Heckfield Place

Slow breath, slow time with a slower start to the week at The Bothy by @wildsmithskin.

‘Time spent outdoors is good for us. It can be transformative, not just for our health but for our happiness too. Most of us spend long hours indoors looking at screens, and nature is the perfect antidote for that.’ Our 438 acres beckon for time spent outdoors with our resident eco-psychologist @amysteadman. Available on request for our resident guests and for our Friends, her sessions are often described as a breath of fresh air and like a gym session for the mind. These restorative walks combine positive psychology and eco-psychology to help find inner calm, and are one of the most unique ways to experience Heckfield.

Is there a better feeling than summer cocktails in the sun? Finally, the season graces us with its presence at long last.

Scenes of summer across the estate and @heckfieldhomefarm.

HOW WE GROW PT. 2 - The Connection Between House and Estate with Director of Rooms, Nicola Miller As our celebrations of the 100 year anniversary of regenerative practices continue, the wonderful Nicola - part of our journey for over a decade - shares a little on the history of our House and its long-standing connection with the land. Often called our oracle, Nicola is the keeper of the richest history and facts about our House and estate - something we hold dear when we look ahead at #HowWeGrow over the next century and beyond. ‘The House has always been a family home… and has always had a strong connection with the land. The Market Garden and Home Farm supply much of the produce to our kitchens. All of our milk, butter and cream come from our Guernsey cows, and many of the flowers throughout the House come from the cut flower garden down on the farm. Even the artichoke [in our Heckfield symbol] represents peeling back the layers and discovering something different every time you come here.’

Cooling down in the Waters of The Bothy by @wildsmithskin after a long day exploring the estate…

A summer of play… With August fast approaching, we look ahead to an imagination-filled high summer with kid-friendly activities and curated days led by @sharkyandgeorgeevents across our 438 acres. Complimentary for kids five and over staying at Heckfield over select days in August, experiences will be tailored to the interests of little ones and will make the most of time spent outside. Parents can benefit from their little ones being well looked after for up to five hours on days with Sharky and George to allow them ample time to enjoy the best of Heckfield. From time spent in The Bothy by Wildsmith to our Gin Garden Experience and more… Head to our website or the link in our bio for more details and to book.

Lake days…

Moments from time spent in the Great Outdoors…

HOW WE GROW PT. 1 – Why We Follow Biodynamic Principles with Head Grower, Jane Scotter As we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of biodynamics this summer, it seemed a fitting time to look back at our own journey in regenerating our soil, and to remember and share why we choose to follow biodynamic principles at @heckfieldhomefarm and across our estate. ‘A lot of it is very much about the intention, and the care and the love that you give when looking after the soil and the animals… The soil is very resilient really – but if we can work with [it] and with Mother Nature and take care of it, hopefully in turn she will take care of us… It’s not the easy way, but it’s the right way.’ Over the coming weeks, we’ll take a moment to reflect on our House and its close relationship with the land, things we hold close to our hearts as its stewards and ultimately #HowWeGrow for the next generation and beyond.

Embrace the summer holidays and the Great Outdoors with a raft of kid-friendly activities and curated days led by imagination aficionados @sharkyandgeorgeevents at @heckfield_place. Complimentary for kids five and over staying at Heckfield over select days in August, experiences will be tailored to the interests of little ones and will make the most of the estate’s 438 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside – all just an hour from London. Each day will be different and will feature imagination-led games and lively outdoor play with activities like den-making, scavenger hunts, fairy trails and more – leaving parents with time to enjoy the very best of Heckfield to include: 💚Time in the Bothy by Wildsmith, Heckfield’s 17,000 square foot space of wellbeing 🐄 Home Farm Cooking Experience with Lunch 🚲 Cycling and Hiking 🍹 Foraged Cocktail Making Workshop 🎣 Fishing …and much more. And for those working on the go, the House provides plenty of quiet corners to work remotely while the family make the most of the summer holidays. Head to the link in our bio for more details and to book.

Introducing Lake Days… On weekends through 1 September, our resident guests can enjoy blissful days down by the Lower Lake with picnics, boating, drinks and swimming.   Jump from the pontoon for a refreshing dip or take a lazy lap around the lake in the row boats before a relaxing picnic beneath the willows. 
Made even better by our bar team shaking up drinks from 10 AM – 5 PM, and the option for your picnic to be arranged in a beautiful set up to make the most of the day.

The warmth of Ochre…

The sun was shining over a special moment with our team in celebration of being named Independent Hotel of the Year… ☀️ This wonderful accolade wouldn’t be possible without their heart, passion and dedication to hospitality and sustainability, and the genuine care and attention they share every day. Congratulations to you. 💚

A summer sunset over the wildflower track…

A view to summer…

Introducing our Gin Garden Experience 🍸   As summer calls, we’re excited to share the newest way to make the most of our 438 acres…   Join one of our skilled bar team to explore the intricate world of gin, and craft your own with freshly foraged botanicals.   Nestled in the lush surroundings of our Upper Walled Gardens, you’ll have the opportunity to sample three vastly different gins, including Heckfield’s own London Dry Gin, while experiencing the changes that botanicals and different distilling processes can make on the overall smell and taste.   You will then be led on a guided walk to collect a variety of fresh botanicals to muddle, infuse, and strain to craft your own perfect gin.   This experience is available for our resident guests and Friends to book from 2pm - 3:30 pm on July 4, 11, 13, 25 and Thursdays in August. Contact our team at [email protected] for more information and to book.

The bells from the clocktower at midday… Perched on top of our original stables and @hearthatheckfield, they were made by the same foundry as Big Ben and the Liberty Bell and offer a moment of both beauty and history. #history #britishcountryside #britishhistory #boutiquehotel #interiordesign

Sunday afternoon on the Lower Lake. #britishcountryside #summer #boutiquehotel #timeinnature #hampshire

As days get longer and evenings get brighter, we look ahead to our series of Home Farm Suppers at @heckfieldhomefarm as part of our biodynamic centenary celebrations this summer. Set on a communal table among the seasonal flowers, fruit and vegetables of Heckfield’s working estate, each supper has its own unique theme that embraces this special time of year. All begins with our July supper on the 27th - celebrating the abundance of soft fruits. Bookings for all of our Suppers are now open to all. Head to our website to book, and explore the rest of our centenary programming. #homefarmsupper #farmrecipes #farmdinner #britishcountryside #boutiquehotel