Houghton Lodge and Gardens

Houghton Lodge has an importance quite disproportionate to its size. Built sometime before 1799 and probably intended as a fishing lodge, it is one of the earliest examples of a Cottage Orné or Rural Retreat. Whoever designed it appreciated regional buildings, especially the rounded thatched forms and plastered walls of Hampshire valley villages. Built on a hill overlooking the River Test, a more magical position would be hard to find.

Cottage Ornés were built at the end of the eighteenth century by those who yearned for the simple life away from the draughty grandeur of the great house. Although comfortable on the inside, they were designed to give an air of rusticity on the outside. Thatched roofs and tall brick chimneys were typical. At the same time there was a gradual move away from the formal layout and plantings of English parks and gardens to the desire for ‘natural’ landscapes. An increased sensitivity to the world of nature, and the importance of the picturesque and romantic movements led to the development of the Natural Style…

Weddings

Houghton Lodge must be among one of the most romantic Historic Houses in Hampshire. Overlooking the famous chalk stream of The River Test, with panoramic views over the water meadows and along the Test Valley, no other house in sight. This family home is cosy, friendly and amazingly special. In 2001 we were granted our marriage licence to hold small civil wedding ceremonies here. Now let it be yours for your most special day.

A unique wedding ceremony in an 18th Century Domed & Circular Music Room.
Family home, with lots of photos, cosy and friendly.
There is a beautiful dining-room for small Weddings.
Riverside Marquee Venue for Receptions.
"No horrible long corridors to walk down!"
Above all a family home and not a big and impersonal hotel or function room.