From the moment I arrived at Lainston House, I was captivated by the picturesque setting and the charming 17th-century country house surrounded by Hampshire countryside. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many different properties around England, but something about this venue has truly made an impression. Perhaps it’s the passionate team dedicated to ensuring guests receive exceptional service, or potentially the range of opportunities on offer to bring guests together for an overall sense of community. Whatever the reason, I experienced a memorable stay alongside my partner to treasure for years to come. SETTING THE SCENE Situated close to the iconic city of Winchester, just over an hour away from London by train, the location offers ease and accessibility for guests. As we journeyed down the driveway, lush parkland either side, the impressive heritage-bricked house came into view. After soaking up the spectacular scenery, heading inside to meet the team we were welcomed by smiley faces who swiftly checked us in before escorting us to our room. On first impressions, the refined interior was stunning with historical features paired seamlessly with contemporary touches for the best of both worlds. As we took in the quaint space, the team shared some anecdotes about the venue’s rich history. With 50 individually designed bedrooms on-site, we were fortunate enough to spend the night in the Sycamore Junior Suite, complete with a hand-carved four-poster king bed for the perfect night’s rest and a seating area with a comfortable sofa. The sash windows provided plenty of natural light filling the spacious open-plan room; with feature panelling, lush wallpaper, grand furniture and rustic chandeliers, the ornate features felt like we’d taken a step back in time. The team provided us with a lovely selection of truffles, small bottles of Hillfield Gun from Surrey and Ridgeview’s Bloomsbury sparkling wine from Sussex, which were much appreciated and went down a treat! Our suite included a large feature bathroom with stained-glass windows, double sinks, a waterfall shower, Molten Brown amenities and a roll-top bath set in front of a TV. Here, I made the most of unwinding with a glass of wine while watching my favourite shows. THE DINE FOR The five-star hotel offers a wealth of dining experiences, including The Avenue restaurant, which is set in an elegant dining room overlooking the magnificent mile-long avenue of lime trees (hence the name!). An intimate setting with wood panelling, paintings and a marble fireplace, all combine to create an elegant setting for fine dining. Inspired by seasonality, the à la carte menu is tempting to all palates and tastes. Discreetly sheltered in the grounds of the elegant 17th-century mansion lies a secret walled kitchen garden that has recently been restored beyond its former glory to supply the hotel’s award-winning restaurant with fresh herbs and vegetables. The talented chefs provided a delicious meal with an abundance of flavours and ingredients, all beautifully presented. We started with an amuse bouche followed by airy sesame milk bread paired with creamy butter. I then opted for a pan-seared scallop with a harmonious combination of smoked eel, almond and a creamy apple sauce for my starter. The flavourful briny tang fish was light, fine and tender − it almost melted in my mouth. Delicate cod loin offered a sweet but subtle flavour paired with cauliflower, maitake and sake beurre for the main. I finished off the meal with a light and airy passion fruit souffle with crème fraîche ice cream − a delicious combination I wished I’d tried sooner in life! Our professional waitress had extensive knowledge of each dish and was on hand to ensure an immaculate service from start to finish. The classic setting also provided the ideal location for breakfast the following morning, with goodies from the buffet and hot food from the kitchen. I enjoyed some cereal followed by fresh fruit and handcrafted bread toasted with fresh jam − yum! The main event was fluffy pancakes with maple syrup and crispy bacon before I tried some fresh pastries, straight from the oven, washed down with some rich hot chocolate. It’s safe to say I was stuffed after all that delicious food − in a good way! EXCHANGING VOWS Lainston House is ready to make wedding dreams come true! With an impressive façade, a 12th-century chapel and stunning gardens, there are countless romantic backdrops to discover. The Dawley Barn is a listed building converted into a private space that makes lasting impressions and can host up to 120 vows. The roaring original fireplace, rustic beams and brickwork are dream-worthy. After the vows, celebrate with a drinks reception in the gardens or Drawing Room, while the team transform the barn for receptions which has space for 200 people. Al fresco ceremonies take place under the outdoor pavilion, which can host 120 loved ones, perfect for those sunny days. THE FINAL VERDICT Overall, we had the most magical stay at this gorgeous property. The team provided a home away from home atmosphere, where nothing was too much trouble. Next time, we will definitely be taking part in the Season Cookery School, where guests get to learn from the professionals. Options include woodfired cooking, a barbecue masterclass, skill lessons, and learning to cook favourite cuisines. The beautiful surroundings, comfortable accommodation and excellent cuisine create a memorable stay that we couldn’t recommend more. It really is the perfect setting for pre-wedding getaways, weddings and minimoons – we can’t wait to return in the future. COSY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE Olivia Gibson reviews Lainston House in Winchester BOOK IT: www.exclusive.co.uk/lainston-house Scan to view video 32
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