Living in the south of England means that I’m always on the lookout for finding the best places for family and friends to visit… and what better way to know exactly where to recommend than by visiting these places myself?
A unique stay at the Lainston House, just 15 minute drive from the centre of Winchester, completely fits the bill.
We spent a cosy overnight here this winter and loved every moment. It’s a complete dream stay for those who love the charm of England’s beautiful manor homes.
The Lainston House
Located amongst the rolling hills of Winchester, the 17th century mansion house hotel is a dreamy stay no matter the time of year.
After all, in the midst of a dreary English winter, I’ve found the perfect remedy: sprawling manor homes, gorgeously aesthetic hotel rooms, vintage charm around each and every corner, sipping on bespoke cocktails and topping it off with indulging in a truly delectable dining experience.
With 63 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside, a stay at Lainston House can be filled with either relaxing within the Manor House itself or wandering the sprawling grounds for nature walks or bike rides.
On this occasion, we definitely chose to stay warm and cosy!
Our Room, the Delft Suite
We stayed in the Delft Suite at the Lainston House, which is an absolutely HUGE room! It’s more like a palace. And even for a simple overnight, my bursting suitcase was happy to have plenty of space to spread out.
This room also overlooks the Avenue of Limes, a mile long avenue that sprawls over the property. And the Delft Suite even includes a beautiful fireplace and huge bathroom complete with separate shower and tub. Last thing to mention… I’m also a massive fan of the high ceilings.
Luckily, a spacious room like this is still super cosy! Our room stayed completely warm and comfortable throughout our stay.
This is certainly one of the “treat yourself” rooms at the Lainston House. Prices for the suite start from £400 so it’s really a special occasion to book this one. Other rooms on the property start from £300 per night. You can view booking options for your stay here.
Drinks in The Cedar Bar
I’d highly recommend popping in for a drink at the Cedar Bar. The cosy bookish interior makes for the perfect way to spend an early evening. Or to maybe create your own photoshoot or two… just me, perhaps?
And did you know that the ornate wooden panelling was carved by the famous Grinling Gibbons from a cedar tree that fell in the great storm of 1930 – thus the bar name!
The Wellhouse
If there’s one thing I have to recommend, it’s that you absolutely need to book in for dinner at The Wellhouse on your visit for lunch or dinner, we were absolutely blown away by the menu.
It’s actually one of the UK’s few few restaurants to have all of the dishes cooked by woodfire. Yes, it’s literally all wood fired ovens and smokers creating each dish.
And the country rustic aesthetic is the perfect setting to complement the menu. FYI, The Wellhouse is located on the Lainston House grounds but is separate to the main house.
On the menu to drink there are also plenty of local wines, ales and Lainston’s own apple cider, along with homegrown garden-inspired cocktails. And for starters, we tried a variety of amazing dishes, but a highlight that you must order the smoked brisket bon bon. Trust me.
We were recommended to try out the Tuscan grilled prime Aberdeen Angus porterhouse steak. You get to finish cooking this at your table, which I loved. It ensured that our meal with piping hot as we sat and chatted and made our way through one hell of a meal.
I also really want to say the entire staff were so lovely. It was such a nice atmosphere and the other couples who were dining all seemed to be having the best experiences too.
I’m so impressed because everyone not only loved their jobs, but were so passionate about it too. Whether that’s sharing the history of the house or how everything at The Wellhouse has been prepared and created. If you go make sure to say hi to everyone and have a few wonderful conversations too!
PS. A fun fact, is that the Lainston House is also home to the Season cookery school with award-winning chefs and renowned external experts.
My heart feels full after a wonderful mid-winter getaway in the heart of Hampshire.
Have you ever been to the Lainston House before?
Kelly xx