So lavish, even the pigs are pampered
IN 1794, Jane Austen’s mother wrote a poem about her daughter not being invited to a dinner given by the Lefevre family at Heckfield Place, an 18th Century Georgian manor house. Today, everyone is welcome to roll up at this recently opened hotel.
There are still morning and drawing rooms, but now they are filled with modern art from the Boston-based billionaire owner’s enormous collection.
The bedrooms have rush matting from the Ouse, which apparently has the nicest scent (they are regularly sprayed with water to keep the texture right) alongside all the latest designer tech, including Bang & Olufsen TVs.
And it all feels very relaxing, which it should do for the price. Venture into the drawing room and there are squashy sofas, and cake and scones to help yourself to if you feel peckish at teatime – although this is unlikely, for there are two restaurants.
At Hearth, everything is cooked in front of you, while Marle looks out on to parkland. The chef, Skye Gyngell, has been waiting for more than six years for the owner to open the doors.
And staying here, you can see why. An entire farm has been created to supply Heckfield, including an orchard with more than 400 fruit trees. All the produce goes to the kitchen, while drinks are served in the Moon Bar. There are regular tours for guests. On mine, farm manager Jim explained how he shampoos the pigs with tea tree (Bella loves it, Rocky isn’t so keen). The farm is, of course, organic – and then some! And the culinary results are staggering. But this is a hotel that aims to feed the mind, too. Heckfield’s ‘Assemblies’ may sound Jane Austen-esque but they are a collection of talks, demonstrations and screenings of films such as Casablanca in an underground cinema.
The USP: A 480-acre estate in the Hampshire countryside. There are two lakes, a farm and its own arboretum. A big spa is still being built, but in the meantime there’s a smaller version.
The rooms: Spread throughout the original mansion and new buildings are 45 rooms and suites. There are earthy textures of wools and linen, art on the walls, and home-made cordials in the minibar.
The food: Highlights are the tagliatelle with marjoram and chilli, the curd cheese dumplings with rainbow chard, and walnut tart with damson ice cream.
Heckfield Place, Farnborough, Hampshire Rooms from £350 a night including breakfast and afternoon tea. heckfieldplace.com