The Star Inn
Our stay in Alfriston was made all the more special because we were staying in the laid back, totally unstuffy comfort of The Star Inn.
I don’t normally feel the need to go into detail about some of the lovely places we stay, but on this occasion, there were so many small touches that we admired that I took a few minutes on Saturday morning to take a few photos with the intention of sharing them here so I wouldn’t forget them all.
Our room, #30, was in the older part of the hotel. Not the original medieval structure but the part added in the 1930s or thereabouts. Bright and airy and furnished in a really attractive palette of colours and textures, we liked it very much indeed.
One thing I admired was the commitment to locally made and sourced items. In some cases, that’s very local, though in the case of this wonderful blanket which we found at the foot of the bed, local means “British Isles”. I loved the reversible pattern, the colours and the light texture of the woollen weave. Definitely one for the list!
I had spoken to the housekeeper about the beautifully woven headboard too, each one handmade and, looking closely at it, apparently handpainted/handprinted too. Such a treasure needs to be well taken care of, which prompted our conversation about the linen antimacassars (for want of a better word).
I will admit to occasional squeamishness about fabric headboards in hotels, the all time horror being in a Glasgow B&B which I try very hard not to think about. Here was the perfect solution.
Crisp, white linen with an applique and machine embroidered star on each.
Other details in our room were the plump cushions, the fabric of which seemed to be the source of the palette of colours used on the headboard.
The fine and well combined fabrics chosen for the upholstery of the two chairs across from the grey velvet sofa.
And the very individual oak leaf handles on the wardrobes. On one level, such small details are neither here nor there, but each one of these carefully considered touches was noticed and appreciated, as was one further, delightful feature
Books.
On each side of the bed was a stack of books. Not old dusty volumes pulled from a shelf somewhere but fresh, clean and recent titles, well chosen for the situation.
Actually, there were two stacks on each side of the bed. One was on the bedside table and another stack on the shelf beneath it.
I wonder how many of them you’ve read? Would like to read?
How many of those titles would you do as I did and make a note of them, ready for the next time you are looking for some fresh reading inspiration?
I know I said “two stacks on each side of the bed” and here, aren’t there five stacks shown? Well, yes. There was a “bonus” stack on the dresser too!
And if you’ve already read my previous post about Alfriston, then you might guess the source of these books too. In the information offered about our room were a few notes about the village, including several local sources…all the books were supplied by Much Ado about Books. Of course!
Our stay of three nights wasn’t long enough for us to get through them all, but if we had, we needn’t have worried. Just downstairs, we found…
The Residents’ Library!
With just a few more…
plus the daily papers and comfy chairs and sofas to sit and read them.
The table lamps are of an appropriate design.
There’s some witty artwork too, even if this one does give me the creeps (four and twenty blackbirds?)
It was the book about Charleston that caught my eye, but seeing the red leather bound volume on the other side of the lamp, I couldn’t resist taking a look inside.
Opening it, I discovered a handmade scrapbook about The Star Inn
filled with clippings and comments, together with the story of the rebuilding and reopening. I’d have liked to have sat and read it all but there were other things to be getting on with.
Making the most of this quiet time in the hotel, when I could take photographs without getting in anyone’s way. I’d noticed the lampshades in the corridor outside our room, every other one of which was handpainted to an individual design.
Throughout the hotel there are small design details worthy of note, like these cute shelf supports in the bar/restaurant area. Whilst in the restaurant, have a look at the hotel website and take a look at the photographs of the hand painted floor there (stunning!) and the “Elizabethan” portrait above the table, by Rob and Nick Carter. Two of their large scale flower works are here too.
In fact, there are some pretty large design details everywhere, two of which caught our eye on the very first night here when we sat in the bar enjoying an aperitif.
These large - about 1m wide - wall panels, each carved from a single piece of wood were lit to perfection and looked stunning in the alcoves either side of the fireplace. We weren’t the first to remark on them either, for Hayden, the barman was well prepared with the details. Made locally and sourced through Diana Kelly’s design studio in the village, they were crafted using a chainsaw. A little further research led me here and I am hoping to find out more about them.
Whilst sitting in the bar, we’d also commented on the fresh flowers and foliage that was there on each table, refreshed daily and particularly noted the colours and seasonal variety that was a little out of the ordinary. The vases were simple ceramic forms, imprinted with lace patterns. Again, individual craftsmanship, probably locally made (though I’ve not been able to find out more, sadly).
Actually, the flowers throughout the hotel were beautiful and refreshed daily. I loved this combination (and I usually dislike chrysanthemums)
There’s just something about those copper and burgundy tones that hit the spot by each of those paintings, don’t you think?
If you’re still here and haven’t dozed off in the midst of what seems like a bit of a catalogue listing, then perhaps the sight of a pig peering through the window might come as a surprise?
Depending on what the weather’s doing outside, some form of additional clothing might be appreciated too, whether it be a raincoat and Wellington boots, a Panama hat or a cosy blanket. Every wish of their guests has been considered by such experienced and professional hoteliers here and we couldn’t have appreciated it more.
What was also apparent from the conversations we had in the shops and businesses around the village, was the high regard in which Alex and Olga Polizzi are held by the local community. There was a warmth in the manner they were referred to by their staff and we very much appreciated their style and attention to detail.
Even if there was one detail we very nearly overlooked. As we packed our bags ready to leave, I spotted this lovely raku vessel on the dresser in our room. How had I not noticed it before? Well, I guess that in between the art, the books and the flowers, not to mention the many other lovely things surrounding me, I might be forgiven for overlooking one thing?
But maybe I missed more?
We shall have to return for another visit!
