Heckfield Place, set within the Hampshire countryside feels exclusive and secluded, yetis just 20 minutes’ drive from Reading and 1 hour on the train from London. As you drive into the estate, you are instantly drawn into the magic of the property and its surroundings. The approach, through a woodland walkway, reveals the façade of the house and it doesn’t matter how many times we visit, it still has the same wow factor. The ethos of Heckfield is all about understated luxury, refined elegance and excellent quality. The food plays a huge part in the design of the hotel with all food being sourced either from the hotel’s on-site farm or from local suppliers. The menu only includes seasonal and locally sourced items which plays into every area from the restaurant and breakfast menus, the afternoon tea cakes and even the cocktails in Moon Bar. The restaurants, Marle and Hearth both have a different feel. Marle is a light and bright space serving classic cuisine and Hearth, on the lower floor has lovely red brick walls, a more rustic feel and is designed around the open fire from which most of the menu is cooked and served.

The venue works best when taken on an exclusive hire basis meaning that the property becomes yours for the duration of the visit. There are 45 bedrooms, 2 restaurants, a dedicated event space, a private cinema and huge grounds to explore. We find that the property works as well for a wedding as it does for a brand event or private celebration – it feels very flexible. Each programme is designed based on the style of celebration and the spaces we suggest to use are tailored to the numbers and needs of the event. Downstairs, the event space, theAssembly Room can accommodate up 150 and is a great blank canvas space. For numbers larger than this, marquees can be built within the grounds and for any additional accommodation, the local hotels can be contracted. Marle is a great space for ceremonies indoors and if the weather is fair, there are some beautiful outdoor options. The grounds are such an incredible aspect to add into the programming and activities can be designed for your guests from wild swimming in the lake to foraging around the grounds of a Farm Fit workout session.A truly special and unique venue, well worth exploring.