North Hampshire Lifestyle Mar - Apr 2020

Rural Retreat
Located just outside Oakley village, Oakley
Hall Hotel offers executive in a refreshingly
friendly way. Ben Hollis escapes to the
country for an overnight stay…
Built in 1795, the Hall has stories to tell,
as well as finding itself in a few along
the way. With Jane Austin having lived in
local village, Steventon, until the age of
25, she was friends with the Bramston
family who once owned Oakley Hall, with
Mrs Bramston being the inspiration for
the character Lady Bertram from Austen’s
novel Mansfield Park.
Having refurbished all bedrooms in 2014;
launched their brand new garden pavilion
in 2018 and revamping the courtyard
bedrooms and garden cottage in 2019,
they’re now starting work on building
their first ever outdoor civil ceremony
structure, ‘Woodland Pavilion’. Oakley
Hall Hotel has much to shout about!
Upon our arrival, we were greeted and
shown to our room, with assistance to
avoid the busy hustle of business-folk
leaving one of the conference areas; it
seemed at first that we had chosen a bad
time to arrive, but the reception staff were
more than happy to take us to our room
via short cut, avoiding the events bar
that was now looking busy. A small detail
perhaps, but it was the start of many
‘little touches’ that made our stay special.
The decor of the room brought a modern
feel to a room kept pleasantly in line with
the Georgian charm seen throughout
the hall. The tall ceilings and lofty
windows kept the room feeling open and
spacious. Topped off with a half bottle of
champaign and some milk and cookies
for the little ones, the adults get a foodie
treat in the form of handmade, white and
dark chocolate truffles, with the choice
of sofa, arm chair or the bed for relaxing
once you arrive.
The bathroom provides an oversize tub
(which is always a refreshing sight for
a tall person!) with complimentary ecofriendly
toiletries, as well as a shower
and even an Oakley Hall Hotel branded
rubber duck.
There’s no mystery as to why the
Glasshouse Restaurant has been
awarded the 2 AA Rosette. Each
seasonal menu is tasted by the staff for
a truly knowledgeable waiting service.
With meat, vegetarian and vegan menus
available, you’re provided with variety
without too many options, which is
handy when dining with children! Playful
additions to the already delicious meal
included chive butter and a cauliflower
soup drizzled over blue cheese by the
waitress at the table. The mood lighting,
carefully chosen music and artistic decor
make the fine dining experience of the
“Whether you’re here for business, some
luxury time away or maybe even a wedding,
Oakley Hall Hotel is somewhere you can
relax, unwind and be sure to feel welcome...”
Glasshouse Restaurant exactly what’s
needed after a long day, regardless of
whether you’re there for business or
pleasure.
The 1795 bar, named so after the year
the Hall was built, is the perfect area to
retire to after a meal, continuing with the
mood lighting and music. Table service
is available, so you’re free to do as I did;
relax, enjoy a dark rum or two and let
your food go down.
The next morning, it was up and at
‘em for breakfast in the Glasshouse
Restaurant again. A continental breakfast
buffet is available while your wait for your
Full English to be cooked, which will not
disappoint, continuing the ‘Field to Fork’
philosophy the kitchen pride themselves
on. Local produce is sourced within a 50
mile radius as well as ingredients from
their Kitchen Garden, where they grow a
selection of vegetables, herbs and fruit.
The grounds have a 1.5 mile countryside
run track, plus a woodland walk to help
you take in the fresh air. If you’re looking
for more to fill your day, the TV in the
room lists multiple local attractions,
such as Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery.
However, if you prefer a day lounging in
your room there’s plenty of films available
on the in-room TV through a pre-loaded
app.
Whether you’re here for business, some
luxury time away or maybe even a
wedding, Oakley Hall Hotel is somewhere
you can relax, unwind and be sure to
feel welcome, because if handmade
chocolate truffles don’t say ‘We want to
look after you’, then I don’t know what
does!
Book a stay at Oakley Hall
Hotel today:
01256 783350
oakleyhall-park.com
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