The Story of Bailiffscourt
Everyone who has visited Bailiffscourt in the heart of rural West Sussex has been enchanted by the beauty of the building and the air of tranquil timelessness that surrounds it. This is the story of this unique and lovely place, and how it came to be so special. The book goes right back to Bailiffscourt’s first foundations just after the Norman conquest, covers the period in the 1920s when the current extraordinary building was conceived and built by Lady Moyne and her inspired architect Amyas Phillips, and continues up until the time my grandmother founded the first hotel there. There is a detailed chapter about the beautiful Norman chapel in the grounds and an illustrated appendix, explaining the origins of many of the original pieces of medieval furniture still in the building. There is also a page listing some of the many celebrities that have stayed there over the years.
Details: A4 Hardback, 67 pages with colour illustrations throughout
Price: £16.99
Plus £3.25 postage and packing (standard UK P&P)
If you are based outside the UK, or wish to order more than one copy of the book, please contact me directly via the Contact Me tab, above.
The Author
Sally Orson-Jones
I was lucky enough to grow up at Bailiffscourt during the 1960s and 1970s. This is the story of this extraordinary place, and the tale of how my grandmother, Emmy Birer, created the first hotel here in the 1940s.
Alison Arnold
16 05 2021
Hi. Does your book have any history of the riding stables. I know it was run independently but many guests rode their as well. I am particularly interested if you have any photos of the horses. I spent many happy hours helping out at the stables and it was a wonderful place to spend a childhood.
Sally Jones
23 04 2023
Hi Alison, I have just seen your message, I’m so sorry that it’s taken me two years to reply! The page gets so much spam and things do sometimes get lost. No, sadly the book doesn’t have any information on the stables. I would have loved to include that, but it wasn’t possible. I believe I may have a couple of photos of Rufus in my personal collection, but that’s all. Let me know if you’re interested, if you see this after all this time! Very warmest, Sally
Katrina Hall
10 06 2020
Just dug out my old photo album my mother made for me and found loads of photos of Birer’s Hotel. We stayed there as a family during the 50s and early 60s together with other family friends from Oxford. Happy memories of riding horses and playing on the pebble beach. Must now buy the book.
Sally Jones
09 11 2020
Dear Katrina, thank you so much for this message, which I have only just seen. I would love to see your photos of Bailiffscourt. I will be in touch. Very best wishes, Sally
Ruby Maloney Hall
01 02 2019
A fabulous book from a fabulous author! Thoroughly researched and incredibly informative – the perfect read for any person with history at Bailiffscourt or interested in its wonderful story. It is clearly a project fueled by passion and was a delight to experience.
Belinda Beeton
29 11 2018
Dear Sally,
I heard your interview on Radio Sussex. We have always gone to Bailiffscourt. We even used to ride there! My sister, who now lives in Canada and has for many years, used to be a receptionist there. I would like to buy a copy for my other sister for Christmas – are there any shops where I may buy it, or is it only online please?
Yours sincerely,
Belinda
Sally Jones
30 11 2018
Dear Belinda,
Thank you so much for your message – I will reply to you properly by email. At the moment the only places that you can buy the book are at Bailiffscourt and here.
Very best wishes
Sally
Karma Loveday
15 10 2018
This book is a labour of love, full of beautiful details – both Sally’s personal memories and meticulous research into the deeper past. There is history, fun and even a few celebs!
Leigh Chapman
11 10 2018
Beautifully put together, meticulously researched. The history of the place is brought alive. If anyone has stayed at Bailiffscourt, they will love this book. If anyone hasn’t stayed there, after reading this, they will want to.
Jan Windsor
11 10 2018
This book brought back many happy memories of times spent at Bailiffscourt. It was always an enchanting and somewhat quirky place and I so enjoyed the detail of how it came into being. The book is a compelling read, extremely well researched, beautifully presented and packed full of interesting illustrations. It is a ‘must have,’ for all who know and love this unique place as well as for those who have yet to discover its fairytale charm. I couldn’t put it down.
Dilly Lambourn
10 10 2018
I was lucky enough t work at Bailiffscourt Hotel in the mid – late 70’s, so this book is a real treat. It was lovely wander down memory lane to be reunited with Sally, her mother Ilsa, and her grandmother, Mrs Birer, and all that was familiar about this wonderful establishment. Beautifully written with photos old and new to help tell the story. Well done Sal.
Sue
09 10 2018
I always knew little bits of the history, but this book has clarified how this wonderful place came to be. Great research and very well written (would expect no less from the doctor). Thanks Sally, a real treat.
Pete Sacker
09 10 2018
A fine history of a unique building, unique hotel and, for me many memories of family holidays provided by a great and generous Aunt Emmy. Thanks for writing it.
Meg
09 10 2018
A really interesting read, and impeccably researched.
Marianne
09 10 2018
Reading the book made me happy.
I spent parts of my childhood there and the book made me remember. It is very good.
Tina Kahn
02 10 2018
You brought me back to the lovely memories of Bailiffscourt. Thank you so much for making this book.
Sarah Knights
02 10 2018
Informative and a great read. Really enjoy it. Bought many happy memories back of my times staying at Baliffscourt.
Jennie Munro
02 10 2018
Good luck Sally! I hope your book brings joy to many.