Romantic Staycation at The Pigsty, Winchester
Another day, another romantic staycation because what else can we do these days? This time, the romantic staycation was at the Pigsty in Winchester. I was searching for something intimate and my focus was a “cabin in the woods”. I searched all the usual websites and airbnb was one of the last websites I had opened on my browser. By the next morning, I received an email with suggestions of romantic glamping cabins and there it was – The Pigsty in Winchester! I had the quickest look and booked it!
The Pigsty is located on Vale Farm in Pitt and has been in the family for generations. It is my idea of luxurious glamping although my friends will strongly disagree. They kept asking me why I was chilling in a bath as if that was not a part of the experience LMAO!
I mean, it’s on a farm, you wake up to nature and if you squint, you might see some wildlife. So is that not glamping? I think it is! Ok, there was no wildlife but let’s make it a tad dramatic, shall we?!
The Pigsty, Winchester: First Look
We had left London later than planned so we got to Winchester when it was already super dark. However, as soon as we turned the corner into the front of the cabin, there was light coming through and I was in awe. I literally jumped out of the car and went to find the keys. The Pigsty was really unlike any accommodation we had ever stayed in. I think that the fact that it was secluded away on a farm made it even more special.
The Pigsty is “Winchester’s first luxury hideaway” and it does live up to its name. With modern interiors, a roll up bath and king sized bed, it is the definition of understated luxury.
The owner of the property was kind enough to leave some milk, juice and cereal for breakfast. The Pigsty is fully furnished with its own compact kitchenette including fridge so we were able to make and store our own food. My main aim for this romantic staycation was to do absolutely nothing. We did not want to go out of the property at anytime. Thankfully, it rained for most of our stay which added to the cosy vibes.
I am enjoying our slower holidays this year where we actually stay in lush accommodation and just chill.
Waking up in nature
We went to bed almost as soon as we got in because we were so fatigued from the journey. By the next morning, Mr E had gotten up earlier and I woke up to the smell of coffee brewing. I’m not even sure when I became this coffee-slut but yes, that is me now.
I got up and opened the windows a little and it was glorious.
The pitter patter of raindrops, birds chirping, leaves shuffling noisily and swaying in the wind; I legit felt like I was in a Disney movie. Cue the soundtrack of Ella Enchanted lol!
Romantic Staycation in the Pigsty, Winchester: My favourite things
The Kitchenette
It had everything and all you had to do was come with your food to cook. There was an oven and grill (which we did not use), cutlery, crockery, pots and pans. One thing I noticed was the absence of a microwave but this was not a problem at all. When we had to heat our leftover sauce, I just used the pan to heat over the stove. I think I am so used to having microwaves so panicked a little but it was ok in the end.
The Bath
Now, we all know I love a roll top bath right? The one in the Pigsty was the biggest I had ever been in. Mr E is 6”2 and I am 5”5.2 but we were both able to fit in the bath comfortably.
I also loved that the bath was inside the room. It was just next to the bed which made the set up feel sexy, quite raw and almost unfinished. I would sit in the bath while chatting casually with Mr E, watching TV! As you can imagine, I’m now trying to convince him that we might need a roll top bath our bedroom. Of course, he is not buying the idea but I still have some more time to convince him! The bath was definitely my favourite part of the room!
The Bed
I don’t know if we have stayed in a comfier bed. I’m not sure what it was but it was comfortable AF. On the first night, we slept through the night and I remember thinking it must have been because we were tired from the long drive. However, subsequent nights were the same. We never wanted to get out of bed as it just felt cosy and soft but not too soft to give you a bad back.
It really was perfect!
Romantic Staycation at The Pigsty, Winchester: Glamping, perhaps?
Well, this is my idea of glamping. I would most likely never be caught in a tent or one of those unstable outdoor things. The fear of being attacked by a bear or a lion is real. Ok I know there are all these safety measures and maybe there are no lions. But what about bugs? or wolves? or snakes? No, thank you!
The Pigsty had torches, binoculars, an outdoor grill and a lovely patio. Even the wellies we wore to walk around were provided as part of our booking. I had no idea wellies were cute until I wore these. Now you know what is coming next? I am going to buy wellies for us LOL
On our last night, we sat on the patio to watch the sunset before it poured down with rain and we had to run back inside. Romantic moment paused haha! Damn you mother nature! I even had starlights, candles and all the extras but the rain had other ideas.
Is The Pigsty worth it?
The Pigsty is the most intimate and perfect space for couples needing that tranquil time away. For Mr E and I who live day-to-day city lives, going away is always exciting. We tend to look for more toned down holidays and the Pigsty was the perfect country escape.
It was worth it and unlike most of the holidays we have had this year, it was reasonably priced. The Pigsty is very affordable considering all the luxury that comes with it. Winchester city center is also only about 10 minutes away so if one is missing city life, a short drive should satisfy the craving. Although I’m not sure why you would leave the zen for that haha!
A weekend or 3 days should suffice. Unless you are thinking of visiting the city and other towns in Hampshire. Otherwise, the Pigsty is a typical few days away type of accomodation.
The Pigsty is cute, sexy, intimate and secluded. It is most likely impossible to stay there and think otherwise. We really enjoyed our romantic staycation at the Pigsty, WInchester and would most likely go back in the summer.
Bisous, Bugo x
