Uckfield's Horsted Place crowned with prestigious hotel award at London ceremony

An Uckfield hotel has been named Best Rural Hotel in the UK at the 2027 Conde Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.

Horsted Place Hotel received the award at a ceremony at the five-star Montcalm Mayfair Hotel in London on Monday, November 2. The awards recognise outstanding hotels and hospitality experiences in the UK and worldwide.

Conde Nast Johansens describes Horsted Place as a “traditional and serene Sussex Downs country estate.” It was selected following a process considering guest feedback, online votes, and assessments by the organisation’s local experts. The company says that, with more than 40 years of inspecting and recommending luxury hotels, Conde Nast Johansens is a respected name in international luxury travel.

Sarah Terry, chief operations officer of Countrywide Hotels, which manages Horsted Place, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Horsted Place has been recognised as the UK’s best rural hotel. To receive an award of this calibre, especially one that takes into account the experience and feedback of our guests, is an incredibly proud moment for everyone associated with the hotel.”

She added: “This is a truly special property, but it is the dedication, warmth, and attention to detail of our team that makes it such a memorable place to visit. This award is a wonderful reflection of their hard work and commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality.”

The hotel stands in landscaped gardens west of Uckfield, beside the A26 towards Lewes. The Tudor Revival country house was built in 1850 by Samuel Daukes and George Myers for Francis Barchard, a successful London merchant.

An earlier house on the site was documented as owned by the Law family in 1816. Horsted Place is described as “a masterpiece of ornate Victorian Gothic with towers, tall brick chimneys and a great central gallery its entire length.” The building is Grade II-listed on the National Heritage List, while its gardens are Grade II-listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

When it was a private house, Horsted Place was bought by the Nevill family. Lady Rupert Nevill was a childhood friend of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen became godmother for the first time to the Nevills’ infant son in 1945 and visited the family there.

Lord Rupert Nevill became treasurer to Prince Philip in 1970 and his private secretary in 1975. Following Lord Rupert Nevill’s death in 1982, Horsted Place was converted into a hotel.