Why go?
For a weekend of stress-free bliss à deux. From its late 18th-century exterior to its achingly cool uber-luxe interiors, Lime Wood is a meticulously maintained wisteria-draped Georgian country house – it’s found at the end of a long drive on the outskirts of the New Forest, where wild ponies and deer roam freely. Equally verdant interiors of loosely arranged flowers and potted plants set the mood for the most memorable of honeymoons.
Honeymoon Style:
For love birds craving a fusion of historic charm and contemporary luxury, this buttery-coloured country house is the ultimate retreat. More about fun than frills and fuss, it epitomises the essence of Britain’s best country house hotels. Here, it’s all about good taste and excellent food, plus a superb spa to boot with five-star-worthy experiences.
Set the Scene:
This is the perfect place for an amorous getaway where you’ll find jaw-dropping panoramas of the New Forest, romantic experiences, incredible food and wine, and friendly people. Nestled at the end of a long gravel drive, past manicured gardens and charming outbuildings, Lime Wood is an impeccable representation of 18th-century refinement. As you step inside, you’ll be welcomed by staff who, inexplicably, manage to be more helpful than most – yet never overbearing. Enter to loosely arranged flowers and potted plants, and an atmosphere that’s immediately warmed by crackling wood fires in homely furnished sitting rooms, where cream and black stone checkerboard floors glisten beneath metal oak-leaf chandeliers and sconces. At the heart of the hotel lies the central courtyard bar, a bustling hub adorned with a marble-topped bar and a retractable roof. The vibe is lively, chatty and fun, with guests enjoying Champagne with their afternoon tea – the women draped in dreamy Borgo De Nor dresses, the men leaving weekend Barbours hanging over the edges of their chairs. For those craving outdoor adventures, Lime Wood has a chic boot room with colourful Hunter wellies for forest walks. Should the urge to explore further arise, the historic city of Winchester is a mere 25-minute drive away – with Jane Austen’s family home not much farther – and the ancient capital is surrounded by quaint, picturesque villages and countryside ideal for easy rambling.
Rooms:
All but three of the 33 rooms and suites have been crafted by interior designer Susie Atkinson, think washed-wooden floors and pretty pink and green palm-print wallpaper. We love The Pavilion Forest Lodges – which are more like mini-luxe cottages – kitted out with four-poster beds, fireplaces and white wooden balconies that look out over the leafy majesty of the New Forest. The lodges are secreted away from the main house with soul-soothing views of the woodland as you recline into your claw-foot tub. You’ll also find huge walk-in showers with decadently scented Bamford botanical products.
Food and Drink:
Dining at the glamorous Hartnett Holder & Co restaurant, under the culinary helm of superstar chef Angela Hartnett and Lime Wood’s Luke Holder, is an affair to remember. From wholesome picks like brown rice fusilli to timeless classics such as lamb chops with aubergine, black olives and fragrant oregano, the menu tantalises the taste buds creating the perfect ambience in which to get loved up. From locally sourced ingredients to seasonal specialities, each dish is a testament to the duo’s culinary prowess and dedication to excellence and sustainability.
Meanwhile, Raw & Cured offers a sanctuary for wellness-centric dining, where nourishing fare and rejuvenating elixirs take centre stage. Catering to health-conscious honeymooners, Raw & Cured focuses on wholesome ingredients and mindful preparation, ensuring every bite nourishes both body and soul.
The Story:
Lime Wood has worn many hats throughout its storied past – once a working farm, then a school, a private residence – and even a fire station utilised by the National Fire Service during the tumult of the Second World War. However, in the 21st century, it has emerged as one of the UK’s most romantic country house hotels, a role it has embraced for over 14 years.
Family-Friendly:
For a family holiday that ticks every box, from comfort to adventure, this UK hotspot stands as an unrivalled choice for families.
We suggest families opt for the Forest Hideaway Suites, located just a short stroll away from the main building. These little-luxe cottage offer a perfect blend of privacy and total luxury, boasting spacious lounges downstairs where little ones can lay their heads down after a day of exploration. Adding to the atmosphere are the open fireplaces, adding warmth and coziness to the evenings.
When it comes to dining, Lime Wood caters to even the smallest appetites with half-size portions of their Italian-inspired dishes, including plenty of pasta options. Additionally, their light graze menu offers perfect nibbles for little ones with discerning palates.
Worried about packing cumbersome gear? Fear not, as Lime Wood has you covered with a range of amenities for families. From a plethora of welly boots in various sizes (for adults and children), to bicycles equipped with child seats or carriers, these thoughtful touches mean exploring the surrounding area has never been more convenient. So, leave the bulky gear behind and embrace the freedom to roam and discover together.
For families seeking adventure, the New Forest offers an abundance of activities no matter your little ones’ ages. Just a stone’s throw away lies Paultons Park, home to the beloved Peppa Pig World, a paradise for toddlers and preschoolers alike. We do, however, suggest visiting during quieter periods, such as November, for minimal crowds and, more importantly, uninterrupted fun on the rides.
Spa:
Lime Wood is the perfect spot to unwind, with a spa – Herb House – that is truly is exceptional. Discover an outdoor plunge pool surrounded by sun-bleached decking and sun loungers; a long indoor pool for laps and a hydrotherapy pool where vigorous jets of water pummel tired backs.
To add to your transformative experiences, peruse the spa’s cutting-edge massage menu. Designed to elevate wellness to new heights, the new Ground Grounding Ritual is a luxuriously mediative 60-minute experience, so indulgent it promises a profound reconnection with the body’s inner harmony, particularly through the vagus nerve. This new approach to massage delves into stress relief, mood enhancement, and the delicate interplay between gut and mind, leaving you floating up a holistic pathway to rejuvenation.
Eco-Friendly:
From sourcing local ingredients to reducing carbon emissions from transportation and implementing energy-saving technologies throughout the property, the hotel actively minimises its ecological footprint. You can indulge totally, safe in the knowledge that your stay supports environmentally responsible practices, and ensures that the beauty of the natural surroundings is preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Location:
Situated just a stone’s throw from the picturesque town of Lyndhurst and a leisurely drive from London’s bustling streets, Lime Wood offers a haven where urban sophistication meets rural tranquility. Whether you’re seeking sandy beaches or quaint boutiques, the hotel’s prime location ensures that every desire is within easy reach, promising a honeymoon filled of stress-free newlywed bliss.
To book go to: www.limewoodhotel.co.uk
