About Lime Wood
Lime Wood, a boutique country house hotel in England, is set in the heart of the New Forest National Park, 1.5 miles from the small town of Lyndhurst and just an hour and a half drive from London.
We like to think of ourselves as a luxury country house hotel with a difference. We've used Lime Wood's classical structure as the basis of our design but we've lovingly renovated it with a fresh approach, reviving its architecture and grounds. We've kept the spirit of its past, taken inspiration from its extraordinarily beautiful surroundings and added the odd contemporary twist to bring it to life.
It was five exciting years in the making and the results are a rich collaboration of creative talent at its best. The architectural parts were designed by Charles Morris and Ben Pentreath. Interiors have been added by David Collins and food by head chef, Luke Holder. Combined with great food, immaculate service and facilities, we're the only 5 star luxury country house hotel in the New Forest National Park. With its proximity to London, our New Forest boutique hotel really is the ultimate countryside getaway; perfect for weekend breaks, a dash from the city, or an escape from home; whatever your motivations, we can't wait to show you around.
Architecture and interiors
Even if we say so ourselves, Lime Wood's exterior is an architectural triumph in itself. A stunning Regency country house originally established as a hunting lodge in the 13th Century, we took great care not to over-run its original charm when we started its renovation. It's a charm that has evolved over years and one that's given the country house a unique character that we can't get enough of.
Ben Pentreath of Working Group Design restored the main house and its extensions, comprising 16 bedrooms, a series of classically designed sitting rooms, library, dining room, informal eatery, bar, cellar and billiard room. Meanwhile Charles Morris, whose previous work includes the Orchard Room at Highgrove, designed the additional buildings which include a further 11 suites and two guest rooms.
Our New Forest luxury hotel interiors have been created by David Collins as a modern interpretation of the classic English Country House look. David's style is both luxurious and relaxed - an elusive and enticing balance that has earned him a stellar reputation. He's made the most of local materials like ash and stone and has used a simple and subtle palette so that the interiors ‘go' with their surroundings. So we didn't lose Lime Wood's original charm, the furniture is an eclectic mix of antique and bespoke pieces while the hand-picked artwork and objets d'art. And because this is an old English country house, there's the odd eccentric touch so that there's always something to be amused by. Then all you have to do is kick back, relax and soak up the atmosphere to your heart's delight.
Food
It's not easy to get the balance between high luxury and relaxed enjoyment, but we've worked hard to get it right and our dining is no exception. But you'll only really know what we mean when you try it.
There's a choice of two restaurants; ‘The Dining Room', a more glamorous affair and our brasserie, ‘The Scullery,' is all day dining in a country house kitchen setting. We're passionate about local, organic produce and both menus are bursting with delicious ‘forest food' from our doorstep; wild mushrooms, garlic, local venison and home-reared beef and lamb. Our food is hearty British fare at its best: delicious and homely but creative and reliably sourced - New Forest dining at its best!
Services and Facilities
Service at Lime Wood is led by Hotel Director Justin Pinchbeck, formerly of the Zetter Hotel in London. A relaxed but sophisticated style is part of Justin's intrinsic DNA and is at the heart of how we do things. We set our standards high, delivering the very best in luxury amenities but in a way that creates a welcoming atmosphere full of character and individuality.
You certainly won't be at a loss for things to do when staying with us. Make the most of an array of on-site activities from dining at the chef's table to yoga classes, spa treatments and bike rides. Shooting, sailing and horse riding are also available nearby.
Friend's of Lime Wood and Places We Think You'll Like
We have some companies and individuals that we really like to work with - either because they have great products or produce great work that we also think you would like.....
These include.....
Musto
The worlds leading provider of sailing, equestrian and shooting clothing.
Catherine Coombes
Catherine designs all of the flower arrangements you see here at Lime Wood. She constructs these beautiful individual floral designs for celebrations, wedding parties, company launches and many other special occasions where specific themes and colour schemes are required.
Miranda Michels
You may notice as you approach Lime Wood the collection of steel sculptures around the grounds - these are by Miranda Michels and include Sheep, Deer, Hares and some Salmon! Miranda is a self taught artist whose lifelong interest in wildlife and involvement in fieldsports has fuelled her inspiration. All of her sculptures are made from steel. The use of steel enables Miranda to portray the animal's natural movement and strength. Each piece is unique and Miranda does take commissions.
Some of the sculptures that you see here at Lime Wood are available to purchase. If you are interested then please ask at reception for more details or call 02380 287 177
Bamford
Bamford Body was created for use in treatments at the Hay Barn Spa at Daylesford in Gloucestershire. It now also incorporates a beautiful collection of naturally luxurious body products for the bath room creating your own in room spa atmosphere.
Tri-Dosha
In Tri-Dosha Lime Wood has found the perfect blend of quality and natural goodness. With founder Sunita Passi at the helm, a pioneer in the art of authentic Ayurveda, Tri-Dosha's influence spans the globe, having popularised the Indian system in Ireland and Malta. Thanks to the collaboration with Lime Wood, Tri-Dosha continues its revolutionary reach helping people turn to a healthier way of life through touch, meditation and nutrition.
Lime Wood Group
The Lime Wood Group is a personal collection of fine small luxury lifestyle hotels, restaurants, and chalets where the focus is on authenticity and informality of design, food and service.
Our aim is to allow our guests to feel at home in the comfort of our products in a range of settings, from the tranquil New Forest, to the breathtaking mountain scenery of Courchevel.
The group currently has Hotels, Restaurants and Chalets in the UK and France.
Our Sister Hotels, Restaurants and Chalets:
The Pig - Rooms & Kitchen Garden Food - Brockenhurst, The New Forest, Hampshire, England
Le Portetta - Courchevel, France
Le Portetta Mountain Lodges - Courchevel, France
Edmiston
Edmiston and Company is a world leader in super and mega yacht sales, charters and management
Sunseeker
In the four decades that sunseeker has been building boats it has evolved from a brand into an icon.
RotorMotion
A quick and fun way to arrive at Lime Wood is by helicopter, we love RotorMotion who operate a fleet of twin engine Agusta 109 helicopters, fly in speed, comfort and security and only 30 minutes from Central London to Lime Wood!
Spa Confidential
Susan D'Arcy is the Spa expert from The Sunday Times and we love her new blog which gives lots of information about where to Spa as well as great tips from the leading therapists!
