House & Gardens

Just over 200 years ago the 3rd Duke of Richmond built grand kennels designed by James Wyatt, in the very latest architectural style, so that his hounds should live in extraordinary comfort, and enjoy both wonderful feasts and glorious scenery.

The Earl of March shared this ambition to create an equally enlightened and special place on the Goodwood Estate, where one can enjoy great food and good company in an inspiring setting.

So he conceived the wonderful idea of converting these elegant old buildings into ‘The Kennels’, an exclusive Clubhouse for anyone who belongs to a sporting club on the Estate.

Front Elevation Of The Kennels

The Elegant Georgian Front Elevation of The Kennels designed by James Wyatt

Membership is all about enjoying real food in a relaxed and wonderful place, where contemporary art and furniture sit happily with stunning Georgian architecture; where James Wyatt meets Anthony Gormley!

There is a superb Dining Room which serves beautifully presented, home-grown, locally produced food, much of which comes from the organic Home Farm, and herbs picked daily from the walled, kitchen garden, and the chef makes full use of all these local ingredients.

The Kennels The Restaurant

The Dining Room at The Kennels

The Dining Room overlooks the parkland with distant vistas of Goodwood House, and there is also a private dining room for special functions, and a long drawing room leading to the sophisticated Bar at the western end of the building, which opens onto another terrace where you can lunch in the summer.

The Kennels The Drawing Room

The Drawing Room at The Kennels

 

The Kennels The Bar

The Bar at The Kennels

Kennels Membership is much sought after, as well it should be; this is the only Club I belong to, which would have me as a member!

It  is an oasis of calm and civility in a modern, fast moving world where most people have forgotten the value of manners, style and charm, and have no respect for the things of the past.

The Kennels is a haven from the preoccupations of the modern world where children grow up knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing.

This sanctuary reminds me of that wonderful poem by John Keats: ‘A thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever’

Internal Kennels

 

Monday, October 8th, 2012