Four Seasons Hampshire

England
Europe

The Experience

Set on atop a rolling estate first mentioned in William the Conqueror's Domesday Book of 1086, the Four Seasons Hampshire is 500 acres of English countryside centered around a 1729 Georgian manor house. Fishing, horseback riding, tennis, golf, clay pigeon shooting and even falconry are on offer, while nearly nine miles of walking paths beckon you to stroll through meadow and dale. Henry VI visited this estate frequently, and for a time Henry VIII even acquired it for the Crown. Walking the lush countryside, you'll quickly understand the attraction.

The Rooms

Reception is in the 18th-century manor house, but don't let its age concern you—this Four Seasons opened in 2005, with most rooms located in three newly constructed wings, so expect every modern amenity and convenience, from down duvets and marble baths to satellite TVs, DVD players and wifi. Grand Manor rooms, located above reception in the manor, offer both prime location and commanding views.

The Service

Given the estate's rich history, one might expect a degree of snobbery, but the warmth of the staff easily overwhelms the pomp. The hotel prides itself on kid-friendliness (Seasons, the hotel bistro, offers fine international contemporary cuisine, plus an infant's menu, for example), and weekend packages attract families popping down from London for a breather. One recent visit found framed 1947 photos of a visit to the grounds by HRH Elizabeth II, herself a young woman at the time—overlooking modern children attending a Scooby Doo-themed birthday party arranged by hotel staff. This combination of respect for the property's heritage and a near-total lack of pretense is rare and charming.

The Highlights

Even after your many hikes, rides and other sporting excursions, the spa may be what you'll go home talking about. Equipped well enough to boast a sizable local membership, the facility has been cleverly built into a 1798 horse paddock with listed status (which means only minimal alterations were permitted). The result is gleefully idiosyncratic, with 21st-century cardio gear framed by 18th-century brick and glasswork. The effect only enhances your appreciation of the experience; while you're being pampered like a royal, you can't help but remember that Tudor kings might once have been similarly treated nearby.

 

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