Goodwood hotel to ‘redefine’ as a luxury coaching inn in multimillion-pound transformation

Goodwood Estate is set to transform its hotel into a luxury coaching inn, with a “significant refurbishment programme” scheduled throughout 2027.

The multimillion-pound transformation of the West Sussex sporting estate’s hotel “represents a long-term investment in future-proofing the Goodwood experience for a new generation of guests”, it said.

The reimagined hotel will see the 18th-century property return to its coaching inn roots with 80 bedrooms, comprising 64 bedrooms and 16 suites - down from the 91 rooms the hotel currently offers.

The property, which is situated in a wooded corner of the Goodwood estate’s 11,000 acres of countryside, will include two restaurants, a snug, library, boot room and event spaces.

The main hotel will close its doors to guests throughout 2027, while the estate’s self-catering cottages will remain open. The renovated hotel is scheduled to reopen for visitors in early 2028.

The property’s transformation is being helmed by Russell Sage Studio, which counts hotels the Fife Arms, LVMH’s Ardbeg House, the Goring and Hauser & Wirth among its previous projects.

The renovation, which will feature works from a number of local artists and makers, will “draw on the estate’s rich history […], from seasonal menus celebrating produce from Goodwood Farm to interiors inspired by the historic landscape and experiences that have shaped life at Goodwood for generations”.

Charles Richmond, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon and chairman of the estate, said: “For centuries, successive dukes have invited guests to share in the experiences they loved at Goodwood, from hunting and horseracing to flying, farming, motor racing, wellbeing, nature and art. We wanted to return to that original spirit and create somewhere from which guests can explore, discover and deeply connect with nature.

“This is much more than a refurbishment. It is an opportunity to elevate and redefine the hotel for future generations while remaining true to everything that makes Goodwood so special”.

Russell Sage added: “I’m thrilled to work with Goodwood Estate on this exciting new chapter for the Goodwood hotel. The original inn and surrounding buildings hold an extraordinary history, and we want that story to become one of the defining reasons guests fall in love with the reimagined Goodwood hotel. We’re uncovering its fascinating past, celebrating and preserving its treasures, while creating something that feels fresh, relevant and focused on the future.”

Goodwood Estate has been the seat of the Dukes of Richmond since 1697. The estate extended its catering contract with caterer Levy for a further 10 years last month. 

Photo: Jon Nicholson