First look inside new Sussex boutique aparthotel and retreat venue with wide-reaching views across South Downs National Park

Sefton Place in Warningcamp is a Victorian manor house that has been turned into a boutique aparthotel and retreat venue by hospitality power couple Mark and Caroline Winship.

They have already built many contacts and friendships in and around Arundel but invited more local businesses to connect and collaborate at a private viewing, hosted in partnership with Experience Sussex and Arun District Council, on Friday, September 11.

Neighbours within the village were treated to a similar viewing the day before, as a thank you for all their patience and support during the refurbishment.

Mark said: “We have really felt the support and love from the village. We know this building has been important to the village and it's been a privilege to hopefully secure its legacy.”

Best known as Arundel Youth Hostel, the property has a rich history. The house was built by Thomas Spencer for his family and named Lady Spencer's House. By 1870, it was owned by Arundel brewery boss George Sefton Constable, who expanded it into a grand country residence and renamed it Sefton House.

Now, the Winships' ambitious transformation has turned it into a design-led collection of luxury suites and apartments, surrounded by rewilded gardens.

Mark and Caroline knew they had to rip out all the old bathroom fittings, as the plumbing needed a complete overhaul, but the biggest shock was having to replace all the ceilings.

Caroline explained that when they looked at putting in the required soundproofing, the structural engineer advised the old lath and plaster would not be able to take the weight.

Once completed, the development will include Sussex House, a five-bedroom house with private garden for group bookings, and a dedicated event and wellness space for retreats and curated experiences.

Mark and Caroline said a grand entrance was vital, as it sets the tone, so a bespoke front door was commissioned from Littlehampton firm Vertex Joinery.

They said: “Nobody has a bottomless budget, so the real skill lies in figuring out where to save, where to compromise, and where it is worth spending the big bucks. And the front door was always going to be one of those places where we knew we would need to splash to cash!”

Supporting and showcasing local talent is a big part of Sefton Place, from artists and makers to producers, suppliers and wellness practitioners.

Arundel artist Mhairi Harkins has transformed a blank wall with a beautiful mural, which Mark and Caroline think will become a real signature of Sefton Place.

Mark said: “You could call a mural a nice-to-have. But for us, it is much more than that. It is one of those all-important finishing touches that turns a beautiful place to stay into an experience.

“The artwork also tells a much bigger story about what Sefton Place is going to represent. Inspired by our surroundings and our deep connection with the South Downs, it reflects our ambition to celebrate this incredible part of the world and to make a positive contribution to it as Sefton Place grows.

“It is a lot bigger than you think. There are 15 suites and almost all of them have got some kind of self-catering in the rooms. There is a beautiful landing area and the ones on the ground floor have got their own part of the terrace.

“There is almost something for everyone in terms of price point because we've got smaller ones, we've got big suites and one really, really big one, with a stunning mural.

“It is a self check-in facility but we provide host support 24/7 for anyone who needs it. Caroline and I will be on site for the first couple of months we are hoping to move either to the village or to Burpham to be on hand.”

They estimate they are '85 per cent there', with some beautiful rooms available to book within days.

Mark added: “We are not as far along as we would like but it is all coming together now.”

The Winships are known for running aparthotels for the corporate market. They also have a luxury holiday home in the New Forest but Sefton Place is something new. Caroline used to live in Barnham, so she knows the area well.

The house comes with an acre of land and offers wide-reaching views of Arundel and across the South Downs National Park. Arundel Castle can be seen from many of the rooms.

Mark said: "We want this to be the first nature forward hotel and we are planning experiences in the grounds. We have barn owls in the fields and nesting kestrels. We are going to put in Springwatch-style nest box cams so guests can watch the birds, creating an experience around it."

The couple took ownership in July 2025 and were granted planning permission for change of use to visitor accommodation in December. Work started in February, while they were living on site in a caravan.

Mark said: "You get the benefits of Arundel without being in the heart of the town and it is a beautiful walk along the river. We are very passionate about the area and are moving here ourselves to be very much hands on."

The history of the house shows it was known as Sefton Place when it was sold at auction in 1908, with 16 acres of land. The house became a Catholic school for boys in 1923 and then Canadian and New Zealand troops were lodged there during the Second World War.

It fell into disrepair after the war, until the Youth Hostels Association moved in in 1946, sleeping 120 people in bunk beds. After more than 50 years, the hostel closed in December 2012 and the association sold the property.

Worthing-based Icon Developments completely refurbished the property and it was opened as Sussex Heritage Centre in June 2013, providing specialist holidays for reflection and religious pilgrimages.