The gardens at south Downs seem like an extension of the wider environment. The Times tells us West Meon is the UK’s finest village, home to English thatch, leather and willow on the green, and the Thomas Lord, the real-ale pub named after the man who gave his name to the crucible of English cricket.
Life flourishes here amid the verdure. Butterflies, bird species and rare wild orchids thrive among the 50 acres of organic farming, dotted by sheep and cows. Trees have seen centuries of summers. Settle down with a drink on the teak sofa by the outside, built in fireplace. Gaze over the unending valley and get the barbie going as you admire the views of the paddocks.
Hiding behind the yew hedge is the pool. Beautifully warm, it’s yours between May and September. Emerge to towel off between dips and refresh with a Pimm’s on the table and chairs or a steak and salad out on the terrace. Perfect.
This is a restful house where you can step back in time and indulge in numerous gentle pastimes – such as croquet, cards and conversation. Our guests say they leave South Downs Farm renewed and replenished.
The stylish interiors are straight from an interior magazine, yet nothing here feels staged. Everything about the house is comfortable, calm and harmonious. It’s a happy home, where books abound and logburners warm the evening air.
But we agree South Downs is an English country classic. Modern art is plentiful, new furniture is specially commissioned, and rugs and textiles sit atop toasty-toed underfloor heating downstairs. Castrad radiators warm the upstairs. Robert Kime, Lewis and Wood, and Veere Grenney supply the fabrics and wallpapers.
A huge extension, completed in 2023, adds 800 square feet of Drawing Room space for friends and family to gather in, whatever the weather. Sofas are arranged around a large woodturner, with a 55” TV above, and more than enough space for guests to relax in groups, to read, play cards or just snooze.
Staying here is like diving into the pages of an interiors magazine. You’ll love the sense of style, the old beams and bookcases married with the modern conveniences. Yet you’ll feel right at home with a cup of coffee, a book and your feet up on a footstool.
There’s plenty room for the whole gang to get together, break bread and sip wine. You’ll get a dozen around the dining table very comfortably, or fourteen with two at each end.
If you prefer to cook al fresco, the gas barbie with its paddock views stands ready, and the outdoor lounge with fireplace will seat up to 14. If you’d prefer not to cook at all, call up our chefs, put your feet up and pop open a Prosecco. We can handle a one-off celebration or a fully catered break.
Eat out in West Meon, the country’s finest village, among the rolling hills of the Meon Valley, at the Thomas Lord, named after the founder of the home of cricket. Tuck into Upham ale-battered hake, calves’ liver or dry-aged beef burger, with truffle and Parmesan fries on the side.
Head to the CAMRA-ready Hawkley Inn for braised rabbit, chicken and Stilton or pan-fried wing of skate. Cleanse your body at the Natural Food Deli in Petersfield, packed with superfoods, smoothies, granola and gluten-free puddings. Or try stylish food served by the Michelin star chef, Nathan Marshall at Clarke House in Liss.
Drift away on top of deep, pocket-sprung mattresses enveloped in crisp white linen. Inch open the window and listen to the sound of silence. Wake to birdsong and coffee on the terrace.
There are five bedrooms in the farmhouse. Tamarind offers a superking or two three-foot singles, care of zip-and-link. There’s a luxury en-suite with shower. Honeysuckle sleeps two in a kingsize with en-suite bath. And Saffron is a kingsize, sleeping two, with en-suite bath and shower.
Blue Rose is a double, while Juniper is also a double that can be swapped for two two-foot-six singles.
