Luxury self-catering opens at Houghton Lodge & Gardens in Hampshire

The Launch of The Apple Rooms

Visitors seeking a unique countryside retreat in Hampshire have been truly spoilt with the opening of new self-catering accommodation at Houghton Lodge Gardens, near Stockbridge.What was once a collection of dormant cow sheds of one of Hampshire’s most beautiful, privately owned historic houses, is now a bespoke collection of six individually designed boutique en-suite bedrooms called The Apple Rooms.Taking the influence of the Test Valley and the unique 18^th century Cottage Orné architecture, the new rooms are different to anything else on offer in the region; ideal for romantic getaways, countryside and rural retreats or weekends away visiting friends or attending a function close by.The Apple Rooms were converted following a grant from Lodden and Test Leader Programme at the end of 2016. The European funding focuses on developing and supporting rural tourism initiatives. They were launched on the 8^thJune to the local tourism industry, fishing fraternity and wedding suppliers.The Marketing Collective have been Houghton Lodge Gardens' off-site marketing team for the past 8 years and worked on the funding application for the new accommodation. Jo Andrews, MD at The Marketing Collective said, "The new accommodation provides a great addition to the tourism product of the Test Valley. We have seen Houghton Lodge Gardens grow over the years into a fantastic visitor attraction and we're looking forward to raising the profile of the new accommodation."Each room is named after a variety of apple found in Houghton Lodge Gardens’ heritage orchard, which adds to the personal touch, which has been important to owners Daniel and Sophie Busk.The generously proportioned rooms have been decorated and furnished as if you were staying in the historic house, which has been in the Busk family for over 100 years.Sophie Busk, owner at Houghton Lodge & Gardens said, “The concept for us during the planning, design and build has been to provide a unique self-catering venue which has been clearly influenced by the Cottage Orné style; There is nothing ostentatious and the rooms encapsulate Houghton Lodge’s elegance, luxury, beauty and yet are slightly characterful”It is not only the interior design which has been influenced by the area. Using their USP's they have developed a unique apple fragrance for The Apple Rooms which has been used to make bespoke and complimentary toiletries for guests, and their daughter Amelia has also been involved by drawing and creating the apple design which can be found on the stationery in the rooms.The result is a blissfully serene and idyllic escape in Hampshire. All guests can enjoy complimentary entry to the gardens during their stay (during the opening hours 1^stApril – 30^thSept) to discover the features of the walled garden, peony walk, long border, topiary peacock garden and the luscious lawns which roll down to the River Test. Guests will also receive a discount for the on-site tearoom, Honesty at Houghton Lodge, which can also arrange breakfast hampers for guests.Each room provides more space than a standard hotel room or serviced accommodation but not quite as large as a house rental, providing guests with the best of both worlds. Each room will include a double bedroom (or two singles), minimal kitchenette and stunning bathroom. Cox’s Orange Pippin and Barnack Beauty both have sleigh beds and free standing baths which make them ideal for wedding couples and those looking for a romantic getaway.Booking information can be found at www.houghtonlodge.co.uk/apple-roomsThe Marketing Collective has developed the branding for The Apple Rooms and managed all the graphic design elements, organised the PR launch event, press management and will be leading on social media delivery alongside the main marketing for the historic house and gardens.Image credit: Angela Ward-Brown