Hartwell House, Aylesbury, United Kingdom

Hartwell House is a stately Jacobean and Georgian manor and a National Trust property. It was taken over by Historic House Hotels in 1989 and is a treasure trove of antiques with a remarkable history. In the rolling Buckinghamshire countryside just 40 miles north-west of London this stately home was once home to Louis XVIII, exiled King of France. The grandeur of that time is no less evident today.

The facilities

The ground floor public rooms of this country house are vast and magnificent, all with open fires. There is beautifully restored antique furniture, and rich, heavy fabrics adorn the sofas and the curtains. Every ornament, every item of furniture, has been carefully selected, largely by Richard Broid, the General Manager of the Historic House Hotel whose attention to detail is very much felt. All of the boutique luxury hotel’s guests time travel back to an age of splendour.

The bold, masculine lounge area and library are the only smoking rooms. The lighter morning room is more delicately furnished with an ornate Bagotti and Artari ceiling. The decadence of this room seems to be competing with the warm drawing room which provides guests of this luxury hotel somewhere to recline. Perhaps the most dramatic is the Gothic hall and wooden staircase marked by beautifully characterised Jacobean carved figures. Soane, Doric and Octagon are among the rooms ideal for private parties or upmarket meetings, they are capable of holding from 8 to 60 people. Wedding ceremonies and receptions are also welcome at Hartwell House.

The country house is surrounded by 90 acres of landscaped parkland including a lake, gothic church, and an 18th-century stone bridge. The setting is picturesque and worthy of a wander. However, if guests wish to stay on the luxury hotel’s grounds, there are two tennis courts available for play. The charming spa is modelled on an orangery, with a large swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam rooms, saunas and fitness rooms are all at the guests’ disposal.

The rooms

Each of the 48 rooms at this luxury boutique hotel has its own unique style. Thirty are in the main house while the remainder are in Hartwell Court (where dogs are welcome) and the rectory, a cottage which can be exclusively rented. Unique antiques and art found in all of the rooms, adding to the hotel’s charm and grandeur. Rooms in the main house are vast with splendid views of the estate; seven have four-poster beds. Features include deep bath tubs, old fashioned basins and walk-in wardrobes. For those wishing to truly immerse themselves in the luxury boutique hotel’s fascinating history, why not stay in Queen Marie-Josephine of France’s room, which has been decorated with original historic furniture. The Court rooms are cosier, with low ceilings under the eaves and more of a contemporary chic garden cottage style.