The Hotel Guru on comfort, character and quiet luxury in the New Forest
Chewton Glen has long been one of England’s most loved country house hotels and the recent redesign by Goddard Littlefair has given it a fresh confidence.
Chewton Glen has long been one of England’s most loved country house hotels and the recent redesign by Goddard Littlefair has given it a fresh confidence. The bar, Dining Room and drawing rooms have been softened with velvet sofas, parquet floors and quiet colours, and the whole house now feels settled and beautifully put together.
Service is a strong point. Darcy greets you as if he has been expecting you, Georgie mixes a martini with calm precision and Zul moves through the drawing rooms with an instinct for what people need. Oysters, champagne, a cheese board or his soothing chai masala appear with no sense of theatre.
Room 6 looks over the croquet lawn and feels generous and peaceful with a marble bathroom, a separate sitting room and thoughtful touches like Birchall teas and a stash of treats. Food is split between The Kitchen for relaxed suppers and The Dining Room for something more considered. The sole meunière, finished at the table, is a highlight.
Much of the produce comes from the estate’s walled garden where paths are lit with small lights in the evening. The spa remains a favourite, with a heated pool, hydrotherapy pool and a gym looking onto the gardens. Woodland trails lead down to the coast. Tennis courts and that tempting croquet lawn round off the experience.
Families, couples and wedding parties all fit naturally here. Dogs are welcomed with common sense and easy walking routes. Chewton Glen continues to do what it does best. Comfort, clarity, good food and a team who care about the details. A classic English escape that still feels relevant today.
Rates from £405
For more information, visit https://www.thehotelguru.com/en-gb/hotel/chewton-glen-hampshire