ANDY COOPER crowns a first-time visit to a coastal resort with a stay at a Lymington hotel with excellence as its hallmark…
For shame, I had never been to Lymington before my visit to stay at Stanwell House. And now I am yearning for a return, both to re-experience the charms of this delightful Hampshire coastal town – and to linger once more at this superb hotel.
Lymington’s High Street is utterly charming – and Stanwell House is the jewel situated upon it. This elegant Georgian property, reimagined last year by interior designer JoJo McNamara, offers a stylish and relaxing retreat. And being just a short walk from the busy and bustling waters of this yachtie haven, it’s the perfect base from which to explore the waters or, indeed, further afield along the coast.
We arrived mid-afternoon on a Sunday to find the hotel’s dining room and light, airy conservatory room (known as The Orangery) still packed with lunchtime diners – a good sign already. Stepping inside from the bustling high street we were greeted by a vibrant and contemporary interior that seamlessly blends Georgian grandeur with modern elegance. Bold floral patterns dance against a backdrop of plush furnishings and an abundance of lush greenery, evoking a sense of vibrancy and warmth throughout the hotel.
Each of the 27 bedrooms at Stanwell House have been beautifully appointed. Calming hues create a peaceful home-from-home ambience, while plush beds and luxurious bedding invite you to sink into a deep slumber. We certainly wanted to linger in our elegant room with plenty of space to relax in and fabulous furnishings which complement the history of the surroundings.
Stanwell House offers three distinct dining experiences, catering to every palate. The Orangery, with its sun-drenched setting, provides the perfect backdrop for indulging in afternoon teas, while the Salt Bar offers cosy corners for enjoying light bites and drinks. Samphire restaurant takes centre stage as the main dining area.
We chose to try two of the options – staring our evening with a pre-dinner snifter in the wonderfully designed Salt Bar, perusing the menus as we did so and immediately anticipating something special when we dined.
We were not to be disappointed. Dishes such as slow cooked belly of pork with smoked ham hock and bean cassoulet or pan roasted turbot with surf clam velouté, squid ink linguine and samphire demonstrate this is a kitchen team who know how to make the very best of the plentiful provender all around them.
Service was exceptional and the surroundings beautifully lit and elegantly designed…all the ingredients for a memorable evening.
For me, it’s one of the quirks of enjoying a superb three-course dinner at a hotel that I can still face a hearty breakfast the following morning, but the options were so plentiful and special that I just couldn’t say no. It’s fasting day though as soon as I return home
Suitably replete, we headed for home with more than a lingering look in the rear view mirror at both Lymington and Stanwell House…coastal gems which both warrant a return visit soon.
