If your clients are looking for a summer retreat in the English countryside, Heckfield Place in Hampshire offers guests ample space to immerse themselves in their picturesque surroundings. The 45-bedroom Georgian manor is set within 438 acres of woodlands, lakes, meadows and lush gardens. Just an hour from London, it’s an easy-to-reach country escape for a long weekend or a great way to ease into a longer vacation in the U.K.
The 250-year-old country house was converted into a luxury hotel in 2019. In addition to offering six different room types—all with stunning views of the grounds—Heckfield Place has two restaurants that use products grown on the estate, a bar, tea room, wine cellar, market garden, screening room and the Little Bothy Spa that offers manicures, pedicures, facials, body treatments, massages, holistic treatments and yoga and pilates classes.
The expansive grounds are ideal for indulging in quintessential British summer activities such as wild swimming or boating on the lake, strolling through the gardens, hiking, cycling, fishing or picnicking amongst the Rhododendrons. Guests can also try their hand at falconry with the assistance of an on-site falconer or reconnect with nature by practicing the Japanese art of forest bathing. Those wanting to keep fit country-style can try Farm Fit—circuit-based training using farm equipment such as tractor tires, hay bales and weighted milk churns. Horseback riding is offered at the neighboring Wellington Riding center.
Activities designed specifically with children in mind include tricycle tours of the grounds, kid-friendly games, like croquet, for kids aged 5 to 11, nature hunts and workshops on photography, flower arranging and how to craft birdhouses from willow branches. Alternatively, families can head to neighboring Wellington Country Park to ride the miniature train, explore nature trails or take advantage of one one the many play areas.
Heckfield Place has six room types to choose from: Signature Rooms—five rooms that range from a 2,000 sq. ft apartment with separate sitting and dining rooms, working fireplace and terrace to the 613 sq. ft Ochre Room with a fireplace and marble bathroom; Master Rooms with separate bedroom and bathroom, living/dining spaces and most have terraces; Chamber Rooms with a seating area; Guest Rooms; and cozy Friends Rooms. Guests can also stay in the charming Church Lodge—an old 2-story gatehouse with two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, dining room, living room, study and wood burning stove. Room rates start at $600 per night.
The estate is a 75 minute drive from central London or one hour by train from London’s Waterloo station.
For more information, visit heckfieldplace.com.
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