Tucked into eight acres of landscaped gardens and historic parkland on Windmill Hill, The Highfield is East Yorkshire’s most refined country house hotel.
Originally built in 1864 as a merchant’s tribute to his beloved wife, the property has been exquisitely reimagined by owners Andy and Lindsey Lampard into a five-star retreat that blends heritage, sustainability, and indulgence.
Located on the edge of Driffield, a traditional market town in the Yorkshire Wolds, The Highfield offers guests a gateway to one of Britain’s most underrated regions. The house itself is a visual delight: a stately Victorian façade softened by lush greenery and framed by ancient woodland. Inside, the décor is a masterclass in “Merchant Luxury” – a design ethos that marries locally sourced materials with global craftsmanship. Expect charred timber walls using the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, bespoke fabrics, and upcycled antiques alongside contemporary classics.
The hotel features a range of rooms, each individually styled with thoughtful touches. The newly launched Quarters Penthouse is the crown jewel: a private sanctuary with its own entrance, lounge, games room, and super king bedroom. The interiors pay homage to the building’s working-class roots, with original artworks depicting Yorkshire tradespeople and textures that tell a story. Guests sleep on Harris Spinks mattresses dressed in 800-thread-count Richard Haworth linens, and bathrooms are stocked with Bramley toiletries, offering a spa-like experience.
The Highfield is home to 11 rooms in total, including family-friendly options like The Quarter Loft, and welcomes pets, making it an inclusive escape for all. Beyond the rooms, guests can enjoy luxury spa treatments, explore the Merchant Stores filled with local crafts, or relax on the terrace overlooking the kitchen gardens.
Food is a highlight, with the newly opened Mill & Vine restaurant led by Head Chef Mark Langton. The menu celebrates British seasonal produce with flair, served in a warm, elegant setting. The Great Hall, a dramatic event space, hosts weddings, private dinners, and cultural evenings, drawing both locals and destination guests.
Visitors range from business travellers seeking tranquillity with style, to couples and families in search of a meaningful countryside escape. The Highfield’s blend of personal service, artistic flair, and rooted storytelling makes it more than a hotel – it’s a living narrative of Yorkshire’s industrious spirit, told with grace and charm.