Three Days of English Countryside Bliss at Heckfield Place
I often get asked for guidance for a countryside stay, so here’s the summary of an absolutely stellar rendezvous that I will cherish for a long time.
The Hotel: Heckfield Place
I’ve stayed at most fancy countryside hotels, and honestly, nothing compares. The attention to detail without the staff ever being invasive, everything in the rooms and spa and building is of the highest quality, no cutting corners - it’s so quaint and private. A true regenerative stay.
On the other hand, some other popular 5* countryside hotels outside of London, were often a letdown. Tried & tested by yours truly:
Estelle Manor: charming, though a touch hyped - think buzzy members’ club energy that sometimes leaves hotel guests hunting for a spare seat. Book well ahead for the restaurants and spa unless you enjoy theatre-style queuing.
South Lodge: lovely, calm country retreat with a quaint spa pond - great for languid days and quiet swims; no restaurants in the area, so you’ll likely eat most meals at the hotel.
Cliveden House: grand and full of character; with the right refresh it could be utterly swoon-worthy. A bit on the vintage side right now - old-world rather than polished - and the food and service didn’t quite match the setting.
Beaverbrook: handsome rooms and lovely interiors, plus a neighbouring golf course for the sporty types. Family-friendly in the loudest, most enthusiastic sense - expect a lively pool scene - and the dining felt a touch uninspired.
Four Seasons Hampshire: elegant and quietly romantic in parts, but marred by noticeable maintenance issues (I found mould in the shower). With some proper upkeep it could feel luxurious again.
Pennyhill Park: spa facilities with real promise and four dreamy private cabanas (perfect for a little hideaway). Rooms felt underwhelming compared with the rest of the place; ideal for a steamy escape if you know where to hide.
Coworth Park: I last visited pre-renovation - much-needed updates were on the cards then. Definitely tempting enough to warrant a return visit to see what’s new.
Back to Heckfield Place: lovely, idyllic place.
Farm-to-table meals in both of the two restaurants.
Love me a cheeky backgammon.
We had one suite each: separate rooms are always required on extended dates, so that we can actually get some sleep and enjoy our time together, instead of dreaming of killing each other by the end of the trip!
I really loved the suite design! Think “countryside chic”! It was stylish but transmitted peace and serenity at the same time.
As soon as we both settled in, it was my favourite time: spa time.
I managed to sneak a pic of the spa area against all rules (strictly no phones allowed in the pool/spa area). My heart was racing as I took the phone out that I had concealed in my bra.
It was then dinner time. Outfit inspo was “`Lady of the Manor”.
And then sexy time. The Lady of the Manor got undressed.
Next morning, it’s a new day, and a day started with a matcha and a view is always a good day!
And incredibly, it wasn’t raining, so I put my walking shoes on,
and we went for a walk around the hotel grounds. I love walking hand in hand, chatting, and I also enjoy silence while looking around. Feeling the closeness without having to fill in every moment with chatter.
I went all in with a countryside look for the evening:
Dinner was at a two-Michelin-star gastro pub: The Hand & Flowers. I’m always intrigued when pubs have Michelin stars, especially two, because it’s rather unusual.
The last day was spent cozying up in the suite, enjoying another walk, and fasting for the big dinner that was awaiting us: The Fat Duck (three Michelin stars).
For more than three decades, Heston Blumenthal and his team have blazed their own idiosyncratic trail at this iconic restaurant, where emotions and memories play a vital role.
The dishes bear all the Heston hallmarks: innovative, playful, and multi-sensory - epitomised by 'Beside the Sea', where headphones play the sound of seagulls, and 'Off to the Land of Nod', a nostalgic dessert involving Horlicks, an eye mask, and edible 'pillows'. Crucially, for all its originality, the cooking also showcases harmonious and utterly delicious flavours and textures.
Of course, every trip is unique, and there was so much more to this trip that cannot be reduced to a mere list of the spots we dined at. It was feelings of closeness, passion, sexual tension, laughter, mutual care. But since I’m receiving an ever-increasing number of enquiries for English countryside escapes, and I’m often asked to provide guidance on the itinerary, I hope that this article is of help, together with being of entertainment.
Want to plan our very own escape? Get in touch :)