The Aylesbury Vale is a district located in the northern region of Buckinghamshire, a southern English administrative and historic county. The name originates from the gorgeous Aylesbury clay Vale, which is located between the Chiltern Hills and the Cotswolds mountains. This area, close to London, is surrounded by stunning landscapes. It also hosts Hartwell House, one of England’s stately homes and a National Trust owned hotel.

This house, which is part of the Historic Hotels portfolio featuring Bodysgallen Hall, Hartwell House and Middlethorpe Hall, is a real treasure. There’s so much more to discover!

This beautiful property has it all: a captivating history, an easy location about 40 miles northwest of London, 90 acres of gardens, remarkable architecture and art, an excellent restaurant and a wonderful spa. Kevin Hughes, Director and General Manager of Hartwell House explains: “The art collection centres on the history of the house and its residents, and there are many portraits from its long and distinguished history, 20^th century artists who depicted Hartwell include John Piper and Oliver Messel. One of the highlights is on oil painting on canvas depicting Lady Elizabeth Lee (1739-1811)”.

Built by Sir Alexander Hampden between 1570 and 1617, Hartwell House boasts an impressive past that dates back nearly a millennium to the time of Edward the Confessor. It has been home to numerous notable figures throughout the years. In addition to John Earl of Mortaigne, who succeeded his brother Richard the Lion Heart as King of England in 1199, and William Peveral, the Conqueror’s natural son, who resided there from 1809 to 1814, Louis XVIII, the exiled King of France, was its most well-known inhabitant. His time at Hartwell brought French flair to the residence.

Richard Hampden (d.1567), a member of one of the most distinguished families in England, joined Queen Elizabeth I’s household and became ‘Chiefe Clerk of the Kychen unto the Queen’s Majestie,’ and Sir Alexander Hampden (d.1627), a knighted by James I in his own home, are two other notable residents of Hartwell. With such an interesting history, Hartwell House deserves more than one visit. Some of this rich history is depicted on plates and original books on display in cabinets.

The architect who acted for the hotel was a distinguished local architect called Eric Throssell, who was a great enthusiast for Sir John Soane’s architecture, of which his interpretations feature in the principal Dining Room and the Spa Pool Hall. Both Georgian and Jacobean elements may be found in the main house, which boasts lovely panelling and ceiling decorations, rare paintings, and antique furniture arranged in lovely and comfortable spaces.

In modern times, the story of the hotel is that it was converted from a girls finishing school between 1987 and 1989. Until just before the Second World War, it had been a private house lived in by a family with connections to royalty and political life in Britain since the 18^th century. Among the many interesting features, the property boasts a spectacular staircase featuring historical figures including a hidden Churchill. Tours of the house are offered by enthusiastic staff members. The maquette of the house is also on view, bringing interesting learning on the architecture of the house and park.

With such glorious spaces, it’s not surprising that “many fashion shoots take place from time to time and feature in the glossy magazines. Numerous renowned celebrities have graced the halls of Hartwell, though naturally, their visits remain closely guarded secrets.” Kevin adds.

The main house has thirty uniquely decorated single, double, and twin rooms as well as royal rooms and suites for guests to stay in. While all spaces are stunning, the Royal Suites and Royal Rooms are the most exquisite spaces. One of most prestigious rooms at Hartwell House, the Duc de Berry is the second largest royal suite located on the first floor of the main house. The separate sitting room and bedroom are south facing with views over the South Avenue and landscaped gardens. The Royal Suite is opulent and well-designed with antiques and fine furniture. The rooms are very comfortable and elegant.

The Lee Suite is equally superb. The bedroom and drawing room of the Royal Suite are distinct, south-facing spaces that are bright and airy. A window seat allows guests to sit and take in views of the manicured gardens and South Avenue. The ground level has a big drawing room with French doors opening to the garden, a fully functional kitchen, a guest cloakroom, a dining room that can accommodate ten people, and a boardroom that can accommodate ten people. All rooms have modern amenities including large-screen TVs, luxury toiletries, antique furniture, chic curtains and cushions alongside a large series of magazines and publications to relax. Hartwell House is the perfect place to relax!

Hartwell is actively engaged in numerous green-saving initiatives, including reducing single-use plastic, implementing energy-efficient measures, waste reduction, and recycling programmes which is very important.

But that’s not all. Hartwell Spa is situated within the Hartwell Court, just a short walk from the main house, and features a jaw-dropping large-scale Italianate-style swimming pool, spa bath, steam room, saunas and well-equipped gymnasium. it’s stunning and unique in the UK. The decor is stunning with ocre walls contrasting with the blue of the pool and the Roman sculptures. The Spa welcomes Spa Club members, hotel guests and non-resident guests for spa treatments and Spa Day experiences. Various amazing treatments are available too and the green robes and garments make the visit very chic.

Once fully regenerated, of course Hartwell serves the best gastronomy and wines. Executive Head Chef Daniel Richardson has prepared hearty, flavourful, and inventive dishes in a way that makes dinner or lunch at Hartwell unforgettable. The restaurant endeavours to ensure ingredients on the menus are sourced from sustainable land and sea stocks, by traditional farming methods, in particular from the gardens and orchards. They’re also sourced from award winning Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire farmers to support the local economy both locally and further afield. Ravioli of Cornish sole and lobster, citrus shaved fennel, crab bisque sauce, Pan fried fillets of seabream, butternut squash and smoked paprika terrine, squash puree, spinach, white wine butter sauce, and Blood orange mousse, yuzu chocolate glaze, yoghurt and lime sorbet, blood orange gel, orange tuille are excellent options. It’s refined and delicious.

The Soane area, provides the ideal, elegant setting for breakfast, Sunday lunchtime, or a romantic dinner. It also boasts an extensive wine list reflecting quality and diversity. The space overlooks peacefully manicured lawns, topiary, and an avenue leading up to an obelisk. This is the epitome of elegant eating in a historic setting.

Nothing is more luxurious than indulging in Afternoon Tea served in Hartwell House’s Morning Room, Drawing Room, or Library, which are historically significant spaces that provide the ideal ambiance for unwinding and savouring this classic treat. The atmosphere is so nice and the options succulent and flavoursome. The mango mousse, coconut sponge, passionfuit jelly, sponge, and Salted caramel and milk chocolate, roasted hazelnut are some of the best options!

Equally impressive is the wine list with hundreds of options and personal advice from the expert sommelier. The elegant bar, where piano music is played live on regular occasions, features a long list of perfectly-crafted cocktails for pre or after-dinner drinks. The space is cosy and warm.

Kevin Hughes, Director and General Manager of Hartwell House says: “The soul of Hartwell House is that of a serene mansion, set in a green park, proud of its past, and confident in its present and future.” The garden is indeed a green landscape park with a lake and many garden buildings designed by a contemporary of capability brown, Richard Woods. It is one of the best assets of this wonderful hotel.

A trail leading to the canal temple was covered in 10,000 daffodils in 2001. Old varieties of apples are planted in the orchard, and apricot, peach, pear, and plum trees are supported by the walls of the former kitchen garden. The apple juice provided for breakfast is made using apples from our orchards. Built over the Thames in the eighteenth century, the elegant bridge over the lake was originally the centre span of the old Kew Bridge, which was destroyed in 1898 and had its portions sold at auction.

Richard Jones, the Head Gardener, leads garden tours at Hartwell all year round. In addition to his dedication to supplying the restaurant with as much fresh produce as he can from Hartwell’s own vegetable gardens and orchard, his focus in the gardens at Hartwell is to preserve and restore as much of the remaining 18th century parkland and features as possible, allowing for the change in the purpose of the house.

Next door, the Old Rectory offers more accommodations and meeting spaces. Situated on two acres of well-maintained private garden within Hartwell House’s grounds, this graceful Georgian home is sophisticated. Highest quality furnishings in a classic design, with all the contemporary conveniences of a home. The Old Rectory is the perfect location for small, private board meetings, family celebrations, self-catering holidays, and small, intimate groups because it has four en suite bedrooms and sleeps seven people. Kevin Hughes continues: “The best asset of Hartwell House is the staff whose dedication to courteous hospitality is worthy of such a fine property and is appreciated by its guests.” and this is the greatest way to encapsulate the spirit of this astonishing place.

The best way to come to Hartwell is by train on the Hartwell express non-stop from Marylebone station, to Haddenham and Thame Parkway, or by car along the M40 to junction six, then follow signs to Thame and Aylesbury and then Hartwell.

Entertainment is fabulous at Hartwell House with Halloween Afternoon Tea for a seasonal feast to indulge sophisticated delicacies, Recitals with Paul Harris, Christmas Bellini Brunch, a perfect way to embrace the festive season, and Hartwell History Tours, Luncheon giving insights into the house’s glorious past followed by a two-course lunch, glass of wine and coffee.

For further visits around Hartwell House, the principal attractions include the Rothschild Mansion at Waddesdon, Stowe Mansion and Landscape Gardens. The ultimate shopping destination Bicester Village is not far either to discover the best of British and international luxury.

Lastly Hartwell House is dog-friendly which makes it so convenient. Hartwell House is a great starting point for exploring the Buckinghamshire countryside with your dog, and it offers over 90 acres of parkland for tranquil walks with our pets.

With such delicious afternoon tea, professional staff, a lush garden and stunning interiors, it’s truly impossible to leave Hartwell House.

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