Bosham Boathouse is the new title holder of the Best B&B in England at the VisitEngland Awards and has seemingly more than earned its place there without a single review on Tripadvisor less than 5 stars and their lowest rating on Google at 4 stars. 

The quaint home on the outskirts of Bosham in West Sussex may seem like an underdog from the outside for this monumental title, however, as The Telegraph’s reporter revealed it’s truly what’s on the inside that counts with this hidden gem. 

Countless reviews across countless platforms also concluded this with notes around the impeccable food, mattress, and atmosphere but above all else, the reviews teemed with compliments for owner Jane Young.  

Jane seemingly understands how prudent first impressions can be as she revealed she never lets a guest beat her to the front door, instead meeting every person on the drive with a cheery smile. 

The B&B’s location combined with its complete submersion in the nearby greenery offers a truly secluded escape and being located on the A259 also makes it a more accessible escape for most.

While the owner isn’t keen to boast, the top-rated stay is also a Green Tourism Award holder, offering 10% discounts to guests who arrive by bike and Jane’s husband Hamish doing his part by cutting the local meadow seasonally with a scythe to promote more flower growth. 

Rooftop solar panels and a small flock of chickens to provide eggs for breakfast also help Jane keep the costs down, almost at a staggeringly low level. She revealed: “I’m cheaper than a Premier Inn most nights.” 

While nights at the Boathouse aren’t necessarily budget, spanning around £100 per night, the reviews alone reveal it’s more than value for money particularly with Premiere Inns and Travelodges in London easily reaching over £200. 

It should be no surprise that the award-winning hidden gem has a string of satisfied guests trailing it as Jane herself is no stranger to the world of luxury travel. 

Kate’s top five tips for success:

1: Caring for nature and offering local produce

2: Cost – cheaper than Premier Inn

3: Little things like leaving small luxuries in the room for guests

4: The beautiful location

5: Personal touch – looking after guests and greeting them

She first got her start at the lauded Le Gavroche in Mayfair, learning how to make omelettes under the famed French chef Albert Roux, before working in the Australian restaurant industry and in a GP surgery before opening her Bosham sanctuary. 

While her offerings are small, only four rooms compared to the hundreds available through chain hotels, Jane has spared no expense for her guests setting each room up with a Hypnos bed, “highest quality linen”, lavender-scented soaps and locally made chocolates. 

However, the award-winning host puts her success down to understanding her guests and helping to guide them throughout her stay, she explained: “Part of my role is a concierge. That’s why guests keep coming back.”