Why November is the Perfect Month for a Luxury Escape in Sussex
Whether you’re craving peaceful seclusion, quality time with loved ones, or a chance to celebrate togetherness before Christmas, November offers a unique kind of magic that makes it one of the most special months for a countryside getaway, you very own luxury escape in Sussex.
Find Peace in the Calm Before the Festive Rush
Before December fills up with social plans, shopping lists, and seasonal bustle, November gives you the gift of calm. It’s a time to step away from the noise, breathe deeply, and enjoy the stillness of your surroundings. Our handpicked luxury cottages in Sussex offer tranquil countryside views, roaring fireplaces, and warm, elegant spaces designed for complete relaxation. Picture yourself curled up with a good book, enjoying a glass of wine by the fire, or taking a mindful morning walk through misty fields – moments that remind you how good it feels to simply slow down.
It’s also the perfect time to reconnect.
Reconnect and Create Meaningful Memories
With life’s daily busyness, it’s not always easy to carve out quality time with the people who matter most. A November escape in one of our Sussex holiday rentals offers the space to do just that – to gather, share slow meals, and make meaningful memories together. Enjoy long Sunday roasts, movie nights wrapped in blankets, or a gentle stroll through charming villages and along Sussex’s scenic coastline. These simple, soulful moments often become the ones we treasure most.
Celebrate Christmas Early – Your Way, your Luxury Escape in Sussex
For those who love the festive season, November is the ideal time to celebrate Christmas early with out-of-town relatives or friends. Imagine a beautifully set table, the scent of pine and mulled spices filling the air, and laughter echoing through your luxury home-from-home. Hosting an early gathering allows you to enjoy the magic of the season – without the December chaos – and our properties provide the perfect backdrop for an intimate celebration.
Add a Little Sparkle to Your Stay
To make your stay even more special, you can add a little sparkle with our hand-curated experiences. Our Festive Hampers bring an extra layer of indulgence, filled with artisanal treats, fine wines, and festive touches to elevate your time away. Once your booking is confirmed, our concierge manager, Lauren, will be in touch to learn more about your plans and preferences – including any personal details or finishing touches you wish to add. Whether you’re marking an occasion, celebrating early, or simply treating yourself, we’ll help you create a stay that feels truly bespoke. Discover more hand-picked experiences, here.
Rest & Reset at a Luxury Escape in Sussex
As nature begins its hibernation, November encourages us to do the same – to rest, reflect, and restore our energy before the busy winter months ahead. Our luxury holiday homes in Sussex are designed with comfort and connection in mind: think soft lighting, plush bedding, hot tubs under the stars, and beautifully styled spaces that invite deep relaxation. Whether you’re escaping for a romantic weekend or a gathering with family and friends, you’ll leave feeling replenished and renewed.
There’s something deeply comforting about retreating into warmth and simplicity as the days grow shorter. November brings a sense of cosy contentment – candlelit dinners, board games by the fire, and long, slow mornings where time seems to stretch. Our luxury listings in Sussex offer the perfect blend of understated elegance and homely charm, creating space to reconnect, rest, and savour the season’s quiet beauty.
Your November Escape Awaits
November might be one of the most overlooked months for travel – but those who know, know. It’s a time for intentional rest, meaningful gatherings, and quiet indulgence. So whether you’re celebrating early, reconnecting with loved ones, or simply seeking peace before the festive rush, discover the beauty of slowing down in one of our Sussex holiday rentals.
There’s nothing quite like returning back to your luxury holiday home after a day spent exploring all that Sussex has to offer, and being greeted by the aroma of a gourmet meal being prepared by your own personal chef.
At The Butler Collection, we believe that exceptional holidays deserve exceptional moments – and with our concierge team on hand to provide you with those unforgettable finishing touches, arranging your own private chef during your getaway is easier than you think.
The Butler Collection private chef concierge service
Our private chef concierge service is one of our most popular experiences amongst The Butler Collection guests.
Since launching, dozens of luxury-seeking holidaymakers have enjoyed unforgettable dining experiences across our range of premium Sussex-based holiday homes – from elegant tasting menus, to laid-back garden dinners, from three course service, to eight-courses and a paired wine offering.
Together, our expert selection of trained, passionate chefs work with our concierge team to create a menu that best suits you, your guests, and your occasion.
Meet the chef: Michael Sargent
If you’ve booked a private chef experience with The Butler Collection, chances are you’ll already recognise one of our head chefs, Michael Sargent.
We recently sat down with Michael to find out more about his journey from kitchen porter to leading chef, and below, he’s sharing what guests can expect from a private chef experience with The Butler Collection, his favourite dishes, and The Butler Collection property that he considers ‘chef heaven’.
Tell us a little about your background – where did your journey as a chef begin, and what inspired you to pursue this career?
My journey began in my grandad’s pub The Henty Arms. I started as a kitchen porter when I was 12, earning money to buy skins in video games but I very quickly fell in love with food and being able to take a handful of ingredients turning them into whatever I wanted to, no rule book, no being told I can’t do that and then seeing smiles I’d put on people’s faces. Eventually I made the decision to drop out of school and pursue cooking full time at the pub. My career really got pushed to the next level when I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to work for Tom Kemble @ The Pass. He put me through college and taught me how to take a simple ingredient and turn it into something incredible.
You’ve cooked in some incredible places – how does the private chef experience differ from a traditional restaurant setting?
The private dining experience is unlike any other. It’s an incredibly intimate experience and I love it because from the get go I can build a rapport with the guest and fully tailor everything to their liking, creating a menu designed for them with all their favourite flavours and then putting my own twist on it. Picture going out to a restaurant where you’re the only table there, they’ve designed the menu just for you, the chef spends time at the table talking about the great quality produce in the dishes and not being in a rush to go and serve other people but then remember you’re doing that in the comfort of your own home.
What can guests expect when they book a private dining experience through The Butler Collection?
It depends a lot on what the guest is looking for, it could be a BBQ for 20 people or a 7-course dinner for a family of four. Whatever the occasion, they can always expect a smooth booking process, a team of people that are happy to accommodate any requests and an overall incredible experience on the day. We will always go above and beyond to make our guests happy.
What’s your process for putting together a menu?
Firstly I look at the special requests and any dietary requirements, after this I’ll look at what produce I can get that’s in season and high quality, and then I’ll play around with flavours in my head and type up what works well together.
What are some of your favourite dishes to cook for guests staying in Butler Collection homes?
My go to menu would probably be the Buratta & Heritage tomato salad for starter. For main course it has to be a barbecued rib of beef, which personally I love with chimichurri, some chantenay carrots and a side of caesar salad. Then for dessert I love making my “Baileys Cold Chocolate” which is essentially a really boozy pannacotta with loads of chocolate.
How do you cater to specific dietary needs or preferences?
I take dietary requirements very seriously, even when buying the ingredients for an allergenic dish I’ll keep it separate from the rest, same in the processes of preparation, cooking, transport and serving.
Kid-friendly meals very much depend on each child, so bookings are handled on a case-by-case basis to ensure everyone is happy – and well-fed!
You’ve cooked in a range of properties – do you have a favourite kitchen setup from The Butler Collection?
As much as I love the challenges of cooking beef wellingtons in the Aga at Marble Bridge Farm, my favourite has to be the Rook Retreat. The large island in the middle, kitchen open to the guests, two 4D Heat ovens and a beautiful induction stove top (it’s chef heaven) creates an even more intimate experience.
What do you enjoy most about working with Butler Collection guests?
I love the fact everybody I meet is different, I get to meet so many awesome people and show them what I love doing.
What’s your favourite thing about being a private chef?
Honestly.. I love everything about being a private chef. Working on a unique menu, then going to the house and meeting great people and giving them an incredible evening cooking some banging food. Like this isn’t a job, I don’t ever wake up thinking I’m going to work.. I just love it.
If someone’s never booked a private chef before, what would you say to tempt them to try it during their stay?
When you go out to a restaurant to celebrate something, you’re going to a place where you may not like the food, they may not cater for a certain allergy you have, you might have to get a babysitter and so much more.. If you book me, the event will be tailored around you.
I can say hand on heart you’ll enjoy the food, there’s no waiting for someone to walk past so you can order a drink, the food comes to you in the comfort of your own home. When you take everything into account, private chefs are actually great value for money.
Booking a private chef with The Butler Collection
Booking a private chef with The Butler Collection couldn’t be easier. Once you’ve reserved your property, our concierge team will work with you to organise your experience:
Choose from a selection of menu options or request a bespoke creation
Highlight any dietary needs or preferences
Select a date and time that fits your plans
Let us handle the rest: your chef will arrive with everything they need ready for an experience to remember
Looking for optional add-ons, such as wine pairings, cocktail making masterclasses, or table styling? Our concierge team are on hand to make it happen.
What our guests say
Since launching our private chef experience to The Butler Collection guests, we’re delighted to have received glowing feedback – including the following:
“Fabulous weekend spent at The Rook Retreat. Such a perfect house for 11 of us to celebrate a special birthday. Thanks for the suggestion of the private chef also – he was great.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about the concierge service that made our special day unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, the team went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. For a once-in-a-lifetime occasion like proposing, they arranged an intimate and beautifully curated dining experience with a private chef. The chef created a personalised menu that left us speechless—it was clear they paid attention to every detail, ensuring it was not only delicious but also visually stunning.“
(Stayed at The Rook Retreat and enjoyed the private chef experience in March 2025).
Private chefs for hire: the luxury upgrade for your Sussex holiday
Whether you’re looking to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary, are planning on hosting a proposal dinner, are organising a family reunion or special group trip, or are looking to truly make the most of being in holiday mode, add a five-star touch to your next getaway with your own private chef.
To enquire, email the concierge team on [email protected] or visit here. To view our full range of concierge services, please click here.
It’s your getaway, made yours.
Welcome to The Butler Collection: the premium destination for luxury holiday homes and personal concierge services here in Sussex.
The contemporary living room of The Rook Retreat, based in Amberley.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy coastal getaway, or a chic city break, a historic grade II listed home, or a contemporary and edgy interior, properties within The Butler Collection portfolio are bound by one thing: a commitment to luxury.
But The Butler Collection is so much more than just breathtaking holiday homes. When you book your Sussex holiday let through us, you also receive access to our personal concierge services.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury in-home experience, or would prefer your personal butler concierge manager secures you the most exclusive of hospitality packages for events in Sussex, leave us to handle the finer details so you can focus on what matters most: having an unforgettable getaway.
Enjoy the luxury of a private chef in your holiday home, available when you book through The Butler Collection.
Make yourself at home in one of The Butler Collection’s luxury holiday lets
The Butler Collection portfolio consists of our specially curated holiday homes, each offering our guests something remarkable.
From cosy coastal boltholes, to serene countryside retreats, these Sussex-based high-end properties are designed with elegance and comfort in mind, offering guests a truly unforgettable stay.
When you book with The Butler Collection, you can rest assured knowing that every detail has been considered for your perfect getaway.
Modern meets contemporary in the kitchen of The Bakery – complete with the original bakery oven.
Whether you’re looking to host a family trip, a romantic couple’s retreat, or are planning a special celebration, we can guarantee you’ll find the ideal property within our portfolio.
Enhancing your stay with premium concierge services
Here at The Butler Collection, we’re in the business of creating unforgettable getaways for our guests –
Which is why we’re thrilled to be able to offer everyone who books a Butler Collection property access to our premium concierge services, and your own butler concierge manager, who is on hand to take care of the finer details of your stay.
Introducing The Butler Collection concierge services
Whether you’re looking to stay in and make the most of your luxurious holiday home, or go out and explore the area, you’re bound to find an experience that appeals to you.
Enjoy a morning of relaxation with our Pamper Package, in the comfort of your own The Butler Collection home.
From private chef experiences in your Sussex holiday let, to wine tasting overlooking the award-winning vineyards of our partners, to in-suite massages from our trusted team of recommended massage therapists, and hospitality tickets to a Goodwood event, let us add the finishing touches to your getaway so you can focus on what matters most.
Make it a holiday to remember with The Butler Collection
There’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to booking a getaway with The Butler Collection. Instead, we focus on the personal touches, the finer details, and a commitment to creating a bespoke experience for each and every guest.
We’re in the business of creating memorable escapes for our guests, and we believe your holiday should be tailored exclusively to you.
It’s your getaway, made yours.
Explore the luxury property collection here, and discover our exceptional concierge services here.
