‘Why wouldst thou leave calm Hartwell’s green abode?’ Byron 1822
Hartwell House remains to this day the calm green abode celebrated by Byron back in 1822 in The Age of Bronze.
In its varied history, Hartwell House has had many different owners and visitors – 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. Some of Britain’s finest designers have contributed to the beauty of its buildings and landscape, including the architect James Gibbs, Henry Keene and James Wyatt, and the gardener Richard Woods (a rival of ‘Capability’ Brown), who created the present day parkland.
Hartwell House is the hotel with royal history. This history is felt throughout the hotel and grounds and guests can interact with every aspect of the hotel’s story with a stay here. 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 is a masterpiece of English baroque design and most of this room is virtually unchanged since its completion around 1740. 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. The main Dining Room has been designed in the style of the eminent early 19th century architect, Sir John Soane. The restaurant has been awarded two AA Rosettes and is open daily for dinner. The unique staircase at Hartwell House is decorated with carved Jacobean figures and 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.
On the entrance drive opposite Hartwell House, guests are greeted with the magnificent equestrian statue of Frederick, Prince of Wales dating back to around 1757.
St Mary’s Church is located in the hotel grounds and the little octagonal church was rebuilt in 1753 by Henry Keene. It is one of the finest examples of the early Gothic Revival style.
Historic House Hotels restored Hartwell House and today the hotel’s long and distinguished history can be felt instantly as guests arrive. Each of the public rooms tells a story. The Great Hall, the Morning Room, the Drawing Room, the Library and three elegant dining rooms including the principal Dining Room can be enjoyed by all guests and visitors who dine.
Hartwell Spa resides in the grounds with a mosaic-lined indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, gym and café. Guests can enjoy treatments by leading brand Aromatherapy Associates.
In September 2008, the hotel was donated to the National Trust to ensure its long-term protection. It continues to be managed by Historic House Hotels.
Experience the peaceful charm of Buckinghamshire life at a unique stately home.
www.hartwell-house.com Hartwell House, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8NR, Tel:01296 747444
B&B priced from £265 per night based on two sharing. Royal rooms are priced from £475 and Royal four poster rooms £645. The Due de Berry suite is priced £755 and The Lee Suite is priced £820
