Lainston House, Winchester

by Nina Cuthbert

Above: Lainston House

The History: Silver award-winner in the ‘Small Hotel of the Year’ category at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2007, Lainston House is an elegant 17th century mansion house with stone archways, scented by a mass of colourful flowers. Chef Andy MacKenzie and his team have been awarded three rosettes for their creative dining and Lainston House is also home to the UK’s official Chocolate Master, Mark Tilling.

The Room: Furnished beautifully with a collection of antique pieces, the room is a spacious delight. The enormous, dark, wooden four-poster bed is the height of luxury, together with sofa and armchairs and an antique desk should you have any pressing work commitments to get on with. The bathroom is an equal pleasure with an oversized shower that comes complete with ‘rainbar’ should you have not had enough of the weather outside.

The Restaurant: The Terrace overlooks the spectacular garden, making al-fresco dining here all the more pleasurable and it comes complete with outdoor heaters should the wind temperature change. Seared scallops, chilled gazpacho, wild seabass and lamb with potato cake all come extremely highly recommended. For over indulgence, the platter of British desserts is a must and the extensive wine list means you can quaff to your hearts content.

The Upside: The surrounding gardens make for peaceful walks and sitting outside on the lawn with some afternoon tea or a glass of champagne is a perfect dusk setting. The proximity to Winchester also means visiting the cathedral is very easy and well worth doing.

The Downside: It may sound ridiculous but it is very easy to get lost as the building is a maze of corridors and doors. Many doors have fire exit written on them, making you believe they should only be used if the building is smouldering. This place is also too spectacular not to offer a spa of some kind.

The Extras: If you enjoy indulging in a spot of croquet, then a flat lawn and the necessities can be provided. Flying in by helicopter can also be accommodated as Lainston House offers a perfect stretch of land as a helipad – just book ahead or else you may disturb an important croquet match. In addition, behind an old wooden gate, discreetly sheltered in the grounds lies a secret, walled kitchen garden, recently restored beyond its former glory. Apart from supplying the hotel’s award-winning kitchen with fresh herbs and vegetables, it is also the perfect location for guests to have a peaceful amble.

The Details: Rooms from £225, suites from £325. Visit www.exclusivehotels.com for special offers and discounts.

Lainston House Hotel, Sparsholt, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2LT, 01962 776 088
www.exclusivehotels.com