Cornish cottagecore
If, like Jane Austen, you’re “excessively fond of a cottage”, head 25 miles west of Plymouth to Cottage Orné. The 17th-century property has a new lease of life as a self-catering hamlet revamped by east London-based Studio Alexandra, with options ranging from a snug shepherd’s hut to a grand manor house sleeping 14. Mod cons include saunas and ice-bucket showers, a yoga studio and wildflower-framed pool, plus a light-filled studio for drawing, painting and printmaking workshops.
An Amberley homecoming
As restaurateurs, the Gladwin brothers are known for bringing country-grown, farm-to-fork fare to the capital at The Shed, Rabbit, Sussex, The Pig’s Ear and others. But their latest venture, The Black Horse, marks their return to the Sussex village where they grew up, and where they’ve now transformed their old local into a charming pub. Opening in late March, The Black Horse’s hyperlocal menu will focus on hearty classics like pies, roasts and rotisserie chicken. Artwork from the boys’ mum adds a personal touch to 11 comfortable bedrooms.
Kentish coastal crafts
If sandy beaches and bracing coastal walks aren’t enough to lure you to Ramsgate, a creative retreat might do the trick. Batsford Books (esteemed publisher of arts and crafts volumes since 1843) is adding another string to its bow with Maker’s House, due to open this spring in Ramsgate’s Historic Quarter. The programme of day courses and residential weekends, curated by Batsford authors and partners, spans textile arts such as quilt-making and sewing – with other disciplines to follow.
Land art in West Sussex
Set up by the Duke of Richmond last year on his sprawling Chichester estate, the Goodwood Art Foundation stages contemporary art across 70 acres of glades, meadows and ancient woodlands. Next in the spotlight, from May 2, is American artist Nancy Holt’s first major UK exhibition. Expect to see her large-scale earthworks, site-specific installations and more spilling out from gallery to landscape – a long overdue tribute to one of the few women central to the land art movement.
Taste of Islay
Storied Scottish single-malt distillers Ardbeg purchased the popular Islay Hotel in 2022, treating it to a multimillion pound Russell Sage Studio makeover. The result, uncorked at the end of 2025, is a moody, theatrical boutique hotel leaning into the brand’s heritage and the island’s folklore, with layered interiors inspired by peat, sea air and local tales. With Islay views from each of the 12 rooms, you don’t need to love whisky to stay – though the distillery next door is certainly part of the appeal.
When in… Deal
A glamorous Rome-inspired watering hole might not be what you’d expect to find 10 minutes inland from Deal, but Bar Vita – the new Italian cocktail bar from Updown Farmhouse – is exactly that. Opened in January, it’s an irresistible addition to Ruth Leigh and Oli Brown’s award-winning restaurant, where plump banquettes, sultry lighting and superlative snacks invite guests to linger. Menu must-tries include a Martini and smoked-eel Gilda, a fig-leaf Negroni and cacio e pepe croquettes. It’s open from noon until late all week.
This article first appeared in the third issue of Broadsheet London's magazine. Here's where to find a copy.
