The Woodcote secures planning approval to restore and transform historic pub site into enduring luxury destination set within a stunning South Downs landscape

• Highly regarded international architects McLean Quinlan are leading the architectural design process and have shaped the approved expansion
• The new flagship fine dining restaurant has a clear ambition to establish itself as a Michelin Green Star destination, grounded in culinary excellence, sustainability and local provenance

The Woodcote in West Sussex has secured planning approval from the South Downs National Park Authority to restore and transform the site of its historic pub into a contemporary country lodge and dining destination of exceptional quality.

The consented scheme carefully restores the historic cottage that forms the original pub building, transforming it into a relaxed village bistro, while introducing a new flagship fine dining restaurant alongside 16 generously proportioned guest suites. Together, these elements reshape the site into a refined, low density countryside retreat designed to serve both the local community and luxury destination visitor.

Rather than expanding for scale, the project has been conceived to elevate the experience of place, preserving heritage while creating an enduring luxury destination within a stunning South Downs landscape.

A landscape led vision shaped by architectural leadership

Award-winning landscape architects Studio Engleback have shaped the project around the character of the surrounding countryside from the outset. Led by Luke Engleback, the team carefully studied the site and its wider setting, walking local footpaths to understand key views and researching the area’s geology and historic landscape.

This detailed work has guided a design that restores lost hedgerows, adds more hedgerow trees and creates space for growing food, that can be used by the restaurant. New ponds, swales and wetlands will manage rainwater naturally, respond to climate change and support a wider range of wildlife than currently found on the site.

Highly regarded international architects McLean Quinlan are leading the architectural design process and have shaped the approved expansion. Their approach focuses on proportion, material integrity and a sensitive response to landform, ensuring the lodge sits naturally within the folds of the South Downs while delivering a confident contemporary country aesthetic.

The architecture allows guests to enjoy panoramic views of the Downs, while sitting quietly and discreetly within the landscape. Every element of the scheme has been designed to strengthen the guest’s connection to nature, creating a seamless relationship between refined interior spaces and the surrounding downland environment.

Set within the South Downs National Park, the development follows the natural contours of the land and responds directly to the openness, light and quiet grandeur of this protected landscape.

Luxury guest experience perspective

Internationally recognised interior designer Peter Mikic has supported the project through strategic interior consultancy, advising on spatial flow, room proportions and the overall guest journey.

The focus has been on intuitive circulation, generous room sizes and the seamless integration of practical detail, so that guests experience both understated elegance and complete ease.

The result is accommodation that prioritises breadth, light and privacy, designed to encourage longer term stays and a deeper connection with the natural beauty of the South Downs National Park.

A casual bistro and flagship fine dining restaurant

The redevelopment incorporates a relaxed village bistro alongside a flagship fine dining restaurant, creating a layered dining offering that balances accessibility with culinary ambition.

The bistro will provide casual, relaxed dining to be enjoyed by both villagers and staying guests, a welcoming space centred on quality, seasonality and simple, well executed dishes. While informal in atmosphere, it remains firmly underpinned by the same commitment to sustainable practices and locally sourced produce that defines The Woodcote’s philosophy.

The new flagship fine dining restaurant has a clear ambition to establish itself as a Michelin Green Star destination, grounded in culinary excellence, sustainability and local provenance. Its focus will be on responsible sourcing, close relationships with South Downs farmers and growers, and a long term commitment to environmentally conscious hospitality.

Together, the two restaurants create a cohesive, year round dining experience that complements the immersive lodge experience and the exceptional natural setting.

Strengthening biodiversity and long term stewardship

The approved scheme delivers meaningful biodiversity improvements, including woodland planting, meadow creation, orchard establishment and restored hedgerows, all designed to enhance and celebrate the natural character of the South Downs National Park.

Set within one of England’s most beautiful protected landscapes, The Woodcote enjoys sweeping downland vistas, rolling hills and an exceptional sense of openness and tranquility. The project is rooted in a deep respect for this setting, ensuring the development enhances rather than competes with the wonder and splendour of the surrounding countryside.

As The Woodcote sits within the South Downs Dark Sky Core Area, lighting will be low level and carefully controlled to protect the integrity of the night sky.

Jamie Lumsden, Managing Director of Ledmore Capital, the owner of The Woodcote, said:

“We are delighted that the South Downs National Park Authority has approved our plans. This is an important step forward in realising our vision for The Woodcote as an enduring luxury destination within the South Downs National Park.

The opportunity to bring together exceptional accommodation, sensitively designed to capture the stunning views of this remarkable landscape, with a flagship fine dining restaurant carrying a clear ambition for Michelin Green Star recognition, marks a truly exciting next chapter for us. Alongside this, a relaxed bistro will remain accessible to both our guests and the village and surrounding community.

Our focus is on sustainability, close partnerships with local suppliers and creating a hospitality experience that reflects the beauty of the South Downs while serving visitors and residents with equal care and quality.”

Richard Dollamore, Partner at Whaleback, the town planning consultancy that supported the planning application, said:

“We are always conscious that we are working within a nationally protected landscape with clearly defined qualities and sensitivities. Our approach begins with a careful understanding of landscape character and ecological networks, responding to and enhancing those qualities rather than imposing upon them.

Our aim is to support the long term conservation objectives of the South Downs National Park Authority while helping deliver a high quality hospitality project that sits comfortably within its setting.”