With the end of the week firmly in sight, we eagerly discussed our plans for the weekend ahead of us at Longbourn and Meriton. With our bags packed and excitement high, we set off from Boutique HQ for a dreamy sojourn in the rolling hills of Hampshire.
As we approached the sweeping drive, with Meriton to the left of us and Longbourn in the distance, we were left in awe at the expanse of the stunning grounds. Both properties were glistening in the autumn mist, amongst an array of trees with leaves in varying shades of golden yellow, orange and red. As we slowly made our way down the winding track to Longbourn, a young deer scampered past us, which was a magical sight! We arrived to a warming glow beaming through the sash windows, with dusky pink hues lighting the skies above us. We couldn’t wait to get inside!
We set about exploring both properties, before choosing which of the beautiful bedrooms we’d be residing in for the weekend. We first explored Longbourn, which radiated grand country elegance throughout. Up the striking staircase, we were met with five equally inviting bedrooms. Each bed was swathed in luxurious linens and marshmallow-soft bedding, just made for long lie-ins. We then took the short walk up to Meriton, which had three beautiful bedrooms, all with stunning countryside views. Meriton can be booked alone for smaller parties or with Longbourn for larger groups. The deep, rich tones of Meriton beautifully contrast with the softer hues of Longbourn, both stunning abodes for a cosy autumnal retreat, with flickering wood burners and open fires to keep toasty and warm. We excitedly chose our bedrooms and made our way to Longbourn for the first evening of Boutique bliss…
With the autumn evening sky turning from pink hues to nightfall, we couldn’t wait to spend the evening cosied up fireside. Each fire was laid ready for us to strike a match and relax in front of the warm and golden glow. The beautiful and spacious kitchen is the spot for pre-dinner drinks, and we did just that - with a glass of bubbles in hand of course! Our takeaway arrived and we made our way to the conservatory to gather around the decadent dining table – the perfect setting for our very own dinner party.
We were spoilt for choice with the beautiful fireplaces and cosy corners, eventually choosing to retreat to the formal sitting room which leads off from the kitchen. Bedecked with three sumptuous sofas and a crackling open fire, it was the dreamiest spot to reside. We spent the remainder of the evening playing board games and reminiscing on our first evening together at magical Longbourn, our little dose of country living heaven!
Looking forward to a blissful night’s slumber in our king-sized beds. We made our way to the bedrooms, each full of charm and oh-so inviting, ready for a soothing bathtub soak and cosy night’s sleep before our day of exploring.
We awoke from heavenly slumbers the next morning, greeted only by the soft bleats of neighbouring sheep residing in patchwork fields within the estate. From our bedroom windows, golden autumn light stretched over the rolling countryside beyond, an idyllic view welcoming us to this beautiful corner of the world. After a gentle start to the day with wake-me-up showers and fresh morning coffees, we wandered the quaint path through the grounds from Meriton, to join the other half of our group where we savoured a slow breakfast together. Gathering around the grand dining table, we enjoyed a dreamy selection of pastries along with coffee and plotted adventures for our weekend in the country. Longbourn’s stunning, open plan kitchen and dining space is the perfect spot to share pared-back brunches and decadent dinners with loved ones, with everything you could need to create culinary delights during your staycation of dreams.
We decided to visit the nearby city of Winchester for the afternoon. As soon as we arrived, we noticed it was market day in the Lower High Street which was fantastic – and a little rain didn’t stop us. There was an array of stalls from fresh bread, seasonal vegetables, flowers, olives, jewellery, gifts, and many more – we just had to buy some olives and the tastiest looking baklava whilst we were there.
We wandered the grounds of the cathedral, which were beautiful, a great place to sit and watch the world go by. As we walked down the high street, we noticed a great selection of boutique and independent shops such as Anthropology and Oliver Bonas, which both had the most wonderful selection of scented candles. After a few hours of exploring, we were all ready to get back to Longbourn and Meriton for a glass of prosecco and to get cosy by the fireplace, before heading out for dinner that evening.
Choosing Cosy Club for our evening meal and celebrations was effortless. We felt drawn in by the warm interiors and adventurous yet hearty menu. The relaxed and comfortable atmosphere from the moment we entered the door made us feel completely at ease, akin to meeting with an old and familiar friend. Waiters dressed in dark attire with smiling faces seated us at our table, amongst the laughter and chatter of the other diners. The joy felt within the room was infectious, it was the perfect place to spend the evening together, thinking back on the glorious day we’d had.
The crisp air nipped at our faces as we stepped outside the restaurant and joined the hustle and bustle of Salisbury’s night life. Each person enjoying moments of happiness with friends and loved ones, with the faint sounds of a plethora of music whistling through the street. As we arrived back at our retreats, the sky was crystal clear, speckled with stars, and the estate grounds were still. We couldn’t bear to tear ourselves away, but the warmth of the fireplace was calling us. The rest of the evening was spent together in Meriton’s perfectly social and flawlessly curated living space; the true paradise for memories to be made.
After a lovely, lingering lie-in, we awoke to a beautifully crisp morning and decided to take a leisurely stroll around the two hundred acres of verdant greenery, enchanting woodland, and undulating hills surrounding Meriton and Longbourn. The neighbouring farmlands were filled with softly bleating sheep, a truly soul-soothing encounter with nature.
We packed our belongings in the car and said a solemn farewell to our spellbinding weekend getaway in the stunning Hampshire countryside and set off to spend our morning wandering the nearby Stockbridge, the heart of the Test Valley. We strolled along the picturesque main street brimming with quaint dwellings, before stumbling on the lovely Thyme and Tides, which was the perfect spot for a late brunch.
We snapped up the last remaining tables in the bright sunshine and opted for an array of cheese toasties, crispy bacon sandwiches, and freshly brewed tea and coffee - simply heavenly. This lovely dog-friendly spot was clearly popular, bustling with local families savouring those slow Sunday moments. Alongside the bistro, Thyme and Tides also has a delightful deli selling local sourdough breads, cured meats, and quality cheeses amongst other scrumptious treats.
Feeling fully nourished after our delicious breakfast, we headed back to the cars for our journey home and reflected on our magical countryside adventure.
Both retreats made for a perfectly wholesome escape to the country, their proximity yet private setting makes this a simply idyllic escape for multi-generational stays and celebratory occasions with loved ones.
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