History - Lythe Hill
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History of Lythe Hill

Lythe Hill is a hotel full of character, set in 22 acres of woodland amongst the rolling hills of the Surrey/Sussex countryside. The former farm house and outbuildings form a picturesque hamlet on the outskirts of the market town of Haslemere.

Historical Charm

Today Haslemere, like Lythe Hill, remains relatively unchanged by the 20th century, with its historical charm still evident, attracting a number of eminent writers, poets and artists. Among them George Bernard Shaw, Arthur Conan Doyle and Tennyson.

The main hotel is comprised of converted farm barns, cattle sheds, milking parlours and stalls. The Grade 2 listed Tudor Farm House dates back to 1475 and most of its original character features still remain. Original beams have been retained, as has the original oak door which served as the main entrance to the house. Once the centre of a large estate, this is now our renowned Restaurant and houses four individual bedrooms and suites (named after Henry VIII and three of his unfortunate wives).

Renovations took place so as to retain the charming local character of the external buildings also. When the conversion was complete the new hotel consisted of 28 rooms, conference facilities for 60 delegates, a boutique, sauna and a covered conservatory which was formerly the hotels Italian Garden and Entente Cordiale Restaurant.

Lythe Hill retains a rural ambience with our main restaurant looking out over mature forest as well as our beautiful lake which adjoins National Trust land and an RSPB reserve Barfold Copse.

A Bygone Era

The view of Blackdown is evocative when not shrouded by cloud. One can understand how Tennyson found solace walking on the hill. He spent twenty-five reclusive years living here and died at Aldworth House on the 6th October 1892. Tennyson said of the view of Blackdown, ‘You came, looked and loved the view long known and loved by me, green Sussex fading into blue with one grey glimpse of sea.’ On a clear day, from the ‘Temple of the Winds’ one can view the counties of Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire at the same time.

In the summer of 1975, the creation of a helicopter pad added a new significance to Lythe Hill as a Conference Centre. Delegates arriving from Heathrow could be ‘Ferried’ to the hotel within 18 minutes. The helicopter pad is still in use today.

The present owner purchased the property in 2015 and since then the hotel has undergone extensive renovations and refurbishment. Lythe Hill now has 43 en suite bedrooms, including several suites. All of our rooms are named adding to the individuality of each room. Our first floor rooms are named after local places, 2nd floor named after famous people and our rooms outside named after writers and poets.

Whether you are here for business or pleasure we hope you are able to relax and enjoy the warm and welcoming hospitality that prevails at Lythe Hill, surrounded by reminders of a bygone era.

Lythe Hill Hotel

My wife and I had a short 3 day stay at Lythe Hill and it was fantastic. The room was spacious, and the bed was so comfortable. The food is first class and a dip in the pool with a sauna and jacuzzi rounded off each day perfectly. With friendly staff and the most amazing views, this hotel really is a must if you are looking for top quality accommodation and food, as well a relaxing atmosphere.

Tony Welch

For more information about Lythe Hill

Contact Us 01428 651 251
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