One of a kind: After six years of mystery, Heckfield Place exceeds all expectations

Heckfield Place in Hampshire has been on the verge of opening for six years. On Saturday, it finally launches as a country house hotel with a genuine difference. Janet Harmer receives a grand tour from general manager Olivia Richli

Expectations are high. Ever since writing about Heckfield Place for the first time in early 2011, when it was announced that the 18th-century Georgian property was going to open as a "world-beating hotel" the following year, I have been intrigued as to exactly how the project was going to turn out.