English country experience in Hampshire. What is the quintessential English country experience?, think 500 acres of rolling hills, tamed parkland and gardens, all in the midst of an historic country estate.
Imagine skeet shooting expeditions, fly fishing at dawn and riding horseback at sunset. Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire brings all this and more to life, just an hour from central London.
Open since February 2005, the Hotel is located in Dogmersfield Park, dating back to the 11th century, where it was acknowledged in the Domesday Book. Rich in historical interest, it was here that King Henry VIII first met his future wife, Catherine of Aragon. The heritage-listed Georgian manor house that stands at the heart of the Hotel was built in 1728 as a private residence. Two new wings were built in keeping with the original design of the building, providing 133 spacious and beautifully appointed guestrooms, including 22 suites. Bringing a slice of Bond Street to the countryside, Asprey London has a boutique in the Hotel, showcasing a range of their quintessentially British lifestyle gifts.
Launched this week and marking the final phase of the opening of the Hotel, the original 18th century stable block has been impeccably restored and now houses one of the Europe's finest new spas. Measuring 2,500 square metres (27,000 square feet), with 15 treatment rooms, the Spa offers a range of treatments, including the signature Chamomile and Sage Massage and Mint and Algae Foot Ritual, which are made with plants and herbs grown on the estate. A 20-metre (216 feet) indoor swimming pool, outdoor vitality pool, Zen studio, fitness centre, tennis, croquet and Café Santé serving health-conscious cuisine complete the facility.
The Hotel's restaurant, Seasons, offers European cuisine in a contemporary setting accentuated by the fresh flavours of locally-grown organic produce. For cocktails or pre-dinner drinks, Bar 1086 – named after the year in which Dogmersfield Park was referenced in the Domesday Book – is adjacent to these two restaurants. The Library enjoys panoramic views of the estate and is the setting for a relaxing tea or coffee.
Within the estate, guests can adapt to the unhurried pace of country life aboard the Hotel's custom-built canal boat or make use of the equestrian facility for explorative hacks. A natural lake is stocked with carp and trout for fly fishing and in the wooded copses to the north of the estate are traps for skeet shooting expeditions. In the spirit of traditional British comfort and luxury, transport to any of these activities on the estate is by one of the Hotel's fleet of Range Rovers.
For social events from luncheons to wedding receptions, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire also benefits from dedicated meeting space, housing two ballrooms and three smaller function rooms. In the summer months, parties can spill onto the outdoor terrace to enjoy breathtaking views over the countryside beyond.
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