A Winter Retreat in the English Countryside at Hartwell House
Discover seasonal beauty of a Grade I-listed country house in the heart of Buckinghamshire
As winter settles over the Buckinghamshire countryside, Hartwell House Hotel & Spa offers a wonderful escape in which to embrace the season. From open fireplaces in elegant historic rooms to traditional afternoon tea, exceptional dining and restorative spa experiences, this award-winning country house invites guests to slow down and enjoy the quieter pleasures of winter.
Set within 94 acres of historic gardens and parkland, Hartwell House combines the grandeur of an English stately home with the comforts of contemporary luxury.
At the heart of the winter experience are the magnificent public rooms, where open fireplaces create a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy traditional afternoon tea in the Great Hall, settle into an armchair in the Library with a book, or enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the Drawing Room or Morning Room. Each offers a distinctive setting in which to appreciate the history of this remarkable historic house.
The interiors reveal centuries of architectural heritage. Behind the Jacobean façade are fine Georgian rooms, distinguished by decorative ceilings, rococo marble chimney pieces and intricate period details. The Great Hall, among the oldest parts of the house, provides a particularly atmospheric setting for winter relaxation, while the Library invites guests to admire its original bookcases with gilt-brass wirework, elaborate rococo frieze and elegant chimneypiece.
Winter brings a distinctive beauty to Buckinghamshire and the surrounding Chilterns countryside. On crisp, clear days, the rolling hills and wooded valleys of the Chilterns offer an inviting backdrop for countryside walks, with welcoming country pubs and historic villages providing opportunities to pause along the way.
Hartwell House is no ordinary hotel; it is a place where English history remains an integral part of the guest experience. Once the ancestral home of some of the country’s most distinguished families, it famously provided a place of refuge for the exiled French King Louis XVIII during the Napoleonic era. Its story extends back almost a thousand years, with an early reference in the Domesday Book associating the estate with William Peverel, traditionally identified as a son of William the Conqueror.
The present house dates principally from the 17th century, and its historic significance is reflected in its Grade I listing. Its many architectural details and collections offer glimpses into the lives of those who shaped its history. The grand staircase, for example, features an eccentric collection of carved figures, including Sir Winston Churchill and the writer G. K. Chesterton.
Louis XVIII remained at Hartwell until 1814, and the house retains a special connection with this period of French history. Lord Byron captured the poignancy of the king’s departure in the question: ‘Why wouldst thou leave calm Hartwell’s green abode?’ It is a sentiment that continues to resonate with visitors who discover the tranquillity of the estate.
The principal dining room, inspired by the work of eminent early-19th-century architect Sir John Soane, takes its design cues from a room at 11 Downing Street. Executive Head Chef Daniel Richardson, who has been at Hartwell House for 30 years, works closely with local suppliers and the hotel’s gardening team to make the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant holds two AA Rosettes, recognising the quality of its cuisine, while the hotel’s impressive wine cellar received the AA’s Notable Wine List award.
While Hartwell House has been carefully restored to preserve its architectural integrity and historic character, contemporary comfort remains central to the experience. The hotel offers 48 individually appointed bedrooms and suites, combining period elegance with modern amenities.
The spa provides a welcome sanctuary during the colder months. Facilities include a mosaic-lined indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym, alongside advanced facial treatments from 111SKIN Harley Street London Treatments, the luxury skincare range developed by aesthetic surgeon Dr Yannis Alexandrides. The hotel’s all-weather tennis courts, set within the old walled garden, provide an additional option for guests wishing to remain active.
Hartwell’s 94 acres of gardens and parkland provide a further reason to visit during winter. Landscaped by a contemporary of Capability Brown, the grounds feature a private lake and bridge, a romantic Gothic Tower, a classical Italianate Ionic Temple, an obelisk and a mile-long double avenue of lime trees. The bridge incorporates the central arch of James Paine’s 18th-century Kew Bridge, adding another remarkable chapter to the estate’s architectural story. In winter, the gardens take on a quieter character, with the formal landscape and historic structures revealed in a different light. Whether enjoyed during a brisk morning walk or admired from the warmth of the house, the grounds offer a peaceful connection with the surrounding Buckinghamshire countryside.
From fireside afternoons and leisurely dining to spa relaxation and walks through the winter landscape, Hartwell House invites guests to unwind and experience living history.
www.hartwell-house.com Hartwell House, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8NR
B&B is priced from £423 per room per night and includes use of the spa facilities
