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Chewton Glen Hotel

I had a traditional, typical Xmas – i.e. a ghastly one.

Our son Tarquin, now married, stayed with his wife Hyacinth and their two young children.

Our other son – Humphrey – arrived with his new girlfriend Bracken.

Bracken, a moody, pouting girl, made it quite clear that she did not know what she was doing at Colthard Towers and wanted away.

I made the traditional “turkey and trimmings” and Ollie opened with much aplomb a Chateau Petrus.

As I was clearing away the lunch, I announced to Ollie that I could take no more and I was going to take a few days off as soon as the not-so-festive period was over.

Years ago I had stayed at the Chewton Hotel in a tree house when I had a hot affaire with an antiques dealer called Jocelyn.

It’s luxuriously set in the New Forest amongst acres of parkland – just the job for some “R & R” – and I booked up.

My initial impressions were favourable as I was well greeted with a show around and repaired to the bar for some sandwiches by the fire.

My only concern was the number of young families on hand – just the sort of people I was looking to get away from.

I opted (at great expense) for a junior suite.

I like both the extra space and the separation of a living room space from the bedroom.

The suite also had a terrace over the parkland but it was too chilly for me to sit out.

No complaints so far, aside from a few niggles: I was informed the “pre-authorisation” payment would not be taken, yet it was; the room was not ready until 3.00pm; and the young children were noisy and out of control. A nice touch: there was half a bottle of champagne with a candied orange, dates, a tangerine, choccies in a box that was a replica of the building – and also a warm welcoming message.

At the dining room I requested a quiet table. I ordered an Emmenthal cheese soufflé followed by a gamey venison with a glass of mellow Malbec.

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About Daphne Colthard

After graduating at RADA but finding no roles Daphne went into magazine journalism with Good Housekeeping. Widely recognised as one of the country's leading restaurant and hotel reviewers, particularly by herself, Daphne is the author of "Bedded and Breakfasted", a light hearted chick novel and Grand Hotels DC: the Daffers Dictionary. Daphne lives in West London and is married to an investment banker Oliver. They have 2 boys Humphrey and Tarquin. More Posts