The Studio is quietly located on a private road on the outskirts of a village, less than two miles from the Georgian market town of Alresford. It’s around two hours from London, less than an hour from Heathrow Airport, and fifteen minutes from the historic Cathedral city of Winchester.
Activities
Guests will receive our House Book filled with ideas about what to do and where to eat.
Itchen Valley
Our valley offers beautiful walking trails, with its sparklingly clear chalk-stream river. A favourite route starts at St John's Church in Itchen Abbas, following the Itchen Way westwards to Martyr Worthy. It's a lovely way to explore the local landscape and enjoy the countryside. There are some great pubs nearby, one of which is a short walk away along a stunning river path.
We also love nearby Tichborne Arms. It has a warm and cosy interior for the winter, and a pretty garden overlooking the fields for summer months. There are swings and a slide for small children.
Within easy reach are also local vineyards for wine tasting, some of the world’s best chalk streams and lakes for fly fishing, fantastic cycling opportunities and picturesque golf courses.
Alresford
Just up the road from the Studio is Alresford, a thriving place with a well-preserved Georgian high street. It has butchers, delis, cafés, pubs and a range of independent shops.
Here, we are lucky enough to have arguably the best restaurant in the region. Pulpo Negro is perfect for a grown-up dinner, serving imaginative tapas and rare-breed steaks cooked over fire.
Winchester
Winchester is just fifteen minutes away. Originally the capital of England, this historic city has lots to discover, including ancient streets and a beautiful cathedral. Winchester Water Meadows and St Catherine's Hill are recommended for walking and exploring.
Hampshire is renowned as the home of Jane Austen, and her house at Chawton is less than twenty minutes away. The area has numerous National Trust houses, museums and gardens, including Hinton Ampner, Mottisfont, Petworth House, and Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey was filmed.
For art lovers, there’s New Art Centre at Roche Court, Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, and Goodwood Art Foundation.
South Downs, New Forest & Coast
Our location on the edge of the South Downs offers miles of scenic countryside. Explore charming villages like West Meon, East Meon, Exton, Droxford and Hambledon. Each offers its own unique charm and has a great post-walk pub.
The South Downs National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it one of the best locations for stargazing. Nature is abundant in the area, and it’s common to hear barn owls in the trees and see hares boxing in the fields.
The New Forest is easily accessible for a day out. Explore miles of woodland and spot wild ponies roaming freely. There are also various beaches within easy reach, including Avon beach and Mudeford Quay in Dorset, Lepe Beach to the south of the New Forest, and West Wittering near Chichester.