Joint venture in East Sussex

Olga and Alex Polizzi purchase East Sussex Inn in ‘first official’ joint venture

Olga Polizzi, the renowned interior designer, hotelier and director of design for Rocco Forte Hotels has bought The Star Inn at Alfriston, in East Sussex, with her daughter, Alex Polizzi, the presenter of Channel 5’s, The Hotel Inspector.

Olga Polizzi already owns Hotel Tresanton in Cornwall and Hotel Endsleigh in Devon, with The Star Inn at Alfriston marking the first official joint venture for the mother and daughter duo.

Alex Polizzi revealed that the hotel will close at the end of October for ‘seven months of hard renovations’ and is scheduled to open in June 2020 as a 30-bedroom hotel, to be known as The Star.

“My home is in this part of the world and I’ve always longed for the opportunity to open a hotel in Sussex. When The Star Inn came on the market, Alex and I leapt at the project. We want it to be an integral part of the community and provide a welcoming environment for all, from walkers to opera goers.” said Polizzi.

The Star Inn was once owned by Olga’s father and Alex’s grandfather, Lord Forte, who created the Trust House Forte group.

“I am very excited to be working with my wonderful mother again, as it is fifteen years since we opened Endsleigh together and we hope that our complementary skills will help us create a really special place to eat and stay. Channel 5 are going to film the renovation process and the excitement of the opening months, so it will be good for me to be challenged in the way that I challenge others on The Hotel Inspector!” said Alex Polizzi.