Avington Estate near Winchester is a bucolic paradise
A short cab ride away from Winchester, itself only an hour from London, you can find the sleepy, bucolic village of Avington, nestled in the Itchen Valley. A place where reassuringly little happens, it’s a made up of winding country roads, quaint little churches and the stunning Avington Estate.
For centuries this grand stately manor has been home to royals and courtiers, appearing in the Domesday Book and being used as a pawn by Henry VIII in his battle with the church. Today it is a working estate, having been restored to its former glory by current owners the Roach family since they bought it in 2020.
Avington Estate: The stay
Visitors can stay in either the glass-fronted Stillwaters House or, as I did, one of the lakeside Shepherd’s Huts. The huts are a kind of super-luxe static caravan, designed, like everything here, to blend in seamlessly with the leafy surrounds. Inside is a some-mod-cons type of affair, with a hob for cooking, a fridge, a Nespresso machine and a shower that mostly works. The best bit, though, is the view from the window as the sun rises – you really feel like you’re in the midst of nature here.
Each hut also has its own private jetty, from which you can sit and watch fish emerge from beneath you (there’s also a fire-pit should you get chilly) and a log-burning hot tub, which is well worth the set-up time. Sitting in the steaming-hot tub, polishing off a bottle of wine while taking in the sounds of the woodland is a singular experience.
What to do at Avington Estate
Both Stillwaters House and the huts are set around the historic fishery, which has been converted into a wellness and activity centre. Divided into several lakes, you can hire a rowing boat, take a coldwater swim or warm up in the sauna, whose window overlooks the water. I set out one morning for a swim but chickened out despite the clement weather (this is, after all, a real lake with everything that entails) – your level of bravery may differ.
You should also take a stroll around the estate itself, a private residence that’s heavily geared towards hosting weddings and functions. You’re allowed in the grounds between 10am to 12pm, when you can wander through immaculately manicured gardens as a small army of robotic mowers weave their way across the lawns. From the intricate fountain to the immaculate landscaping – and the fact there’s nobody else there, this being private land – it must rank among the most impressive houses in the country.
Further afield, Winchester is home to treasures including the “original” round table of King Arthur and one of the country’s most beautiful cathedrals.
What to eat
The Avington Estate is self catering but they will gladly point you in the direction of some banging pubs. First amongst them is the exceptional gastropub The Chestnut Horse in the nearby village of Easton. Take the leisurely 30-minute stroll through the countryside to work up an appetite because the food here is great. Expect a combination of pub classics – gammon, egg and chips; fish and chips; chicken schnitzel – and bistro fare; the squid ink linguine is excellent. Best of all, you can enjoy it on the sun-trap terrace beneath a vast umbrella. And the journey home, carrying the additional weight of a bottle or two of wine, is even better than the walk here.
Alternatively, the Chestnut Horse also has rooms of its own, should you fancy a change of scenery.
Need to know
Overnight stays at Avington Estate start from £150. Stillwaters House is currently available from £1,750 per night, based on a minimum of two-nights. Lakeside Cabins are currently available from £250 per night, based on a minimum of two-nights. For more information go to the website here.
For more information about the Chestnut Horse, visit the website here.