winston is such a sweet dog, happy to cuddle and play with guests. Guy is a really welcoming host and makes you feel at home, and breakfast was fantastic. The historic building and lovely location made for a cozy, home like stay.