Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Clooney for continuing to inspire fabulous European travel! The latest? The magnificent 65-room Danesfield House Hotel and Spa, a wedding cake white, Grade II listed Victorian gem with stunning gardens (think: manicured topiaries and intricate, maze like Box Hedging) and views beyond of the River Thames and the emerald green Chiltern Hills. Less than an hour from London, this gorgeous countryside retreat sits on 65 lush acres just outside Marlow, a pretty little village in Buckinghamshire known for its quaint pubs and posh boutiques, not far from Ascot, Windsor and Henley. The new Mrs. Clooney grew up nearby and her parents, who arranged the weekend’s celebrations, selected Danesfield House not just for the glorious setting but also its fabulous cuisine overseen by executive chef Billy Reid, formerly of L’Escargot in London.
We think the newlyweds stayed in the Tower Suite, which spans over two floors in the Clock Tower, with sumptuous English décor, offering breathtaking garden and river views. Evocative of Downton Abbey, most of the hotel’s 65 rooms and suites are very traditional, yet surprisingly, there are two strikingly modern guestrooms designed by Pilllippe Starck, the The Langley and The Morton, the former with views of the courtyard and the latter with views of the river and gardens.
Dining is sublime; Chef Billy Reid has a deft hand, creating delectable modern British cuisine from the broad range of local and seasonal veg and meats. Of course, traditional tea service is on offer, and later on guests can enjoy drinks in the chandelier-clad Grand Hall followed by dinner in The Oak Room, or the less formal Orangery. In the warmer months, there’s a terrace perfect for soaking up atmospheric countryside.
Plenty of opportunities to burn off some of those well-worth-it calories, a dazzling 60 foot indoor swimming pool, fitness center, golf nearby at Harleyford, and did we mention the acres and upon acres of gorgeous gardens to stroll? The award-winning spa offers a full range of beauty treatments and, holistic massage, plus hair and nail services. Ahh, to be Mr. & Mrs. Clooney….
Travel Tip: Danesfield House and Hotel is 23 miles from Heathrow, with two private airports within ten miles, the hotel also has its own helicopter landing area by prior arrangement, and apparently this is how the boys of One Direction arrived for their visit (natch).
Contact for travel advisors is Director of Sales and Marketing, Cheryl Marner, 44 (0)162 8891010 [email protected]. General Manager is Anthony Cox.