Sussex hotel stars on TV’s Interior Design Masters

Highley Manor Hotel in Balcombe, near Haywards Heath, featured on the BBC programme Interior Design Masters presented by comedian Alan Carr.

During the programme, which aired on BBC Two on Tuesday night, a group of interior designers were each tasked to make over one of the hotel’s 19 luxury bedrooms, making it fit for a bride and groom.

Highley Manor was built in 1669 and was home to romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley - born near Horsham - in the 19th century.

The manor later fell into disuse and was eventually demolished and the present building was constructed in its place.

It is rumoured that in the 1920s the then Prince of Wales - later the uncrowned King Edward V111 - entertained Mrs Simpson there.

She later became his wife after Edward gave up the crown for her.

Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr continues next Tuesday at 8pm on BBC Two.