Hotel Review

Hartwell House, Lower Hartwell, Vale of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8NR

‘Why wouldst thou leave calm Hartwell’s green abode?’ Byron 1822.

If you would like to follow in the footsteps of Kings of England and France, and stay in a hotel steeped in literary history, then Hartwell House, based in Buckinghamshire is your destination.

Celebrated by Byron back in 1822 in The Age of Bronze, Hartwell House is steeped in history, with antiques, fine paintings and décor from a time gone by, and sits in grounds and parkland that guests can enjoy a stroll in any time of the year. In fact, the hotel boasts 94 acres of gardens and parkland, tennis courts and a spa with indoor swimming pool.

The gardener, Richard Woods (a rival of ‘Capability’ Brown), created the present-day parkland, and as you drive into the hotel and its grounds, you can find St Mary’s Church on your left hand side. This little octagonal church was rebuilt in 1753 by Henry Keene, and showcases one of the finest examples of the early Gothic Revival style, which looked stunning in the frost when we arrived. A few hundred yards later, and guests are greeted with the magnificent equestrian statue of Frederick, Prince of Wales, dating back to around 1757, standing proudly in front of Hartwell House, and exuding a feel of stateliness and grandeur that is then reflected within the hotel.

Hartwell House’s buildings and landscape have been designed by architects and designers, including the architect James Gibbs, Henry Keene and James Wyatt.

Throughout its varied history, Hartwell House has had many different owners and visitors – as previously mentioned, Kings of England and of France, as well as a long line of Buckinghamshire baronets and a philanthropist. Over the centuries this Grade I listed house and garden have evolved to serve many different roles.

In 1809, Hartwell House was leased to the exiled King Louis XVIII of France and his court. King Louis remained at Hartwell until 1814 when the constitutional document, confirming his accession to the throne, was signed in the library by the King.

The Great Hall, that you enter on arrival, is a masterpiece of English baroque design and most of this room is virtually unchanged since its completion around 1740, and is one of many rooms that has an open fire to warm guests on cold, wintry days.

Once we had completed check-in by the very friendly, welcoming and professional staff, we were shown around the hotel and then guided up the unique staircase that is decorated with carved Jacobean figures, that leads to a selection of suites and bedrooms.

Today a number of Royal Rooms and Royal Suites located in the main house offer the ultimate accommodation experience where guests are immersed in history. A number of ‘Royal Four Poster Rooms’ were once resided in by King Louis XVIII and his Queen and these four poster rooms are the perfect setting to celebrate and enjoy a true escape. There are four rooms situated at each corner of the main house decorated with antiques, fine paintings and awe-inspiring views of the gardens, parkland and lake.

Our room was situated in the middle of the hotel, and was large, with high ceilings and antique furniture and very comfortable beds. Rooms are in keeping with the age and

grandeur of the building so there are not as many modern accessories as you usually get, so no fridges, but don’t fret there is a TV!, and if you need ice etc., the staff are more than happy to help.

The Morning Room and the Library are decorated in the Rococo style, with curvilinear marble chimney pieces. The bookcases in the Library are fitted with some of the finest surviving gilt-brass wirework in the country, and it is in these rooms you can enjoy a leisurely drink, or Afternoon Tea as we did.

There is a large selection of teas to choose from, and we teamed this with a glass of light and sparkling English wine, which was a perfect way to start our stay at Hartwell House. The Afternoon Tea included a selection of traditional sandwiches - Roast Turkey, cranberry, rocket, Smoked Salmon, caper and dill cream cheese, Heritage Egg Mayonnaise and parmesan, and for me the star of the savoury selection - Pancetta, Chestnut, Sage and Apricot Sausage Roll.

Homemade Pastries Sponge Orange, almond and ginger ’gingerbread man’, Tart Salted Caramel and Milk Chocolate Tart, Mousse Glazed Chocolate Mousse, cherry compote, chocolate sponge, and Macaron Bailey’s Cream, espresso gel macaron, were all delicious, and we had just enough space left for the Spiced Cranberry and Plain Scones Homemade Scones served with Cornish clotted cream and Strawberry Preserve, all priced at £37 per person (not including the sparkling wine).

By this stage and after our long journey, we were ready for a bit of R&R, so headed out of the House and back up the path we had driven down to the Spa, that has a good size indoor swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam rooms, gym, café, and treatments rooms for those who wish to pamper themselves.

Dinner was taken in Hartwell House’s main Dining Room, that has been designed in the style of the eminent early 19th century architect, Sir John Soane, and was nicely lit with candles on every table. The restaurant has been awarded two AA Rosettes, under the careful eye of Daniel Richardson, and I can see why. Every course we had was delicious, from our Port and Balsamic Shallot Tart Tatin, goats cheese, pine nut veloute, that I actually said I could eat every day, to the Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé, broccoli and stilton puree, tender stem broccoli, salt and vinegar walnuts, poached pear, and Roasted Breast of Guinea Fowl, butternut squash pearl barley, pickled shallots, chilli, soy and lime dressing, that my friend, who runs a restaurant, thoroughly enjoyed. We finished our culinary journey with Buttermilk Panna Cotta, carrot and honey gel, salted caramel pecan ice cream, pecan brittle that we shared, and was followed by coffee and petit fours.

I am often disappointed with hotel restaurants, but that was not the case here. The staff were attentive and friendly, and the food was as good as I have had in top restaurants around the country.

Readers who have an interest in history and enjoy great service and great food, need look no further when sourcing a weekend away, as you will get all three at Hartwell House.

For further information visit: www.hartwell-house.com