Silchester Farm Review: A Luxury Countryside Escape With a Whole Lot of Heart

Silchester Farm Review: A Luxury Countryside Escape With a Whole Lot of Heart

Silchester Farm Review: From luxurious countryside accommodation and stunning gardens to farm animals, award-winning gin and superb hospitality, find out why Silchester Farm Hampshire is so much more than just a place to stay with Rachel Ducker.

Once in a while, I find myself being taken away to a place that truly surprises me. A place that pulls off the luxurious and authentic at the same time, where every little detail has been carefully considered without losing any of its original charm. Well, I found it at Silchester Farm.

I visited this beautiful Hampshire estate during the week for a short countryside escape, and I have to say, I was utterly impressed from start to finish.

Situated on over an acre of countryside, Silchester Farm has luxurious accommodation, gardens, farm animals, fantastic food and a stunning wedding venue. But it is the people who really make Silchester Farm.

There is such a passion here, and it was incredibly obvious when I was there that this isn’t just any farm; it’s a farm with a heart.

A Little Luxury in the Pyggies

For my one-night stopover, I checked into one of the rather fabulous Pyggies, and I think I can safely say it was definitely the most luxurious pod I have stayed in.

Bust your preconceptions of glamping. These stylish Hampshire pods have the elegance of a getaway in the country combined with the state of mind of staying in a luxury hotel.

My pod was equipped with a wonderfully comfortable bed, an illuminated gas fire, a kitchenette and a stunning free-standing bath. Each aspect was comfortable and well appointed.

And for someone who is always taking trips with three kids in tow, having that enormous, comfy bed all to myself was pretty special.

On this solo trip, naturally, I spent a good half hour in the free-standing bath, drinking it all in without someone coming to the door demanding I make a snack for them.

Absolute bliss.

Couples who are on the lookout for a romantic retreat or even just a relaxing weekend with no fuss could find the Pyggies the perfect, tiny accommodation for the job.

For larger groups or families, Silchester Farm also has a lovely Grade II listed Farmhouse sleeping up to 15, the Barn House sleeping up to 12 and the lovely Granary for two.

Silchester Farm Review

It’s an impressive collection of accommodation, making the estate the perfect place for a weekend for two, a family celebration or an extended party.

A Farm That Has All

One of the things that I loved about Silchester Farm was the fact that it’s so packed with stuff to see and do that you never even need to go outside the estate. There are always lots of events going on at the farm.

While I was there, I had a little wander about the grounds, met the animals, and just enjoyed the space.

There are pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and even bees, all complementing the great setting and ambience.

I also finally managed to get my drone out for a flight and I have to say that the estate looks equally as amazing from the air, with the lush gardens, old buildings and surrounding countryside all combining to make a stunning scene.

For those of you who prefer to keep more active, you can enjoy the heated outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and bicycles which are available for you to use when exploring the surrounding area. The pool is available during the season and on the farm event calendar.

Silchester Farm Review

But equally, you don’t have to do anything at all.

From the Garden to the Table

Silchester Farm Review

One thing that surprised me about Silchester Farm was that they cared about the type of food served to customers and sustainable practices.

The estate has a kitchen garden where you are welcome to meander and where much of the produce is used in the kitchen. No produce is wasted, as any items not grown on the estate are used whenever possible and in season.

It is quite lovely to think that the food you’re eating could have been just a short walk away.

The farm takes an active approach to minimising waste by composting a lot of the garden waste, reusing as much as possible and promoting local suppliers. Its sheep even pitch in to keep the lawns tidy.

It’s great to see sustainability so seamlessly integrated into the day-to-day operations of a luxury destination.

One more you mustn’t miss is Trough, the farm’s own coffee and farm shop. Looking for a morning coffee, a hearty lunch or a handful of local goodies to take away? It’s a charming little place.

I really enjoyed just hanging around here for a bit, really enjoying the place and having a different pace of life.

Seasonal chefs take care of the farm’s restaurant, which is open from spring to late autumn and there’s something going on at there throughout the year in the form of Sunday dinners and events.

Silchester Farm Review

And then there’s the drinks!

At Silchester Farm there is also a dedicated Wingless Eagle range of high quality spirits created in collaboration with Hawkridge Distillery including award-winning gin and vodka. This range is influenced by the iconic Roman Silchester Eagle and ties the drinks range to the history of the local landscape.

Silchester Farm Review

By ordering the corresponding drink, be it local wine or beer, it brings to life another whole new element to the entire experience.

Your dream wedding venue really does have everything you’re looking for

I didn’t go to stay at Silchester Farm for a wedding, but I simply couldn’t not blog about this place without mentioning its amazing wedding spaces!

I’d definitely have this back on my list if I was getting married all over again.

Our estate features a number of stunning areas; there is the Hampshire Threshing Barn, which is more than 400 years old and can hold up to 140 people. They also have the Cow Shed, which is fantastic for dining and celebrations, and a romantic lakeside location for a ceremony.

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Couples are drawn here by the stunningly landscaped gardens, use of the venue for the whole wedding party and a large enough accommodation to make a wedding at this place a mini-break.

I especially like the idea of spending the whole weekend with everyone instead of trying to fit it into one day.

And with the Pyggies, Farmhouse, Barn House and Granary all on site, visitors won’t have to drive anywhere else at the end of the night.

Exploring Beyond the Farm

While I didn’t feel I needed to venture out of the estate during my stay, the location of Silchester Farm is perfect for a trip out into the Hampshire Countryside.

For history buffs, the Roman wall and amphitheatre at the ruins of Calleva Atrebatum are close to home.

The surrounding countryside is scattered with excellent walking and cycling routes, and relaxing villages with lovely village pubs for that all important long lunch.

For families, Wellington Country Park is a great choice, with walks through the woods, adventure playgrounds, a miniature railway and loads of things to do for children.

Reading and Basingstoke are within easy driving distance for those wishing to make the most of a country break combined with some shopping or sightseeing.

Me, though, I’d really be quite happy to stay where I am and enjoy all the farm has to offer.

The People Make the Place

I would be remiss if I didn’t conclude this review by mentioning the fantastic staff at Silchester Farm.

All of the staff I spoke to were warm, friendly and enthusiastic about their jobs.

Silchester Farm Review

The Hospitality was effortless. Everyone appeared quite proud to be part of the estate, and was genuinely anxious to ensure that the visitors were treated well.

And that, I think, is what makes somewhere lovely somewhere special.

You may have the most wonderful place to stay, great facilities and beautiful grounds, but it’s the people who make you come back again and again.

That is exactly the balance that is achieved at Silchester Farm.

Would I Return to Silchester Farm?

Definitely. Actually, i’d love to return for a longer break with my husband and my kids.

And as much as I was relishing some peace and luxury of having them gone, I know that the children would love to meet the animals, wander the grounds and bathe in the pool.

Silchester Farm Review

Silchester Farm is the place to go for a luxurious but informal stay, family friendly but tranquil, perfectly rural but never dull.

Whatever brings you to the area – whether a romantic escape, a family trip, a celebration or just a quick escape from reality – I’d definitely recommend the area.

It’s so much more than a luxury country house break. It’s where the smallest things from the gardens to the accommodation to the people who look after you fit together harmoniously.

And, most of all, it’s a farm with loads of heart.

Silchester Farm Review

Silchester Farm: At a Glance

Location: Silchester Farm, Silchester, Hampshire, RG7 2PS

Accommodation: Luxury Pyggies, Farmhouse, Barn House and Granary.

Additions: Heated outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, bicycles, kitchen gardens, farm animals and Trough Farm Shop.

Perfect for: Family & friends, romantic weekends, special events, and outdoor & country breaks.

Local attractions: Silchester Roman ruins, Wellington Country Park, Rambling in the Hampshire countryside, Reading, Basingstoke.

Booking: Accommodation is available at different times, especially in the season for weddings and private events. Book direct with the farm through their website.

Website: www.silchesterfarm.co.uk

Telephone: 0118 315 1537

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