By Ingrid Salte

Just an hour from London, the approach to Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire feels like entering a Jane Austen novel. Set within the 500-acre Dogmersfield Park, whose history stretches back to the 1500s, the Georgian manor house is now a retreat of understated elegance. Celebrating its 20th year in 2025, Four Seasons blends centuries of history with modern luxury, offering the quintessential English countryside escape.

Whispers of the past

Dogmersfield Park has seen centuries of change. First recorded in the 11th century and rebuilt in Georgian splendour in the 18th century, the estate has welcomed royalty and long served as a noble residence, wartime refuge and boarding school. Whispers of this past remain; notes of “Hampshire tales” left in guest rooms recount local legends and moments from the estate’s storied life, offering subtle reminders of Dogmersfield’s heritage.

Country comfort and timeless elegance

Inside, the manor blends Georgian character with modern Four Seasons refinement; wood panelling, soft palettes, and antique-inspired furniture set the scene for exploring the estate in wellies and wax jackets, afternoon tea in tweed blazers and candlelit dinner in evening gowns. The rooms and interiors strike a rare balance – comfort and elegance that let you dress down or up without ever feeling out of place.

Outdoor adventure

The estate’s 500 acres are a countryside playground in every sense. Spend your days horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, or walking through the woodland trails and gardens. For a taste of village life, bikes are at the ready, perfect for pedalling to a nearby pub or winding through the Hampshire landscape. Here, the English countryside is yours to take at any pace, whether fast, slow, or somewhere in between.

Flavours of Hampshire

Dining at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire leans into seasonality and a strong sense of place. At Wild Carrot, locally sourced ingredients are reimagined with a modern touch, while the Drawing Room offers the quintessential ritual of afternoon tea against views of the estate grounds. It’s refined without feeling pretentious – comforting, elegant, and unmistakably English.

Hospitality with heart

What makes the stay memorable is the staff. Warm, intuitive, and effortlessly attentive, they craft experiences that feel personal, from thoughtful food and wine recommendations to surprising gestures on a celebratory occasion. Every interaction, whether at the bar, in the restaurant, or around the estate, adds layers of warmth and attention, turning a luxury stay into something unforgettable.

A retreat to remember

For travellers seeking the essence of the English countryside, elegant, storied, and just the right side of indulgent, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire gets it exactly right. Whether you come to reconnect with nature, celebrate a special occasion, or simply slow down, it is a retreat where timeless heritage meets modern luxury, leaving a lasting impression long after you depart.