Clivedon House, London

If you are looking for an elegant “wow”, then this is the place for you. Cliveden is one of England’s finest country Houses and is now run as a prestigious five star hotel. With luxurious surroundings and landscaping on 375 acres.

Cliveden has everything that a 5 star hotel has to offer and more. The House is about 45 minutes drive outside of central London and about 20 minutes away from London Heathrow by car. It’s located in a magnificent setting overlooking the River Thames. It’s also accessible by private helicopter (yes, they have a helicopter pad on the premises).

Arriving at the House, we entered a long tree shaded gravel drive. After a few moments we passed a fountain called the “Fountain of Love”. It’s at that point that you gain your first sight of the House in the distance, looking extremely GRAND.  We were escorted inside to the Great Hall that is paneled in dark oak with a massive fireplace and then led up the grand staircase to our rooms. I entered the room and immediately felt like a welcomed guest in a private estate.

The House has always been a famous retreat for princes, actors and writers and it was the private home of the Astor family from 1893 to 1966. You can actually stay in the Lady Astor suite that’s the former bedroom of Nancy Astor herself.

Cliveden has two award winning lavish dining rooms. Just as it was done when it was a private house, Cliveden still makes its own bread, cakes and biscuits on site with traditional recipes.   I recommend chartering one of the vintage restored boats and taking a ride down the River Thames. In summer they have a champagne cruise that you can take before dinner.

If you want to relax, they have the Pavilion Spa containing an indoor and outdoor pool, whirlpools and treatment rooms that can offer reviving therapies and soothing massages. There are many on-site activities that you can participate in like boating, golf, horseback riding, tennis and squash.

Cliveden can also arrange any other outdoor sports such as falconry, horse-riding and clay shooting. If you are looking for a place that’s full of history and adventure, along with luxury and style complete with butlers, housekeepers, footmen and maids then Cliveden will not disappoint you.