West Dean

It's not hard to be inspired by West Dean. Set in some of the most beautiful parkland in the South, the house is full of stories and home to bizarre objects from over 150 years of eclectic and eccentric collecting. Edward James was the last private owner of the Estate. He was a life-long patron of the arts and collaborated with Dali to create the iconic Mae West Lips Sofa and the Lobster Telephone. Within the walls of West Dean there is something to surprise and intrigue you at every turn, from the splendid antique battle armour adorning the walls to the spiral staircase which leads you to a strange Dali-esque mural.

There are three magnificent and well equipped inter-connecting State Rooms for meetings as well as a grand Oak Reception Hall and a contemporary conversion of a 19th century Barn. They also have a number of smaller meeting rooms for break out sessions. The bedrooms are comfortably furnished in traditional and contemporary styles, some with very elaborate and quirky interiors, and the Stewards Bar is a warm and welcoming communal place to relax in.

West Dean is an Arts Foundation where they can tap into the creative resources to add a different dimension to your meeting. You might like to try willow weaving, silk painting, wood carving or pottery in one of the creative workshops or take a tour of the house viewing some of Edward James’ fabulous collection of art. Maybe hop into one of their Land Rovers for a 2 hour drive through the picturesque 6,400 estate or take a guided tour of the revolutionary Biomass Boiler project. Whatever your meeting or events need their aim is to ensure your time there with them is a positive and unforgettable experience. 

Testimonials 

“The venue was superb as it filled a wide range of needs perfectly. The setting and accommodation left staff in no doubt that they were valued and looked after.” 

“The facilities were equally spot on for the inputs, workshops and lead presentations, with excellent sized rooms and all needs promptly and efficiently provided for. The staff were friendly, helpful and unobtrusive providing all that was needed to ensure that the event was a success. The opportunity to give delegates a very different option of an evening workshop in Pottery or Silk Painting was a real high spot for everyone and unique.” 

“Having stayed in very good hotels on previous occasions the team were very clear in assessing West Dean as far better, with real character and charm.”

"The setting, the greeting, the facilities, the ever-courteous staff – all combine to make our stay very special and so very productive. As long as West Dean will have us, we'll be back.”

“We didn't have to worry about any practicalities for our stay and felt well looked after, allowing us to concentrate on running our event. The location and rooms provided were beautiful which relaxed our delegates into their training.”

“Thank you, what a wonderful place to spend a few days, I feel rejuvenated!”

“Amazing venue – keep using it!”

“West Dean is a unique environment which was perfect for our team meeting. The venue and grounds inspired us and our output was fantastic.”

"West Dean has consistently provided the ambience and quality of service that we require."

“I’d like to say how much everyone enjoyed their short stay at West Dean. Everything ran very smoothly, which I'm sure was down to your excellent organisational skills and those of your team. All the staff were lovely and very helpful and the food and rooms were excellent.”

'This is a fabulous place to hold an event; a beautiful flint-faced mansion in a stunning location, comfortable rooms, excellent food and very helpful staff for whom nothing is too much trouble.'

'West Dean is a unique environment which was perfect for our team meeting. The venue and grounds inspired us and out output was fantastic.'

“Both the main house and the grounds are full of character and beauty, the food is fantastic and there is a good selection to cater for all dietary requirements. Your staff are friendly and helpful and a delight to work with.”

“An excellent venue with an enormous atmosphere, West Dean is an inspirational location.”

Client List: 

Crafts Council, English Heritage, National Trust, The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn, Rolls Royce Motor Cars, Fat Face, World Wildlife Fund, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Sotherby's Institute of the Arts, University College London, Medical Research Council, The Royal Oak Foundation, The Attingham Trust, O'Neill Wetsuits, Centre For Primary Care Education, Historical Metallurgy Society, Society For Folk Life Studies, National Parks Authority, Kingston University, Aviva and South Downs National Park Authority. 

Event Types

Awards Ceremony, Charity Event, Christmas Party, Concert, Conference, Corporate Away Day, Corporate Hospitality, Dinner, Exhibition, Film Location, Launch Event, Meeting, Presentation, Press Launch, Reception, Roadshow, Seminar, Showcase Event, Team Building, Idea Generation.