Exclusive’s Lainston House is a stately country hotel set in 63 acres of gardens and grounds just outside the medieval capital, Winchester. Enjoy period rooms and brilliant 17th-century architecture, sip a gin and tonic overlooking the longest lime tree avenue in the UK, or indulge in a top-notch six-course tasting menu in the grand wood-panelled dining room. With delicious foods, decadent digs and world class fly fishing on the famous Hampshire chalk streams within a lain-stone’s-throw, this is first class fishing accommodation at its very best.
This gorgeous stately home stands on the outskirts of the cathedral city of Winchester, a 15 minute drive to the river Itchen. The market town and fly fishing capital Stockbridge is just 15 minutes in the opposite direction, where lies the famous River Test. You can reach the River Kennet in Newbury in under 40 minutes, and the Hampshire Avon near Salisbury in 35. Such is the unique position of Lainston House in central Hampshire, it is difficult to know which way to turn. There is fantastic fly fishing in every corner of the map.
Nestled in the quaint historic village of Sparsholt, Lainston is close enough to Winchester to enjoy all the great city has to offer, without compromising on its peaceful, idyllic countryside location. If you are hitting the town, local transport is quietly convenient, and if you prefer to hike off into the wild, immersive countryside walks are in total abundance. The hotel can also organise fly fishing, shooting, archery, tennis, horse riding, golf and other activities. Upon your return, the immaculately maintained grounds are perfect for a game of croquet through the vast and beautiful gardens, and the UK’s longest avenue of Limes which you can overlook whilst sipping your favourite tipple, be it a River Test Gin and tonic, or the fine work of one of Hampshire’s own local vineyards. It is for all these reasons, and many more, that we think the location of Lainston House rates among the highest of any of our hotels, pubs or bed and breakfasts. Excellent!
Lainston scoops up points here by the bucket. Winding country lanes lead you away from the hustle and bustle of Winchester, and into the rolling hills of rural Hampshire. On arrival, you are driven through a grand gated entrance guarded by two redbrick pillars and beyond that an immaculately maintained porte-cochère, where the driver door opens and the first thing that hits you is not the overwhelming noise of rush hour traffic, beeping horns and low flying planes, but rather the smell of freshly cut grass, complete calm and serenity. Inside, you cannot help but gawp at the 17th century architecture, wood panelled walls, high ceilings, roaring fireplaces, and a long line of wellington boots greets you at reception, tempting you into a countryside walk around the 63-acres of gardens and stately grounds, where you will find the remains of a 13th century chapel, and a walled garden left behind in the Victorian era.
There are 50 rooms at Lainston House, palatial in size and character with names like Wisteria and Mayfly. Some are styled with period opulence, others have more of a contemporary feel but all are tastefully furnished with everything from rolltop standing bathtubs and double showers, to antique four posters and chandeliers. Service is always courteous and slick, and every guest is made to feel like a VIP, so you can’t help but feel important.
The Avenue at Lainston is widely renowned for its fine dining experience. All guests dine off an eight-course tasting menu with a choice of starter, main course and dessert, which makes your meal entirely bespoke at your request. Ingredients are an extensive mosaic of locally sourced seafoods, meats, cheeses and farmed produce. Our favourite dishes are the Portland crab to start, with golden beignets and curried carrot; and the turbot main, served with prawn mousse and pink grapefruit. Breakfast is a delightful spread of fruits, yoghurts and fresh pastries, or the smashed avocado on sourdough with goat’s cheese and coriander.
Over in the Wellhouse, you’ll find a selection of woodfired dishes like fire-roasted pork burnt ends or scorched mackerel with mojo rojo, washed down with a homemade cocktail. The Cedar Bar is the perfect cosy corner, with an open fire and ornate panelling that was carved from a cedar tree which fell all the way back in the great storm of 1930. There are some deep luxurious leather armchairs to slump into whilst you tuck into some tasty nibbles, snacks and light bites.
Exclusive’s Lainston House is a stately country hotel set in 63 acres of gardens and grounds just outside the medieval capital, Winchester. Enjoy period rooms and brilliant 17th-century architecture, sip a gin and tonic overlooking the longest lime tree avenue in the UK, or indulge in a top-notch six-course tasting menu in the grand wood-panelled dining room. With delicious foods, decadent digs and world class fly fishing on the famous Hampshire chalk streams within a lain-stone’s-throw, this is first class fishing accommodation at its very best.
This gorgeous stately home stands on the outskirts of the cathedral city of Winchester, a 15 minute drive to the river Itchen. The market town and fly fishing capital Stockbridge is just 15 minutes in the opposite direction, where lies the famous River Test. You can reach the River Kennet in Newbury in under 40 minutes, and the Hampshire Avon near Salisbury in 35. Such is the unique position of Lainston House in central Hampshire, it is difficult to know which way to turn. There is fantastic fly fishing in every corner of the map.
Nestled in the quaint historic village of Sparsholt, Lainston is close enough to Winchester to enjoy all the great city has to offer, without compromising on its peaceful, idyllic countryside location. If you are hitting the town, local transport is quietly convenient, and if you prefer to hike off into the wild, immersive countryside walks are in total abundance. The hotel can also organise fly fishing, shooting, archery, tennis, horse riding, golf and other activities. Upon your return, the immaculately maintained grounds are perfect for a game of croquet through the vast and beautiful gardens, and the UK’s longest avenue of Limes which you can overlook whilst sipping your favourite tipple, be it a River Test Gin and tonic, or the fine work of one of Hampshire’s own local vineyards. It is for all these reasons, and many more, that we think the location of Lainston House rates among the highest of any of our hotels, pubs or bed and breakfasts. Excellent!
Lainston scoops up points here by the bucket. Winding country lanes lead you away from the hustle and bustle of Winchester, and into the rolling hills of rural Hampshire. On arrival, you are driven through a grand gated entrance guarded by two redbrick pillars and beyond that an immaculately maintained porte-cochère, where the driver door opens and the first thing that hits you is not the overwhelming noise of rush hour traffic, beeping horns and low flying planes, but rather the smell of freshly cut grass, complete calm and serenity. Inside, you cannot help but gawp at the 17th century architecture, wood panelled walls, high ceilings, roaring fireplaces, and a long line of wellington boots greets you at reception, tempting you into a countryside walk around the 63-acres of gardens and stately grounds, where you will find the remains of a 13th century chapel, and a walled garden left behind in the Victorian era.
There are 50 rooms at Lainston House, palatial in size and character with names like Wisteria and Mayfly. Some are styled with period opulence, others have more of a contemporary feel but all are tastefully furnished with everything from rolltop standing bathtubs and double showers, to antique four posters and chandeliers. Service is always courteous and slick, and every guest is made to feel like a VIP, so you can’t help but feel important.
The Avenue at Lainston is widely renowned for its fine dining experience. All guests dine off an eight-course tasting menu with a choice of starter, main course and dessert, which makes your meal entirely bespoke at your request. Ingredients are an extensive mosaic of locally sourced seafoods, meats, cheeses and farmed produce. Our favourite dishes are the Portland crab to start, with golden beignets and curried carrot; and the turbot main, served with prawn mousse and pink grapefruit. Breakfast is a delightful spread of fruits, yoghurts and fresh pastries, or the smashed avocado on sourdough with goat’s cheese and coriander.
Over in the Wellhouse, you’ll find a selection of woodfired dishes like fire-roasted pork burnt ends or scorched mackerel with mojo rojo, washed down with a homemade cocktail. The Cedar Bar is the perfect cosy corner, with an open fire and ornate panelling that was carved from a cedar tree which fell all the way back in the great storm of 1930. There are some deep luxurious leather armchairs to slump into whilst you tuck into some tasty nibbles, snacks and light bites.
You can net a king-sized double from £230 in low season; and £270 in high. Breakfast is excluded and is typically £30.
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