Wren spot grand stay HOTEL inspector
Lainston House Hotel, Winchester
THE WELCOME
The impressive gates and views of the 17th century house from the drive are a foretaste of Lainston House’s grandeur. As you walk in the beautiful red brick building, reopened in 1981, the automatic temperature scanners make observing Covid-19 precautions at check-in very smooth.
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Minutes from historic city of Winchester, Lainston House is surrounded by 63 acres of rural Hampshire grounds. Cyclists and walkers are on the doorstep of the South Down’s National Park, and Winchester is a maze of cobbled streets. King Arthur’s round table is housed in Winchester Castle.
THE ROOM
The building was designed by architect Sir Christopher Wren, and its fascinating history is carried through its 50 rooms. Many have fourposter beds, and our twin room had two magnificent doubles with headboards painted with a traditional pastoral scene. These were complemented by antique furniture, including a stunning wooden dressing table and vanity mirror. The bathroom had a roll top bath, and a shower with a rain bar.
THE FOOD
Taking its name from the hotel’s mile-long stretch of lime trees, The Avenue restaurant offers a seasonal a la carte menu and a tasting menu. This seven-course feast uses local produce and herbs grown in the hotel’s resorted kitchen garden. The pork is to die for. The hotel also runs cookery courses.
THE SERVICE
Five star. THE SCENE
Enjoy Lainston’s rural location by taking out one of their mountain bikes or braving the tandem. There are also tennis courts, croquet lawn and lots of walking. Chef will supply picnic hampers for lunch, and a walk around the kitchen garden where the falconry displays are held is also worth a look.
LOVED
The juice pressed from apples grown on Lainston’s grounds.
HATED
Their eclectic wallpapers.
BOTTOM LINE
Rooms from £185 a night, with breakfast.
CHECK IT OUT
exclusive.co.uk/lainston-house.