Greenham Hall

If you love creepy nostalgia, old architecture, Elvis, acres of privacy and rambling gardens where you can meander for days, this place just might be for you.
I stumbled upon the Greenham Hall after weeks of hitchhiking across parts of Europe, and after all I had been through until that point, it was a gift from the gods. I could feel the love from miles away. That was years ago, I’ve been back a few times and I recommend Greenham Hall every chance I get.
Built in the mid 1800s, and with much of its original structural integrity intact, Greenham Hall is the great big extravagant castle that you’ve imagined in fairy tales. Based on photos, you might think it is lavish, pricey or out of your league; trust me, it isn’t. This B&B, which feels more like a 1970s-​era royal palace, is surprisingly affordable, modest and welcoming. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that they haven’t blown the whole motif out of proportion. Greenham Hall is a less is more, minimalistic, secretive place that only the lucky will experience. If you’re looking for posh accommodations, room service, crisp linens, telephone & television, pool… you get my point, Greenham Hall probably isn’t for you.
Now I should tell you that the first thing you will see when you walk into the foyer is a bigger than life oil painting of Elvis Presley painted on a black velvet canvas. I’m not kidding, there are so many quirky components to this place that will make you feel like you’re in Vegas instead of Southern England. The décor is dated, fixtures are hackneyed and of course, the food is bland, but that’s all part of the delight. The building security system is a policy of, the last one in locks the door, and that’s it.
Although you will never make eye contact with the inn keeper and given where you are, that can be quite eerie, consider it part of the experience. She’s actually a very nice, hospitable lady who will honor your privacy to no end. I spent much of my last visit in the vast tranquil gardens singing and practicing my Volta dance and no one had a care in the world.