Deanery at Winchester Cathedral available for holiday rental

The Deanery at Winchester Cathedral has been furnished and presented to the highest standards with the support of more than 50 businesses, including Hampshire-based companies along with companies from across the UK.

It is the first time the Deanery has been made available to the public for short-term rental before a new Dean takes residence next year.

Some of its impressive features include a 70-foot-long gallery originally created to entertain Charles II of England, a Roman mosaic in the porch and a garden that extends to the River Itchen.

The Deanery at Winchester Cathedral is now available for luxury short-term holiday rental. (Image: Georga Pead) Artefacts on display inside the building include artworks from former deans, typical vestments worn by a dean and sculptures from the 14th century.

The Deanery is set within the inner Cathedral Close and its residential community including priests and vergers, behind the main entrance to the Close, distinguished by a regal coat of arms mounted above the 15th-century archway.

The Deanery has been enhanced with the help of companies such as designer Abigail Ahern, Culinary Concepts, the River Test distillery, Winchester's branch of Bang + Olufsen, Stockbridge's Orchid Furniture and Mayfly Vintage as well as Alresford's Andrew Smith & Son.

Alasdair Akass, director of development at Winchester Cathedral, said: "This is a quintessential British home that has been brought bang up to date with the support of many valued suppliers.

"Renting the Deanery is a one-of-a-kind opportunity and we look forward to welcoming families to enjoy its tranquil and beautiful setting."

The Deanery is set within the inner Cathedral Close. (Image: Georga Pead) Kate Jerome, founder and managing director of Culinary Concepts, said: "It's been a genuine privilege to support Alasdair and his team on this remarkable project.

"Their vision resonates deeply with our own values, and to be part of enhancing the guest experience in such a deeply historic and spiritually significant place has been both humbling and inspiring."

The first family to rent the Deanery – whose surname happens to be Winchester – are from the US and will occupy the building for 10 weeks for a family reunion.

The Deanery, which sleeps up to 10 people, is available for bookings of three nights or longer, with the proceeds going towards maintaining the Cathedral.

For more information, visit the Winchester Cathedral website.