Designer’s Town House pays tribute to one of the Godfather’s of Winchester's Theatre Royal who at 91 has finally retired after over 40 years.  Mr Phil Yates, was part of the original gang of six who saved the Theatre Royal from demolition when it was threatened to become, horror of horrors a Bejam's super market in 1974!  Until Recently he continued to support the theatre Royal in an archiving role and providing tours of the theatre to visitors. There is apparently nothing left to archive so it's time he can finally put his feet up.

​In 1974 when it became apparent the theatre was headed for a less than glamorous future a group of six thespians got their heads together; Phil explains, 'I was employed in a solicitor's office and had worked with the Steel's funeral directors on a regular basis supplying the coroner's certificates and Stanley Steel phoned me up one day and I expected he was chasing another death certificate but he went on to tell me about the impending fate of the Theatre Royal planned for demolition' (facing a death certificate of its own!) so we arranged to go out for a drink to see what we could do about it.  We were both interested in theatre and took part in armature dramatics'. Others soon joined known through a variety of connections and after months of informal discussions and meetings, The Winchester Theatre Fund was created in August 1974. The group formed a charitable trust and with the well-connected Lady Bland on the team they raised £35k to buy the theatre in 1977. In today’s money this would be a massive £300,000, (not even taking into account the rise in property values.) Phil said, 'Lady Bland had amazing connections and  was able to charm money from the pockets of the likes of Lord Sainsbury and Peter Cadbury!'

When I asked Phil how they staved off Bejams to buy time to raise the funds he responded by saying, 'I think just by magic' qualifying with,  'it was a group of different professions coming together with a common goal to create a theatre for Winchester'.  He adds, 'It is so important for a county town to have a theatre and we didn't have one'.  A local architect formed a collective called 'Thespian Decor' which was a group of volunteers who came together to refurbish the theatre which required more than just a lick of paint as the Star cinema company had allowed the Cinema, (as it was) to become rather run down.' After a year of hard graft refurbishing it themselves in the evenings after working their usual day jobs the Theatre Royal reopened on November 1st 1978.  So called ordinary individuals giving up their free time for the good of the community to save a piece of Winchester's history and provide entertainment for the civic community. ​

​The Theatre Royal building has had many incarnations; it started life as The Market Hotel in 1850, (created to cater for salesman needing a place to stay for the then new market at the Corn Exchange adjacent 1838, (now the Discovery Centre) before being sold to brothers John and James Simpkins in 1912 reopening as a cine-variety venue in 1914. 

In 1924, it converted to a full-time cinema which lasted for the next 50 years.  It was a sad day in June 1974 for the Theatre Royal's Cinema projectionist when the Cinema closed for good, he chalked on his call board "Theatre Royal, Winchester 1914 -1974 RIP." Perhaps in the light of things to come he should have written; "The Theatre Royal is sleeping, awaiting rescue, long live the Theatre Royal." Thankfully it was rescued by the collective including Phil and the Steels, who continued to provide support for the theatre with the later refurbishment in 1999.

 
When it was converted from a Georgian hotel in the Edwardian period an auditorium was created and decked out with ornate baroque styled plasterwork on the circle and box fronts, and it is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful theatres in the south of England and is the only surviving cine-variety theatre in the country.
 
This stunning and charming theatre has great pulling power too. The theatres puts on a dynamic programme of the highest quality drama, music, dance, comedy, children’s theatre and pantomime.

Check this link for current shows to time with your visit to Designer's Town House with entertainment on your doorstep 

​If you’d like to visit the theatre with the most amazing back story there is no more convenient accommodation than Designer’s Town House and after the show you can dine out in a fabulous restaurant or go to a bar just steps away due to the fantastic central location.

Winchester is a jam-packed fun zone for kids. With The Science Centre & Planetarium, The Discovery Centre and The Theatre Royal it is a great way for your children to learn through play. The Planetarium and Science Centre is super cool, has the wow factor and puts on engaging activities children can join in with. The Discovery Centre has a variety of events, workshops, music and shows on entertaining ages from young to young-at-heart. The Theatre Royal has some lively shows to get the children dancing and learning. These places are open all year round so be sure to put Winchester on your family holidays list. If you're visiting over Winchester we have listed a bunch of Easter Activities taking place in Winchester over the Easter period.

Easter Holiday Trail
Sat 6 - Thurs 18 Apr, 10am - 4pm
Join the team at Winchester City Mill to take part in our new challenge. Peer through telescopes hanging around the Mill to find the answers to quiz questions about the animals and plants found along the River Itchen to win a fun prize.
Free, normal property admission applies.
Pumpkin seed planting
Thurs 11 & Tues 16 April, 11am - 3pm
Kids love to plant seeds and watch them grow. Outside in our island garden, discover the fun of planting your very own pumpkin seed to take home and grow on. They can tick off one of our 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ at the same time.
Cadbury Easter egg hunt
Fri 19 - Mon 22 April, 10am - 4pm
You’ll find lots of delicious chocolate fun at the Mill over the Easter weekend. Pick up a map and follow the clues around this ancient building to locate the Easter Bunny’s stash and collect your Cadbury prize.
£2 per trail, normal property admission applies.

10 April - 10am - 12noon. 1pm - 3pm.
Pick up a free Easter trail from Winchester Cathedral's Entrance Desk and follow it around the Cathedral. End the trail at the craft table to make an Easter basket. This is free for children but adults may have to pay a Cathedral admission fee. Enjoyable for both children and adults while the little ones do the hunt, the adults can enjoy the amazing Cathedral features.

Suitable for children aged 4 to 11 years.

5 - 23 April - happens throughout the day.
This tasty science experience has all the right ingredients for jam-packed family day out this Easter at Winchester Science Centre. Enjoy a pick 'n' mix of brilliant hands-on science in the Invention Studio, including a make your own Wonker-inspired sweet machine, and live science shows featuring a sugar flame thrower and exploding fat! Put the cherry on the top by adding a planetarium show for a virtual flight through space.

The Amazing Bubble Man
9 April
Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. An Edinburgh Fringe favourite, he has sold out there for the last twelve years. Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised. From square bubbles to rocket bubbles, tornado bubbles to flying saucer bubbles, The Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.

Braniac! Live
13 April
Strap on your safety goggles boys and girls, due to popular demand science's greatest and most volatile live show is returning with a vengeance at Theatre Royal Winchester. Based on the multi-award winning TV show, Brainiac Live! is back. Brainiac Live! will take you on a breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and wonderful. Expect exploding dustbins, combusting microwaves and loads of live daredevil stunts!

Watch from the safety of your seat as the Brainiacs delve fearlessly into the mysteries of science and do all of those things on stage that you're too scared to do at home!

The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio
16 April
Immersion Theatre are thrilled to present a brand new, larger-than-life musical adaptation of the much-loved classic, Pinocchio at Theatre Royal Winchester. Based on Carlo Collodi's fantastical children's book, this magical story leaps off the page and onto the stage in a vibrant re-telling of Pinocchio's extraordinary adventures.

Packed with comedy, audience interaction, and a completely original score guaranteed to have you singing along from start to finish, this high energy musical promises to be the perfect treat for the whole family.

Treat the family to quality and comfort at the designer town house. This 3 bedroom city centre property boasts beautiful interior ready for a family to snuggle into comfy sofas and lay their heads to rest on top quality Egyptian cotton bedding. If the sun is shining over the Easter weekend, enjoy the back garden with a lovely patio to play ring-a-ring-a-roses or go on a bear hunt!

New Energy Yoga Class - Sunday 31st March - New Energy Yoga, Winchester

Tumble down the Rabbit hole, sensory delirium fuelled by the way you want to feel. Step into the room; warm, safe, dappled by candle light. Arrive on your mat and bathe peacefully in your surroundings. Be like water- still, formless. In the distance the sound of gently trickling water, hum of a gong. Divine bird calls and wisps of incense snake through your sky. A delight of human senses and mindful rejuvenation.

A completely relaxed accessible yoga class that we recommend calling first to secure your mat. 

Blend Academy Gin Workshop - Pre Book Your Experience - Winchester Distillery

In the centre of Winchester in an unassuming building a stones-throw from the High Street lives The Blend Academy. Owned by the inventive minds behind the Winchester Distillery, the academy is dedicated to the creation, tasting and enjoyment of gin. Watch the masters, learn the techniques then have the chance to blend your own gin. This fantastic experience is ideal for a gin-loving Mum.

Blue Sapphire Gin Factory - Whitchurch

Staying on the gin theme, Bombay Sapphire is brewed in Laverstoke Mill preserving the heritage of what was once an old corn mill. The truly extraordinary mirrored distillery domes in beautiful green surrounding gardens are certainly a idealistic spot to enjoy a cold G & T. Choose and book from an array of exciting distillery experiences, including self-discovery or hosted experiences, and cocktail masterclasses.

The Blooming Flower Arranging Workshop - Call to book- Kingsworthy

No need to buy your Mum flowers when you can organise a flower arranging workshop with The Blooming Flower company. Simply take along yourself, your apron, a notepad, a camera, scissors and secateurs and The Blooming Flower company will provide a full range of flowers including organically grown foliage and English roses, flowers, herbs and foliage. 
 
The Minster Art Gallery - Winchester

If your Mother is a lover of art then she will certainly appreciate a trip to The Minster Art Gallery in Winchester that holds some striking contemporary art pieces and regularly hold fresh exhibitions. The work shown in The Minster Gallery is principally figurative but also includes semi-abstract and abstract work. As well as continuously changing displays of work by its core artists, the Gallery organises periodic exhibitions focusing on selected artists or specific themes.

Winchester Discovery Centre - Jewry Street - Winchester

Literally a minutes walk from The Designer Town House is the proactive and creative Winchester Discovery Centre. They have fabulous workshops and events on including a masterclass in The Elements of Creative Writing on Friday 29th March and The BP Portrait Award that is is the most prestigious portrait painting competition in the world from Saturday 30th March. The Discovery Centre holds an eclectic mix of creatives so pick yourself up a What's On guide when you get into Winchester.

Theatre Royal - Jewry Street - Movement Exhibition

Alan Trussler explores movement through his paintings in this Theatre Royal exhibition. Alan says, “I like to use the lines depicting the shape of a figure to direct you over the painting: hard versus soft edges, the use of angles and complementary colours all encourage the eye to travel. Keeping contrast and detail near a focal point helps complete the journey.”

Macrame Wall Hanging Workshop - Friday 29th March, The Stone House, Eastleigh
Are you in love with the natural Bohemian vibes? Modern macrame is one of the most popular crafts at the moment.
This class is ideal for beginners who are interested in learning the basics of macrame and you'll leave with a beautiful wall hanging so your Mum can make her own gift! In this class, you will learn the four main macramé knots, that will give you the knowledge to read and create patterns and make a variety of wall hanging designs.
All materials will be provided and you will get to go home with a wonderful macrame ready to hang on your wall to bring a touch of Bohemian to your home.

Book the beautiful Designer Town House for a week or a weekend to show your Mother you care. The family house sits right in the city centre up a quiet street with plenty of divine eateries just a moment away. Wake up late then head to Josie's for a pancake stack brunch or for an evening of extra entertainment head to Cabinet Rooms for a cocktail and see what music they have on. 
Contact us via the booking form below to secure your preferred dates.

Winchester is an ancient city oozing with architectural beauty and deep history that has had a huge impact on the moulding of Britain. Winchester preserves the signs of history throughout the city so take a moment to look around and notice date placards on stone buildings and old clocks on towers. You'll be surprised at how the history of the city is merged in with the 21st century lifestyle. 

Now owned by English Heritage, Wolvesy Castle is, 'One of the most important Norman palaces in England, it was built during a period when Winchester was second only to London as a royal and ecclesiastical centre. The palace remained in use until the 1680s, when Bishop George Morley decided to build a new palace nearby.'

Wolvesy Castle is free to visit and open 10am - 5pm from April through to November. The ground can get muddy around these ancient ruins so be prepared with good shoes if it has recently been raining.

“One of the finest surviving aisled halls of the 13th century”. The Great Hall is home to the greatest symbol of medieval mythology, King Arthur’s Round Table, and is all that now remains of Winchester Castle. The iconic Round Table of Arthurian legend has dominated Winchester’s ancient Great Hall for centuries. Built by William The Conqueror, the Winchester Castle is one of the finest surviving examples of a 13th century aisled hall.

The Great Hall is open 10am - 5pm all year round but due to private functions it can sometimes be closed to the public for the day.

The St.Cross Hospital is a group of stunning grade I listed buildings dating from 1132 and was home to 25 charitable brothers. You can admire the medieval architecture, absorb the quiet calm in the fine transitional Norman church, explore the beautiful flower gardens and experience the Wayfarer’s Dole, which is a small beaker of beer and a morsel of bread. The hospital was one of Britain's first charitable public institutes with 25 brothers feeding the poor and elderly out of the kindness of their hearts.

The hospital is £4.50 entry for adults and is open April - October, 9:30am - 5pm and November - March, 10:30am - 3:30pm.

Alfred the Great was King of Wessex between 871 and 886 who rounded England's history with many great victories against the Vikings. He won a decisive victory in the Battle of Edington in 878 and made an agreement with the Vikings, creating what was known as Danelaw in the North of England. He successfully defended his kingdom against the Viking leader Guthrum who attempt at conquest, and he became the dominant ruler in England.

King Alfred's statue stands tall outside Winchester's Guild Hall and will be first spotted if you catch the coach to Winchester. The South Downs 100 mile walking way starts from the statue.

Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton is the house where Jane Austen lived and wrote. It is the most treasured Austen site in the world and it was in this cottage that Jane flourished. Here she wrote, revised and had published all her major works, including the timeless Pride and Prejudice.​
Jane Austen's House is a beautiful place to visit on a summers day with gorgeous gardens to sit and reflect on some of the most loved literature written. The opening times throughout the year are as follows:
January:  Closed
February - May:  10.30 - 16.30
June - August:  10.00 - 17.00
September - December*:  10.30 - 16.30

To book our 3 bedroom family home for your Winchester holiday enquire using the form below.

A short but sweet walk in the east side on Winchester, St Giles Hill is an accessible climb into a lovely open green park. You'll find a beautiful viewpoint with a plaque delving into the sights you'll see over Winchester from the viewpoint. You'll be able to spot Wolvesy Medieval Castle, Winchester Cathedral, King Alfred's Statue and The Winchester Guild Hall. This is a perfect walk to do in the morning before heading into the city centre to see these sites up close.

From St.Giles Hill you can walk through town passing the King Alfred statue, the guildhall and head towards the Cathedral. A spot of lunch at Cafe Monde or The William Walker pub will give you energy to enjoy the Keat's walk in the afternoon. If you don't fancy Keat's Walk, the Winchester City Museum is in this square that could fill your afternoon with curiosity. Notice the Winchester Bollards in the square. The Bollard project was presented to Winchester City Council in 2005 to incorporate with the extravagant Hat Fair. Winchester's professional artists who run The Colour Factory, Jenny Muncaster and Rachael Alexander, designed 19 bollard paintings inspired by the world's most famous painters including: Jackson Pollock, Pablo, Picasso, David Hockney and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Follow in the footsteps of the well-known poet Keat. His daily walk inspired his iconic poem 'Ode to Autumn' and you'll be able to see why if you visit Winchester once the leaves have fallen. The self-guided walk takes you from the city to St.Cross. At St.Cross is the beautiful St.Cross hospital oozing architecture, history and culture. The round route is a total of around 2 miles so there's time in the afternoon to enjoy St.Cross Hospital. The hospital is said to be one of England's oldest charitable institutions initiated by 13 poor men who became The Brothers of St.Cross. The brothers provided food and drink to hundreds of unfortunate. It is worth spending an hour at the hospital grounds and even head inside to hear more about the history. 

Returning from Keat's Walk will bring you back into town where you could grab some dinner at The Ivy Brasserie or Loch Fynne before heading back to the comforts of the Town House. 

For a longer walk, St Catherine's hill is a fabulous country walk. From the Town House head to Keat's Walk and enjoy the scenic walk until you reach Garnier Road. Head left to reach Garnier car park where the St Catherine's hill walk starts. It will take around 50 minutes to reach St Catherine's Hill so take some elevenses snacks so you don't get hungry. You can walk around St Catherine's hill and enjoy the spectacular views from top. On your return to Winchester you could squeeze in a late lunch and some indulgent shopping. 

Our Winchester city centre town house is a perfect holiday home for any visitors or frequent flyers. The interior oozes design and will make you feel like royalty returning back to your holiday accommodation. If you can drag yourself away from pawing over the plush fabrics then this town house is in an ideal location to access romantic walks in Winchester. The house sits just moments away from the Theatre Royal that holds fabulous plays and artistic shows regularly. You can easily and quickly reach the town house from the city centre so you can comfortably eat out every night and enjoy a glass of wine without having to worry about driving or parking. To book simply enquire on the contact form below.

Treat yourself to a weekend away in Winchester for the ultimate romantic gesture. From a week long stay to a 3 night quick stop, Winchester is the ideal location for a romantic weekend away combining ancient history, trendy bars and riverside winter walks. 

Once you have arrived in Winchester, make your way to your booked accommodation, No. 81 Tower Street. This luxury designer town house will wow your other half to show you've gone to maximum lengths to enjoy each other's undivided attention. You don't even have to admit you got all the plans handed to you, right here. Act cool, you thought of this all by yourself! 

After travelling you may be feeling peckish so we love to head to Rawberry for a healthy lunch, kicking your romantic weekend off feeling as good as the food Rawberry serves. They know how to nail presentation and make healthy, nutritious food so instagramable your friends back home will be jealous. From Rawberry cross the road and head left where you'll see The Winchester Book Shop. This beautiful hidden book shop, full of antiques and history, is an ideal little stop to spend half hour pawing over books and reading poetry. Ask the owner about the local Winchester poet 'Keat' to hear a poetic past time. 

Head up into the high street and you may pop into some of the designer shops including The Consortium, Forme, The Hambledon, Cath Kidson, Pandora, Hobbs, Joules, Moss Bros, The White Company and Mint Velvet. Head towards the Winchester City Mill passing the beautiful Winchester Tourist Information Centre and Guild Hall. Open to the public, pop in for information on the latest What's On guides. The Great King Alfred Statue is a monument not to be miss standing proud in the centre of the road. As you reach the cute, archaic bridge with the Winchester City Mill (perhaps a perfect spot for a couple's selfie), you'll look to your right to see a blue sign posted walking path starting the River Walk.

There are some unmissable restaurants that define romance like The Chessil Rectory. A picturesque Tudor thatched cottage delivering an excellent fine dining experience. The Chessil Rectory has to be booked in advance due to being so popular but it's worth making the reservation for an unforgettable dining experience.

The Black Rat is also one of the best Winchester eateries being the only Michelin starred restaurant in Hampshire. 

The Ivy Brasserie is one for those who love a bit of quirk as they combine bright, luxury interiors with delicious cocktails and great service.

​If you're looking for a posh pit-stop before dinner then head to Incognito for some impressive cocktails and a wild safari themed 1920s experience. 

We are sure that your visit to Winchester with your other half will be the retreat you need to reignite the spark that you both first felt. Returning from your days out exploring history, art, romance and culture in Winchester requires a cosy bed and a good sleep. No. 81 Tower Street has the cosiest beds with crisp, soft bedding and plush pillows ready to snuggle in to. 

You can book your romantic retreat simply by contacting us here.

That's the feeling you'll get every time you choose The Designer Town House for your Winchester city break. This Town House is not just another rental scavenged on Air BnB or a disappointing 'it didn't look like this in the pictures' from booking.com.

When you're in desperate need of some pampering, a luxurious retreat and invaluable family time you want to make sure your Winchester holiday is exactly how you imagine it to be. As a nation we spend our time working so hard and striving to go forward in life, don't let your time be wasted on a sub-par property when it comes to your holiday. 

So apart from the Instagrammable interiors, the spacious rooms and the glorious green garden, what is so good about this property to be your home-from-home?

Right in the city centre with restaurants, cafes, theatre, museums and the iconic Winchester Cathedral all in walking distance, it makes this property a no brainer for your stay. Just a 6 minute walk from the train station means you could even leave your car at home! 

Just an 10 minute walk from The Designer Town House you reach the River Itchen where there are beautiful riverside walks and traditional pubs for a nice cup of tea and a pub lunch. 

A hop around the corner is the fantastic Winchester discovery centre housing an 180 seat theatre that features tours from acclaimed singers, musicians and performers.  With more than 150 events, gigs, concerts, talks, shows and exhibitions taking place every month, you’re sure to find something to suit.

Just behind the River Park Leisure Centre is a fabulous concrete skate park for children or teenagers who enjoy wheels as their choice of transport, BMX, skateboards and scooters all welcome but remember that skate parks can be dangerous so ensure your children understand the skate park etiquette!

Some of our favourite eateries are just a moments walk like the amazing Rawberry health cafe. With delicious smoothies, plant-based milkshakes and health meals, Rawberry is the ideal pit stop to regain your energy before a busy afternoon. ​

We really look forward to welcoming you to The Designer Town House and truly hope you have the most memorable stay and want to return regularly. Winchester is the upcoming trendy city with plenty of vegan and gluten free accommodating eateries, independent shops, live music, live theatre and endless experiences to explore. Follow us on Facebook to see our latest posts of things to do in Winchester!

I have spent many a late night over the past few months giving my beloved town house in Winchester some TLC in preparation for launch as a holiday let.  I myself cannot wait to spend some stress free and clutter free weekends here enjoying time with my family and friends.

I finally finished many of the projects I had planned for years.  This paper was bought some 10 years ago with all good intentions, but other projects, indecision and a gorgeous baby followed.  The room was nearly hung with clouds for my son but instead we have moved quite literally to pastures new to the the family farm where I spent my childhood.  Now my town house is available to enjoy for guests and family alike.

My talented friend Malcom Pitts made this built-in daybed which we will be marketing soon with Modern English Cabinetry. (See link below)

I am also looking forward to working on many creative projects which I will be posting so watch this space.