This old coastal villa of the Bankes family of Kingston Lacey is a whimsical and slightly eccentric combination of Arts and Craft and Victorian architecture. Formerly The Manor House Hotel, it has been lovingly restored in the same relaxed, quirky style that has become THE PIG‘s signature.
We have been working with this great Victorian building, embracing its quirks and characteristics,” says Robin Hutson, CEO”of Home Grown Hotels, parent company of THE PIG. “We’ve made the most of every old fireplace and strangely shaped window, always with the stunning sea views in mind.
“The interiors have been masterminded by my wife Judy and me and the gardens by my co-director David Elton. Being by the sea, the relaxed look and feel is even more pronounced because on the coast everyone wants to quickly kick back and feel the sand between their toes.”
One of the most notable aspects of this hotel is its beautiful grounds, and the way in which it makes use of them. The greenhouse restaurant – which looks out over boats bobbing on the water – makes use of produce from the hotel gardens wherever possible and the head kitchen gardener, Jo Macina, grows a vast array of vegetables, herbs and fruits.
Sitting by the walled garden is The Summer House, an old thatched room for private suppers with arguably some of the best views in the south. Seating 12, and with a nearby pizza oven and outdoor bar, this unique dining space allows guests to make the most of the beautiful grounds.
Back in the main house, beyond the restaurant, is the bar with its floors made from old railway sleepers and a snug wood burner.
The 23 quirky and characterful guest rooms recall a classic fairy tale with Victorian windows, cosy and romantic attic rooms, freestanding baths in clever nooks and the signature ‘larders’ for snacks.
Outside bedrooms include The Lookout and The Bothy, the two garden rooms, which overlook the walled garden and make beautiful hideaways for couples to stay in enjoying their own space, privacy and picturesque sea views.
Also in the garden are The Shepherds Huts - essentially a bedroom with bathroom linked by a decked walkway – situated in the cliff meadow overlooking Old Harry rocks.
For a dose of pampering or pummelling The Shepherd’s Huts in the field beyond THE PIG’s lawn are two cosy ‘rustic huts’ where guests can revel in a massage with Bamford products.
