Hartwell House at Christmas
When one is required to rest ones head at night, you could, I suppose, slum it at your average five-star city hotel. But where’s the country grandeur? The open spaces? The golf course? No, if you’re to truly live the good life, the life you deserve, then only the very finest in manor houses will do. Forget chain hotel branding, no matter how ‘refined’, forget so-called suites barely enough to swing a bloodhound in and embrace the true, aristocratic life of a country lord. Castles, royal retreats, and the kinds of places that resonate with the word ‘estate’, these are the country house hotels where you can really let your inner upper-class lordling loose. You know it’s what you deserve.
Hartwell House, Buckinghamshire
Hartwell House is one of the three Historic House Hotels owned by the National Trust and spoilers, the other two are also included in this article. Hartwell House was built between 1570 and 1617, although the grounds have borne the residences of kings and royalty since the early 1100s. Today it’s a beautiful Grade 1 listed Jacobean and Georgian building set over 90 acres of parkland and gardens. There’s also an on-site, fully equipped spa with a swimming pool, saunas, steam room, gym, and experienced therapists offering a range of treatments.
Prices: From approx. £315 per night
Location: Hartwell House, Oxford Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8NR
Bookings: hartwell-house.com
Middlethorpe Hall, Yorkshire
Another of the National Trust Historic House Hotels is Middlethorpe Hall, just outside of York. It’s an early example of Georgian architecture built in 1699, a few years before Georgian design reached a peak of popularity from around 1714 to 1830. Its grounds aren’t as extensive as some of the hotels featured here, but they’re not insubstantial at 20 acres. Plus, with York more or less on your doorstep, it’s a great hotel for a city break without staying directly in the city itself. The hotel restaurant has also won the Visit York Restaurant of the Year award twice.
Prices: From approx. £260 per night
Location: Middlethorpe Hall, Bishopthorpe Road, York, Yorkshire, YO23 2GB
Bookings: middlethorpe.com
The Victoria at Holkham Hall, Norfolk
I must profess that I adore north Norfolk and have visited Holkham estate many, many times. However, as I have family in the area, I’ve unfortunately never had a reason to stay at The Victoria, a snug 20-room hotel situated at the gates of Holkham Park. The rooms are spread across two historic buildings, which are beautifully maintained, and the accompanying restaurant is renowned for its local Norfolk menu. On top of that, you can pair your stay with one of their exclusive experiences, like complimentary access to Holkham Hall, a guided tour of the gardens, a goose flight safari, or a day out with one of the nature reserve wardens.
Prices: Three Day Holkham Experience Break £330 per night based on two sharing (for dinner, bed and breakfast)
Location: The Victoria, Park Road, Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1RG
Bookings: holkham.co.uk
Dalmahoy, Edinburgh
Dalmahoy is closely tied to the history of Scotland, having at one time hosted Mary Queen of Scots before her imprisonment at Loch Leven on the other side of the Forth. The land was eventually bought by the Douglas family, who had been close allies of Mary. The current building dates to the 1720s though it was first opened as a hotel and country club in 1976. It has 215 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a leisure club with swimming pool, and not one but two 18-hole golf courses. All of which are set amidst the vast parkland surrounding Edinburgh.
Prices: From approx. £250 per night
Location: Dalmahoy, Edinburgh, Kirknewton, EH27 8EB
Bookings: dalmahoyhotelandcountryclub.co.uk
Bodysgallen Hall, Llandudno
Perfectly situated to explore the north Wales coastline, Bodysgallen Hall is located between Llandudno and Llandudno Junction with views over Snowdonia. Secluded within 200 acres of parkland, it makes for an ideal romantic getaway as you explore the grounds and acclaimed gardens. It’s famous for its 17th century parterre of box hedges filled with sweet smelling herbs, at the centre of which is a sundial dated 1678. It’s theorised that the house started life as a watch tower for the nearby Conwy Castle, alerting the castle to any threat from the north. This is the third of the National Trust Historic House Hotels.
Prices: From approx. £275 per night
Location: Bodysgallen Hall, The Royal Welsh Way, Bodysgallen Lane, Llandudno, LL30 1RS
Bookings: bodysgallen.com
Oracle Time