3 Cosy Autumn Weekend Getaways Close To London (And What To Pack)
By Gee Marling
© Heckfield Place
Best for: Rural super-luxe, "Heckfield Place, Hampshire"
If you’re looking for luxurious but chic interiors, world-class food, a beautiful spa and wellness studio, and a deluxe cinema room all just over an hour from London, then Heckfield Place is the place for you. Discerning Londoners will be flocking to this hotel and it’s not hard to see why with so much style on offer. Skye Gyngell is the Culinary Director, the team from Bodyism are behind the movement studio and there is a curated selection of talks and workshops by creative thought leaders held monthly. Rooms are quite simply beautiful, designed by Ben Thompson, a protege of legendary interior designer Ilse Crawford, who wanted to stay true to the inherent charm of the old Georgian House. It was a long time coming (the original opening was scheduled for 2012), but goodness this rural retreat has been worth the wait.
What to pack
The Perform Tank and Leggings in All Black to match the sleek surroundings of Heckfield Place.
© The Wild Rabbit
Best for: Low-key, high-luxe Modern British "The Wild Rabbit, Kingham"
When you arrive at the Wild Rabbit you’re left wondering what landlord or lady could have such impeccable taste, vision and pockets deep enough to bring it all together… Further enquiry soon leads you to discover that Lady Bamford is no ordinary publican, but the driving force behind hugely successful bucolic lifestyle empire Daylesford and the Bamford skincare and clothing line. The Wild Rabbit embodies the ‘Cotswolds chic’ Bamford lifestyle: whitewashed wood, yellow limestone, outstanding seasonal produce and swoon-worthy bathroom miniatures. There are bikes on site that you can borrow to take in all that the surrounding countryside has to offer including a quick trip to Daylesford or the Haybarn Spa, or simply take a long walk to soak up some of England's most stunning and evocative rural scenery.
What to pack
The gentle Grey and Ivory tones of the Adele Bralette and Corset Legging will blend in well with the interior details at The Wild Rabbit.
Adele Bralette in Ivory and Corset Legging in Grey/Ivory © Ernest Leoty
© Hartwell House
Best for: Old school charm, "Hartwell House, Buckinghamshire"
Hartwell House is a word of mouth favourite passed between Londoners who don’t want too many fellow city-dwellers to know of its existence. It doesn’t possess the intimidating grandeur of Cliveden, nor the cool of Babington House, but it’s somewhere in between. Best of all it’s just 40 miles north west of London. Rooms are traditionally decorated, but opulently so as befits a residence that once hosted King Louis XVIII. If you want to make a weekend of it with friends in tow, we love the Old Rectory house which sits in the grounds and sleeps up to 7 people. Other pros? The spa of course with its elegant pool and luxurious treatments, the stunning Capability Brown landscaped gardens, and if you’re a dog lover you’ll be pleased to know canine friends can be accomodated too.
What to pack
The autumnal tones of the Perform Legging in Prune and the Cara Crop Top in Beige will make you feel right at home in the sumptuous surroundings of Hartwell.
Cara Crop Top in Beige and Perform Legging in Prune © Ernest Leoty
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