The Bosham Boathouse is the new holder of the title of Best B&B in England at the VisitEngland Awards and has clearly more than earned its place with not a single review below 5 stars on Tripadvisor and their lowest rating on Google, 4 stars.
The charming home on the outskirts of Bosham, West Sussex, may look like an underdog for this monumental title from the outside, but as a reporter from The Telegraph revealed, this hidden gem actually has meaning within what is.
Countless reviews on countless platforms also concluded this with remarks about the impeccable food, mattress and atmosphere, but most of all, the reviews were full of praise for the owner, Jane Young.
Jane seemingly understands how cautious first impressions can be, as she revealed that she never lets a stranger beat her to the front door, instead meeting every drive-by with a happy smile.
The location of the B&B, combined with its total immersion in the nearby greenery, provides a truly secluded retreat, and the location on the A259 also makes it an easier getaway for most.
Although the owner doesn’t like to brag, the state-of-the-art accommodation is also a Green Tourism Award winner, offering a 10% discount to guests arriving by bike, and Jane’s husband Hamish does his bit by mowing the local meadow seasonally with a scythe. promotes the growth of flowers.
Solar panels on the roof and a small flock of chickens for breakfast also help Jane keep her costs down, almost astonishingly low. He revealed: “I’m cheaper than Premier Inn most nights.”
While nights at the Boathouse aren’t necessarily cheap, at around £100 a night, the reviews alone show it’s more than value for money, especially when London’s Premiere Inns and Travelodges easily reach over £200.
It should come as no surprise that the award-winning hidden gem has a string of satisfied guests, as Jane herself is no stranger to the world of luxury travel.
Kate’s top five tips for success:
1: Caring for nature and offering local products
2: Price – cheaper than Premier Inn
3: Little things like leaving little luxuries in the room for guests
4: Beautiful location
5: Personal touch – attending to and greeting guests
He first started out at the acclaimed Le Gavroche in Mayfair, learning how to make omelettes under renowned French chef Albert Roux, before working in the Australian restaurant industry and in a GP practice before opening his Bosham sanctuary.
Although her offering is small, with just four rooms compared to the hundreds available through chain hotels, Jane has spared no expense for her guests, outfitting each room with a Hypnos bed, “the highest quality linens,” lavender-scented soaps, and locally made chocolates.
However, the award-winning host credits his success to understanding guests and guiding them throughout their stay, he explained: “Part of my role is that of a concierge. That’s why guests keep coming back.”
