Heckfield Place: A Design-Led Country Retreat Rooted in Heritage and Sustainability

Hidden within the rolling landscape of Hampshire, less than an hour from London, Heckfield Place stands as a testament to the art of restoration and the elegance of sustainable design. Once a Georgian family home, this grand estate has been lovingly reimagined into a modern-day sanctuary —one that balances the beauty of history with a forward-thinking philosophy of living with the land.

Today, the 400-acre estate is much more than a luxury hotel; it is a living, breathing ecosystem that connects architecture, design, farming, and nature. Under the stewardship of the Chan family and the creative direction of General Manager Olivia Richli and Culinary Director Skye Gyngell, Heckfield Place invites guests to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the rhythms of rural England, all while enveloped in interiors that quietly speak of craftsmanship, texture, and time.

A Georgian Masterpiece Reimagined

Originally built in the 18th century, Heckfield Place began life as a Georgian family home surrounded by carefully planned gardens, woodlands, and farmland. Its architectural grandeur remains central to its identity, but the restoration, led by designer Ben Thompson, goes far beyond preservation. The interiors celebrate the honesty of natural materials, local craftsmanship, and timeless British design.

Every room and corridor exudes a sense of warmth and lived-in elegance. The result is a house that feels both historic and human, not a museum of its past, but a home gently carried into the present. Weathered timbers, soft plaster walls, handwoven textiles, and antique furnishings coexist with contemporary touches, creating layered, tactile, and deeply personal spaces.

It is this balance between tradition and evolution that defines Heckfield Place. The design does not shout; it hums —an ode to the natural beauty and craftsmanship that surround it.

Rooms That Tell a Story

Heckfield’s six distinct room types each offer their own experience of comfort and character. From the cosy Guest Rooms tucked away in the main house to the expansive Signature Rooms that overlook the gardens, each space is designed to frame the landscape and reflect the estate’s rhythm.

The Signature Rooms are perhaps the most personal, filled with character and connection to the house’s history. Large sash windows flood each with natural light, while curated art, handcrafted furniture, and soft palettes create an atmosphere of quiet retreat.

Elsewhere, the Chamber Rooms offer elegant expanses and garden views, ideal for guests who seek space and serenity. The Friends Rooms are simpler in scale yet equally rich in detail, while the Master Rooms provide generous living areas where one can spend hours simply admiring the changing light across the Hampshire countryside.

For those seeking privacy, the two-bedroom Church Lodge Cottage, nestled among the trees, offers a secluded sanctuary; an ideal hideaway immersed in the sounds of nature.

Design in Service of Wellbeing: The Little Bothy Spa

Every detail of The Little Bothy Spa reflects the hotel’s holistic philosophy. Here, well-being is rooted in the land; in the soil, herbs, and flora that surround the estate. Treatments use Wildsmith Skin products, a natural skincare line inspired by the botanical heritage of the property’s apothecary garden.

The spa includes five treatment rooms, steam and relaxation spaces, and three movement studios designed for yoga, Pilates, and ballet in partnership with Bodyism. Every element, from the materials used to the views framed by windows, encourages stillness and renewal. This is not wellness as a trend but as a timeless return to simplicity and balance.

Culinary Philosophy: From Soil to Table

Food at Heckfield Place is central to the estate’s story. Under the direction of Chef Skye Gyngell, the culinary team follows a biodynamic approach that places the soil and the seasons at the heart of every dish.

At Marle, guests experience the immediacy of ingredients freshly harvested from Home Farm, the estate’s biodynamic heart, where fruit, vegetables, honey, and flowers are grown daily. The dishes are simple yet sophisticated, each showcasing the purity and vitality of produce served at its seasonal peak.

In contrast, Hearth offers a more elemental experience. Centred around an open fire, it pays homage to traditional cooking methods, using wood and flame to enhance natural flavours. The focus is on the connection between food, land, and the people who nurture both.

When the day draws to a close, the Moon Bar awakens. This intimate, softly lit space transforms cocktails into sensory experiences, using infusions and fresh ingredients sourced from the gardens. Beneath the house, the wine cellar holds over 1,200 carefully curated bottles, available for tasting in the adjoining bar with the resident sommelier.

Whether it’s a garden-picked salad, a fireside supper, or a late-night cocktail under the Hampshire moonlight, every taste at Heckfield is an expression of place.

The Grounds: Nature as Designer

Step beyond the house, and the design story continues, this time written in the language of nature. The grounds of Heckfield Place unfold like a living artwork, shaped by the passing of seasons and the rhythm of the land.

From the Walled Gardens overflowing with wisteria, lavender, and English roses, to the tranquil Sun House, used for private dining and intimate gatherings, every inch of the landscape is cultivated with care. The upper and lower ponds, woodlands, and wildflower meadows invite exploration, while bridle paths and walking trails trace the edges of the estate’s pastoral beauty.

At Home Farm, guests can experience the joy of foraging and harvesting, picking ingredients for dinner or learning about biodynamic farming first-hand. It’s an invitation to slow down and rediscover the simple pleasure of living close to the land.

A Place of Ideas: The Assembly at Heckfield Place

Heckfield Place extends its ethos of connection through The Assembly, a cultural programme that brings together thinkers, artists, and visionaries to explore themes of sustainability, creativity, and community.

Events range from film screenings and speaker sessions to hands-on workshops and discussions. Highlights have included The Value of Soil and The Value of Food, both exploring the deep relationship between agriculture and wellbeing, as well as a conversation with journalist Christiane Amanpour on truth and storytelling in modern media.

This commitment to education and exchange reflects Heckfield’s wider philosophy: that sustainability isn’t just a practice, but a way of thinking, living, and sharing knowledge.

Sustainability at Its Core

Sustainability is not an accessory at Heckfield Place; it is the foundation of everything. From biodynamic farming practices to biomass energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and spring water capturing, every initiative contributes to a self-sustaining ecosystem that honours both heritage and future.

The estate’s stewardship model is rooted in responsibility: to the land, to the local community, and to the craft traditions that shape its identity. Guests are invited not just to witness this ethos but to be part of it, through educational programmes, farm experiences, and daily interactions that bring the relationship between design and environment into focus.

A Connected Country Haven

Despite its deep connection to rural Hampshire, Heckfield Place remains remarkably accessible. Just over an hour from London, it offers a rare opportunity to step away from the urban rush without losing touch with the capital’s creative pulse.

The estate is easily reached by car or train, with Heathrow Airport less than an hour away and Farnborough Airport catering to private travel. This sense of connected seclusion, being both near and far, adds to its timeless allure.

Heckfield Place isn’t merely a destination; it is a journey back to the essence of British countryside living, where design, sustainability, and hospitality exist in perfect harmony.

The Art of Modern Heritage

In a world that often celebrates the new for its own sake, Heckfield Place stands apart; a place where design honours the past while nurturing the future. It is not simply a luxury retreat; it is a dialogue between architecture and agriculture, craftsmanship and care, beauty and purpose.

Whether you come for the food, the landscape, or the interiors, what lingers is a sense of belonging to a house, a history, and a slower, more thoughtful way of life.

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