There’s nothing quite like a weekend break in a stately country house…actually, there is. Top it off with an immersive cookery class and the chance to learn a new skill, and you’ve got a winning formula.
Situated just outside historic Winchester, Lainston House really does set the scene. As country driveways go, this one is impressive – a quintessentially English red-brick 17th-century country house. A roaring fire greeted us as we ventured inside to escape the winter chill and check in.
You instantly get that feeling of utter relaxation, as though you’ve stepped straight into a moment of history – any interiors lovers will appreciate the refined nods to the property’s heritage.
Set within an impressive 63 acres of landscaped grounds, it’s easy to see why Lainston House is such a popular wedding destination. You can just imagine long summer days spent enjoying a chilled glass of rosé on the terrace. Wander through the gardens – they’re prepared for all weather, if you’ve not quite packed for winter walks, there’s a whole line of wellington boots to borrow from reception and you’ll find the kitchen garden, where a lot of the produce is grown on site. You can even opt for a kitchen garden tour for £10 per person.
You’ll also stumble upon the ruins of a 13th-century chapel; the setting is certainly steeped in history. If you’re feeling active, you can try your hand at archery, fishing, tennis, lawn sports, or cycling, with bikes available to hire. There’s also a gym equipped with market-leading Technogym equipment…if you know, you know and it must have been newly refurbished, as the space still smells brand new.
The 50 rooms, all very tastefully designed, each have their own personality, with many named after trees and gardens, blending historic antiques with modern comforts. Think high ceilings, Downton Abbey–style bells outside the doors, some with a separate bath and standalone shower, and even a TV in the bathroom so you can sink into a bubble bath and watch a movie (and yes, it’s roomy enough for two). Plus, there’s a handful of suites with outdoor hot tubs.
They really do think of all the details here: robes and slippers, Narnia-style wardrobes, a coffee machine and truffles from a local chocolate brand waiting in the room, and all those thoughtful touches that make you instantly settle in. We’re not going to lie, as soon as we sank into the armchairs by the TV in our room, we may have dozed off for 20 minutes, thanks to the utter peace and quiet and that fresh country air.
Season Cookery School is quite the MasterChef-style experience. Situated inside a beautifully restored well house, it offers a wide range of classes tailored to your favourite cuisine. Whether you’re cooking in the school itself or heading out to the huge kitchen garden to fire up one of their Big Green Egg barbecues or pizza ovens, perfect if you’re looking to sharpen your outdoor cooking skills ahead of the summer season.
With February in full swing and Valentine’s Day approaching, we opted for the soufflé-making masterclass and if we are being honest, it would have felt rude not to. We made both a twice-baked cheese soufflé and a raspberry one. Pre-arrival communication was spot-on, and if, like us, you turn up on an empty stomach, there’s a generous spread of pastries to graze on while you get your aprons on and listen to the class briefing.
The class was engaging, informative and packed with expert tips, from the fine art of folding egg whites, to the slow, patient addition of cheese, to why perfectly chilled ramekins are essential for that all-important rise.
And the ultimate luxury? No washing up. You simply sit back and indulge in the results of your hard work before heading home, or, like us, back to your room – with the confidence to recreate your new soufflé skills in your own kitchen.
Dinner back in The Wellhouse was unforgettable, again full of tips and flavours you’ll take home, especially if you love wood-fired cooking. Take the fish tacos, for example: served with a side of pickled rhubarb, they offered a completely new way to use rhubarb if, like us, you have it growing in the garden and prefer something a little more savoury.
Then came the pillowy-soft focaccia. Who needs a trip to Italy to sample the best focaccia when you can head down to Hampshire and find it here? Served with smoky, charcoal-lit butter, it was one of those dishes you instantly want to recreate at home.
The steaks are another absolute must. Cooked over charcoal, they’re a full taste sensation – rich, smoky and perfectly tender.
There’s a small selection of desserts, all seriously tempting, but we couldn’t demolish another bite after the steak, so we reluctantly called it a night. The curated wine list is excellent too, with a creative selection of cocktails to enjoy alongside your meal.
Or if you fancy something a little different, how about an eight-course tasting menu? Step into the hotel’s fine-dining space, Avenue Restaurant, with Tom Hamblet, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 heading up the restaurant.
This is also where breakfast takes place the next morning. The room is beautifully light, with an exceptional soft colour palette and tasteful décor minus any form of stuffiness. You’re greeted with a fiery shot of ginger – definitely needed after a brisk morning power walk.
You’ll find all the breakfast classics: a full English, eggs cooked your way, and various Benedicts. Plus, there’s a fresh take on smashed avocado and poached eggs with goat’s cheese – a combination we’ll certainly be repeating at home next weekend.
We left feeling rested and slightly smug about being able to rustle up our new soufflé skills for upcoming dinner parties.
@lainston_house | exclusive.co.uk/lainston-house/
Woodman Ln, Sparsholt, Winchester SO21 2LT
