Review: Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire

_Location: Amid rolling fields in the gorgeous English countryside. The property can be reached by train from London’s Waterloo, with the nearest station, Winchfield, just 15 minutes away. The beautiful historic city of Winchester is half an hour’s drive away and well worth a visit.

_{First impressions:} A long, winding driveway eventually leads us to the beautiful facade of Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. This Georgian manor house-turned-hotel sits on 200 hectares of land and is the quintessential countryside retreat for the affluent.

Check-in is speedy but the staff take time to educate you on the building’s history en route to your room or suite. Mine was a divine corner suite on the top floor of the property. Awaiting my arrival was an edible chocolate front cover of Aspire magazine and some milk and cookies for my son (which I devoured while he slept!).

Little personalised touches like these are commonplace at Four Seasons hotels, but make all the difference.

_{The facts:} Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is home to 133 rooms, including 22 suites. The best is the Royal Suite, with two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room for up to eight people, two marble bathrooms and a large private terrace complete with cast-iron firepits.

The hotel’s main restaurant is called Wild Carrot, serving à la carte and buffet breakfasts, hearty lunches and divine dinners. For a light bite head to Café Santé, located by the spa. Afternoon tea is served in the very grand Library space. The property also boasts indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts and a wonderful spa and gym.

_{Ideal for:} City slickers wanting respite from the madness often find refuge at this impressive property. It’s also a huge hit with families thanks to the Kids For All Seasons club, a large outdoor playground, the Highwire Adventure offering and Sharkie’s Reef indoor water playground.

With a slide and plenty of water canons and jets, the latter in particular is sure to provide hours of fun for little ones. Dogs are also very welcome here – there’s even a statue of a black Labrador guarding the entrance to the hotel.

_Explore: Head out on foot and discover the hotel’s ample grounds. Those wanting a longer stroll can get maps with recommended walking routes from the concierge team. The estate is home to countless activities including croquet, tennis, clay pigeon shooting, fly fishing and falconry.

There’s also a stables and horse riding instructors on site. A morning is well spent along the Basingstoke Canal, which runs through the grounds of the property and leads to some lovely country pubs.

There is also plenty to explore away from the hotel. Literary lovers should head to the nearby village of Chawton, where you’ll find the former home of Jane Austen. For a hefty fee, Four Seasons offers tours of nearby Highclere Castle, a Victorian estate that was the principal filming location for Downton Abbey.

_Wow: Four Seasons is renowned for its service, and it impresses me time and time again. The hotel staff, particularly those working in Wild Carrot, are exceptional. Service aside, Sharkie’s Reef was a highlight for my family – a rarity for a hotel with such prestige.

_{Book it:} A night at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire starts from £610.
fourseasons.com