Is This The Perfect Country Escape?

Planning your next staycation? If you’re after a slice of the countryside, check out the brand new rental properties on the breathtaking Avington Estate in Winchester.

Inside Avington Lakes, Winchester

The beating heart of the 175-acre Avington Estate is Avington House, a Grade I listed beauty now used as a wedding venue. But just a stone’s throw from this historic site is a very different kind of house – and one that makes for the perfect staycation spot.

Stillwaters House stands in jaw-dropping contrast to its neighbouring country home. Instead of Georgian grandeur, expect dazzling contemporary architecture: think soaring ceilings, swathes of glass and a show-stopping lakeside entertainment area complete with a heated pool, sunken firepit and wood-fired hot tub. 

The property contains seven bedroom suites accommodating up to 14 people, and it really does cater to any occasion. Settle in for a chilled catchup in the cosy snug, curl up and watch the sunset from the terrace, or host an epic dinner party in the glorious dining room (you can even hire a private chef to create your perfect menu). The house is also kitted out with a pool table, an array of board games, and table football, not to mention a fully-equipped gym and a handy laundry room. Unpack your bags and you’ll never want to leave.

That is until you realise just how much there is to do on the estate itself: head to the lakes for fishing, paddle boarding and wild swimming; try out archery and clay pigeon shooting; or simply whizz around on an electric bike. You can book everything from floristry workshops to wine tasting and cocktail-making classes, or just enjoy a leisurely meal at The Chestnut Horse, the estate’s pub, shop and deli. Soon, you’ll also be able to enjoy Wildsmith wellness treatments, an outdoor sauna, and yoga, pilates and meditation sessions at Avington’s wellness hub.

You’d hardly believe that all this is just an hour’s train ride from London. Plus, Stillwaters House isn’t the only option when it comes to accommodation – if gathering 13 friends and relatives isn’t quite on the cards, you might prefer a charming shepherd’s hut, a peaceful cabin, or the estate’s utterly gorgeous two-bedroom pavilion, which stands next to Avington House. Looks like your next holiday’s sorted…

BOOK IT

Stillwaters House is currently available from £1,750 per night, based on a minimum of two nights. Lakeside Cabins are currently available from £250 per night, based on a minimum of two nights. avington.com