<strong>View</strong> voutlook A Christmas wreath welcomes visitors to Hinton Ampner Winter wonderland Enjoy an evocative Yuletide treat at the National Trust’s great <strong>Hampshire</strong> properties
There’s something magical about the country’s great houses, never more so than when they’re decorated for Christmas - the statuary sparkling with hoar frost, lights twinkling through stone-mullions, elegant avenues of naked beech trees and rooms richly scented with Christmas trees and glossy winter foliage. On selected dates this December, the National Trust is throwing open the doors of some of its most picturesque and unusual properties in <strong>Hampshire</strong>, inviting members of the public to share its Yuletide celebrations and festive treats, including sumptuous decorations, delicious seasonal food, craft workshops and gift shopping. One of the most glamorous periods of the 20th century can be experienced at atmospheric Mottisfont Priory. This beautiful and unusual property will be dressed for a 1930s house party, as it was so many times by the previous owner, Mrs Maud Russell. A high-profile patron of the avant-garde movement, Maud Russell hosted glittering social events at Mottisfont. This winter, several rooms will be open to the public, including the drawing room famously decorated by Rex Whistler with a Gothic trompe l’oeil scene. A series of craft workshops, suitable for all ages, will give participants the opportunity to leave with gifts and decorations for the home. Children might want to have that all-important chat with Santa who will be in residence in the abbey’s Cellarium, with a gift for each youngster. Visitors to Mottisfont can look forward to a lunch of seasonal and local delights, such as beetroot-cured local trout, New Forest maple mustard glazed ham and roast clementime with brandy-butter ice-cream. After lunch and a visit to the house, they can pop into the property’s shop, which is heaving with goodies. Popular items include the bestselling Henkeeping, a guide for amateur smallholders, and the Trust’s famous Christmas pudding wrapped in traditional muslin. Mottisfont’s gardens and estate make it one of <strong>Hampshire</strong>’s most beautiful locations, with tranquil riverside walks along the Test, and surrounding farmland and woods providing the perfect setting for winter walks. The ancient working Winchester City Mill, spanning the famous River Itchen, is an exciting location to visit at any time of the year, with its large water wheel powering the machinery to make the mill’s flour. Regular milling demonstrations, awe-inspiring mill races, hands-on activities for children and the latest cctv footage of local otters will be combined this Christmas with a fantastic programme of events that make this cosy property the perfect venue for family fun. The huge Christmas tree reigning grandly over the mill room is for visitors to dress with decorations, some of which have been made by children in the craft room. Youngsters are encouraged to hang a star with their written wish on the ‘Wish Tree’ (sometimes resulting in quite poignant messages, say staff). The mill’s festive family quiz is designed to test our knowledge of the origins of Yuletide traditions, with mince pies and fruity punch to fuel the minds of participants. The local hand-bell ringers were so successful last year that they will be back by popular demand, ringing a selection of festive pieces while also happy to demonstrate this ancient art. Visitors will be able to learn the art of making a stylish wreath with Mottisfont Abbey, Mottisfont, near Romsey, <strong>Hampshire</strong> (01794 340757) Hinton Ampner, Bramdean, near Alresford, <strong>Hampshire</strong> (01962 771305) Winchester City Mill, Winchester, <strong>Hampshire</strong> (01962 870057) Mottisfont Abbey: 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21 Dec, 11am-5pm. Adults £5, children and NT members free. Note: house decorated on 13-14 and 20-21 Dec only. Santa’s grotto 13-14 and 20-21 Dec. Children £5. Craft workshops 6-7 Dec. Call property for further details. Christmas lunches 8-12 and 15-19 Dec include a outlook v Hinton Ampner’s festive tree expert tuition from local florists at the mill’s one-day workshop, including a delicious light lunch featuring locally made food using the mill’s own flour. The flour is a jewel in the mill’s crown, used by the famous Lainston House Hotel and Winchester’s local bakers and patisseries. It is available to purchase and ideal for Christmas cake – and pudding – making. The flour, in its brown-paper packaging, makes a lovely gift for a cook, and the mill’s shop is heaving with goodies, including locally produced honey and relishes. One of <strong>Hampshire</strong>’s most enchanting country houses, Hinton Ampner is well-known for its elegant festive decorations. This year, the entire ground floor is stunningly decorated with foliage from the gardens, including large bunches of mistletoe and fresh flowers. The shop is packed with delightful gifts for all pockets and on 14 December the property will be alive with that merry sound of Christmas bells when local group the Owlesbury Hand-Bell Ringers play a selection of festive pieces. Hinton Ampner’s famous gardens are acknowledged as a masterpiece of 20th-century garden design. For the first time ever, the walled garden, with its thriving vegetable plot, will be open on selected dates. Not just picturesque, the gardens offer visitors an excellent starting point for ancient walks such as the Wayfarer’s Walk. Energy levels can be topped up with light refreshments at the property’s tearoom. The glorious vistas over <strong>Hampshire</strong> countryside make Hinton Ampner a property not to be missed this winter. V For further information on opening dates and times, events and activities (some must be pre-booked) see www.nationaltrust.org.uk or call: glass of warm punch: £16 for 2 courses, £19 for 3 courses. Booking essential 01794 340757. Winchester City Mill: 6-7 Dec,11am-4.30pm. On these days: dressing the tree, festive quiz, mince pies, fruit punch. Hand-bell ringers 7 Dec only, 2-4pm. Normal admission charge. Christmas wreath-making workshop 30 Nov, 12-4pm, £20, booking essential 01962 870057.The mill is open every day throughout November/December until 24 Dec, 11am-4pm. Hinton Ampner: 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21 Dec, 11am-4pm. Adults £4.70, children and NT members free. Hand-bell ringers 14 Dec. Call the property to check times 01962 771305. 31 <strong>View</strong>
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