Explore Grade I Listed Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire
In 1809, Hartwell House became the home in exile of King Louis XVIII of France and his court. The King remained at Hartwell until 1814 when the constitutional document, confirming his accession to the throne of France was signed in the library.
The garden was designed at the start of the 18th century. It was landscaped by a follower of Capability Brown, one Richard Woods. Today, guests can spend hours exploring the grounds which include a Gothic Tower, a Statue of Hercules, a Bridge which comprises the central arch of James Paine’s Kew Bridge, Lime Avenue; a mile-long double avenue of limes and the Canal Temple home to 10,000 daffodils. A kitchen garden used by the chefs features apricot, peach, pear and plum trees. Guests can follow a trail around the grounds with a copy of their Tree Map, to identify 10 prize specimens. It is the perfect way to spend longer exploring these fascinating grounds.
Guests staying at Hartwell House will experience individually designed bedrooms and suites created in a traditional country house style referencing the history of this Grade I listed property.
The historic rooms at Hartwell House all tell a story. The Great Hall has changed little since it was transformed in 1739 by James Gibbs. The bookcases in the Library are fitted with some of the finest surviving gilt-brass wirework in the country. The Morning Room has fine rococo decoration. The principal staircase with its extraordinary carved figures is partly Jacobean. Each of the public rooms offer a unique backdrop for afternoon tea or pre-dinner drinks.
Hartwell House has 32 superbly appointed bedrooms and suites, some named after the members of the Court of Louis XVIII. Hartwell Court, originally the eighteenth-century coach house and situated approximately 100 yards from the house, has been restored to provide 16 bedrooms and suites, many with their own dedicated entrance, and some also welcoming dogs by prior booking.
Guests and visitors can dine in style with award-winning imaginative food served in a truly historic setting. Seasonal dishes are prepared by Head Chef Daniel Richardson and his team. Daniel joined Hartwell House in 1994. Today, the restaurant holds two AA Rosettes and features various menus that showcase modern British cuisine. A popular dish is Aylesbury Duckling. Aylesbury ducks are the ne plus ultra of all ducks. The duck is distinguished by its pure white plumage and bright orange feet. Vegetarian and vegan dining options are also available. Lunch and afternoon tea are also served.
Hartwell Spa in the grounds has a large indoor pool, sauna and steam room, and gym. The Spa offers a selection of treatments by specially trained staff using Aromatherapy Associates and Environ products. In addition, all-weather tennis courts located in the walled garden are available for guest use.
More private space at Hartwell House – There are suites outside Hartwell House with their own front doors for additional peace of mind and privacy, and a self-catering option, The Old Rectory, an elegant Georgian house set in two acres of immaculately kept private garden within the Hartwell estate, sleeps up to 7 guests and features an outdoor swimming pool, and is priced from £2750 per night with a 5-night minimum stay.
Historic House Hotels and all its interest in the three Historic House Hotels became the property of the National Trust in 2008, by donation, with all profits henceforward benefiting the houses and the charity.
www.hartwell-house.com Hartwell House, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8NR
B&B priced from £250 per room per night
