Heckfield Place

The beautiful Heckfield Place is a Georgian house dated back to 1790 that has been recently restored to its historic origins. Encapsulating the very essence of English charm and heritage, the house is nestled in a 438 acre estate in the heart of rural Hampshire. Just over an hour’s journey from London, Heckfield Place offers a truly special experience for guests from the moment you arrive transporting you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A holistic environment with sustainable practice in mind Heckfield Place believes in the natural rhythm of the seasons, making a positive contribution to the living landscape and taking care of the history they are responsible for.

Under the stewardship of the Chan family the surrounding estate is farmed with biodynamic farming practices, has a biomass energy centre, rain water harvesting and spring water capturing are all used. An innovative team led by general manager Olivia Richli and culinary director Skye Gyngell work tirelessly to ensure this idyllic country haven is run with progressive vision that continuously improves guest experiences.

When planning your stay it’s worth knowing that there are 13 bedrooms in the 18th century house to choose from; 31 bedrooms in the east and north corridors including a range of suites and an exquisite two bedroom cottage situated within the estate grounds.

Intimate and familiar, the rooms at Heckfield Place have a sense of understated grandeur and are individual in character and style. From the friends rooms to the incredible signature rooms, natural materials and expert craftsmanship can be found throughout.

It is not just the bedrooms however that are unique. Each and every room has been lovingly restored with a blend of classic and contemporary furniture designs with a sleek layering of colour that makes you smile when you walk in.

As well as two restaurants and beautiful ancillary sitting rooms to sit and relax in, Heckfield Place also has a Spa. The Little Bothy spa offers a range of fitness and activity rooms and has been designed as a truly serene place where you can enjoy restorative treatments to help you unwind and relax in peace.

Ingredients for the spa are handpicked fresh from the apothecary garden nearby. In total it has five treatment rooms, steam and relaxation rooms, and three personal training studios where you can practice yoga or try out pilates.

Experienced culinary director Skye Gyngell overseas the running of both Marle and Hearth.  The produce used in the two restaurants is picked daily from the gardens and farm. Marle has a pared back cooking style that diners can enjoy as an intimate experience of food that comes straight from the earth and is open to both residents and outside guests.

Hearth is centred around an open fire. The exposed brick walls, wooden tables and chairs and baskets filled with produce creates a warm rustic environment – cooking at Hearth is simple and straight from the heart. The classic cooking methods here are focussed on the very best produce available that day, wholeheartedly celebrating all that the nearby land has to offer in a simple and wholesome way.

The most intimate space in the house, the Moon Bar is a stylish space that guests can enjoy a drink made using the freshest ingredients. Classic cocktails get a new twist of life here alongside unique creations, whatever you choose you won’t be disappointed.

The grounds are a stunning carpet of  heather and woodland.  Parts of the original arboretum planted in the 18th century by horticulturist William Wildsmith can be seen across the landscape. The upper and lower lakes can be found east of the house. The upper is surrounded by flora and fauna whilst the lower is ideal for boating and swimming in the summer sun. The lower and upper walled gardens are equally beautiful, full of wisteria, lavender and English roses among other plants and flowers.

Home Farm in the centrepiece of Heckfield Place’s belief in sustainability and legacy. Providing fruit, vegetables, honey and fresh flowers to the restaurants and rooms. Another thing that makes this place so special is that the team actually encourages guests to discover the farm for themselves and pick fresh ingredients that can then be prepared for their supper.

The Sun House is set within the walled garden and offers a unique function space for up to 30 guests, an extraordinary venue for private dining. For more information on Heckfield Place or to make a reservation visit the website here.

Images kindly supplied by Heckfield Place.