Heckfield Place, Christmas Holidays

Fancy a Heckfield Winter Escape? Christmas in a glorious Manor Home just outside of London, although I’m not big on snow or cold weather, cocooning at Heckfield Place sounds divine! I loved my stay, the property is abound with blazing fireplaces, soft snuggly sofas and massive armchairs in quiet corners for catching up on your latest book. Pass by the enormous puzzle table and add a few pieces to the group puzzle. This 250 year old Georgian House is waiting to become a home full of celebration and good cheer!

Heckfield Place
Main Dining room Heckfield Place

By the day: December 21,22 Celebrate the Winter Solstice on this beautiful estate. Explore 438 acres with walks and movement classes, let your children join the magic of Mud & Guts adventures and the Heckfield Tree Hunt. Into the evening, follow the light – guests will wind their way by candlelight to watch the moon and stars with Sirius Astronomy’s  Paul Hill. Luxuriate with beautiful Cocktail shaking in the Moon Bar, Christmas tea and nog, festive movies each day. The Moon Bar is gorgeous, the perfect spot for a tipple, see my individual post from my visit.

December 23 Christmas festivities continue with Estate Walks and Movement Walks and classes, Christmas tea and Christmas movies as usual.

Gorgeous Mood setting of the Moon Bar

December 24 Christmas Eve Ho ho hoof… Meet Father Christmas and his reindeer in the afternoon, before a cozy Christmas tea in the Drawing Room. Carol singers make a grand entrance in the Hall, followed by a delicious dinner in famed Marle restaurant. Run by chef Skye Gyngell. Previously the Michelin-starred chef at Petersham Nurseries, Gyngell then went on to open Spring in Somerset House before overseeing the menu and kitchen aHeckfield’s Marle. Take a candlelit walk through their Winter Wonderland to find the Minstrel. Midnight mass in Heckfield church for those who wish. During the day, enjoy activities from yoga and cycling to wildlife walks. Christmas stockings for those who are good…

December 25 Christmas Day Traditional and cozy, join in for a heart-warming family time and delicious food. All gather in the Hall for a glass of Champagne before feasting on a beautiful lunch in Marle. The afternoon includes Christmas cake and traditional scrumptious mince pies in the House with games and charades by the fireplace. Round off the evening with a festive movie in the Dolby Atmos Screening Room. Activities available as usual in the morning — and later, for those who are still hungry, there is Supper in the cozy charming Hearth. The puzzle table is always a tempting spot.

Marle Restaurant- Farm to Table Heckfield Place
One of my favorite suites, Heckfield Place

December 27,28, 29, 30 Between Christmas and New Year, join us for a range of Heckfield estate activities and movement classes, movies and delicious mouthwatering meals.

Who can resist a morning soak? Heckfield Place

Heckfield Place

December 28, join us for our Annual Puppet Show.

December 31 New Year’s Eve 2019 Sumptuous Six-course Dinner in Marle, followed by joyful Music and a Party in the House and the Moon Bar. Look skyward to mark the end of 2019: enjoy Heckfield Place’s celebratory fireworks.

Heckfield Place Screening Room

January 04 The last of the Christmas period, come a-wassailing with us. Join a Traditional Musical Troupe to encourage an abundant harvest in the winter Orchards, walking from the House down to the Home Farm.

We hope you will join Heckfield Place for a traditional Season of Joy and Celebrate in style, ring me for reservations!

Cliveden House, a wicked tale!

The former home of several Dukes, a Prince of Wales and Nancy Astor, now owned by the British National Trust, Cliveden is one of Britain’s grandest hotels in Buckinghamshire. Located in the heart of the English countryside, Cliveden is a luxury country house. The Italianate mansion isn’t the only draw, the grounds surrounding the estate feature manicured lawns and gardens, picturesque gazebos, and classic sculptures. The mansion was built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham and is decorated with antique furniture and period features. Sitting on 376 acres of National Trust grounds, means it is protected. Cliveden House has played host to every British monarch since George I and has been home to three Dukes, an Earl and Frederick Prince of Wales.

Royalty and politicians have cast their spell at this historic manor house. It was at Cliveden that infamous British politician, John Profumo, first laid eyes on Christine Keeler as she luxuriated in the garden pool on a sultry summer evening, the infamous phrase ‘the glance across the pool’ began the scandalous affair that almost toppled the government.
With a history of unapologetic naughtiness, the grand home was built by the Duke of Buckingham’s mistress, the Countess of Shrewsbury. Successive owners sculpted the gardens and landscape, sparing no expense to create a magnificent summer sanctuary.

Cliveden House indoor pool

The current house owes its elegant architecture to Sir Charles Barry, famous for designing the Palace of Westminster. One can imagine with such history, the reputation for finery is upheld in its current reign as a five-star hotel property. Below the balustrade roofline is an etched Latin inscription which continues around the four sides of the house and recalls its history; it was composed by the then prime minister William Ewart Gladstone. On the west front it reads: POSITA INGENIO OPERA CONSILIO CAROLI BARRY ARCHIT A MDCCCLI, which translated reads: “The work accomplished by the brilliant plan of architect Charles Barry in 1851.”

Cliveden House – afternoon tea.

Each one of Cliveden’s 38 rooms and 15 suites – cheekily named after the celebrated characters who have been part of the manor’s checkered history, has a reference adding intrigue and extraordinary charm. Suites furnished in authentic period furnishings are unusually spacious, room to laze and gaze. I loved my Winchester Suite in the main house, overlooking miles of manicured gardens and the spectacular view over the Parterre, all the way to the Thames. A grand corner room, with a cozy dressing room and sumptuous bath. Rooms are located in the main house or in two buildings to each side of the main home. I prefer a suite in the three-story mansion, but all rooms are exceptional. There’s also a freestanding summerhouse, Spring Cottage, by the Thames that sleeps up to six.

My oh so sweet suite! Cliveden House

My arrival was enhanced by the site of an elderly British gent ‘resting’ on a comfy overstuffed sofa, balancing a dainty teacup, cravat properly tucked. He could have been a left-over guest from times past. The grandeur of the foyer is the perfect spot for an after dinner prandial or mid-day cup of tea, whatever your fancy. Do sit and absorb the history and priceless antiques and paintings in this sumptuous space. The ceiling and walls are paneled in English oak, with Corinthian columns and swags of carved flowers for decoration, all by architect Frank Pearson. The staircase newel posts are ornamented with carved figures representing previous owners (e.g. Buckingham and Orkney) by W.S. Frith. Astor installed a large 16th-century fireplace, bought from a Burgundian chateau which was being pulled down. To the left of the fireplace is a portrait of Nancy, Lady Astor by the American portraitist John Singer Sargent. The room is furnished with 18th-century tapestries and invaluable suits of armor. Above the staircase is a painted ceiling by French artist Auguste Hervieu which depicts the Sutherlands’ children painted as the four seasons. Take your time wandering as there is something to gaze at in every nook and corner on every floor.

Cliveden House calling bells for staff

There are morning rooms, private dining rooms, a small office with a concealed panel for Mr. Astor’s gin and downstairs discover the wine room accentuated by a massive brick column and vaulted brick ceiling. An intimate underground cave, the Cellar Dining Room is perfect for a more informal setting. Its brick walls, mighty pillars and vaulted ceilings highlight its stake in history. It was once Lord Astor’s private wine cellar, making it ideal for wine tasting. It has been lovingly restored, remaining an unusual and atmospheric function room for smaller parties and private gatherings. 

Suite at Cliveden House

Hidden behind the brick walls of the garden and enveloped in tumbling scented roses and lavender, you will discover a tranquil oasis in the Cliveden Spa, where the glance across the pool defined history. The spa, which is a recent addition to the property is stunning. Enjoy seven treatment rooms along with The Studio for the perfect pampering afternoon. Relax poolside, with two choices in comfy loungers by the sublime heated indoor pool or wander into the garden to sunbathe at the last remaining listed outdoor pool in England.  State-of-the-art Technogym, infrared sauna and infused steam room, two outdoor hot tubs, Jacuzzi, a fitness studio with a daily class schedule, Tennis center including 1 indoor, 2 outdoor tennis courts, and nail spa. One could spend several indulgent days, traipsing from pool to spa treatments, and smashing balls on the clay. Peckish while pampering? Petite spa restaurant within the spa, mosey over in your bathrobe and spend a decadent day. Ghosts linger, I’m certain.

Lord Astor’s private wine cellar, Cliveden House

Cliveden has always been at the center of political and social life. However, it was while Nancy and Waldorf Astor lived here during the first half of the twentieth century that Cliveden became famous for its lavish hospitality and glamorous guests. The Astor’s entertained a diverse mix of people from Lloyd George and Winston Churchill to George Bernard Shaw, Ghandi and Henry Ford. Imagine the stories the staff could share.

Several gardens overlook the River Thames, including the Japanese Water Garden, the six-acre Parterre garden, and the Rose Garden, in which 900 roses bloom during the summer. In the Cliveden Boathouse on the River Thames, you will find a lovingly restored flotilla of vintage wooden launches. Picture book images for one of the most luxurious boat trips on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Thames imaginable. Pack your straw boater, staff can curate multiple decadent Journeys – pop the champers while cruising to Henley, sail down the lazy river indulging in a luxurious picnic or nibble on creamy butter biscuits in a glorious afternoon tea party – all require little effort and result in sheer pleasure.

The library shelves are stocked with great titles from many authors who have graced the halls and suites: George Bernard Shaw and Rudyard Kipling; amble downstairs to the halls containing black and white photos of the varied guests including Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill. Lady Astor collected celebrities as one might collect priceless paintings.

Cliveden House Screening Room

The bedrooms and suites are beautifully furnished with walls festooned in luxurious coverings and classic art; creature comforts include comfy velvet sofas, and one of the most heavenly cloud-like beds I’ve ever fallen into! Bathrooms are fabulously large, trimmed in cool white marble and offer massive soaking tubs.

Walk the hills, float down the river, but do leave room for a delectable dinner. Mosey downstairs to the grand foyer for a tipple and absorb the history. I recommend reading The Mistresses of Cliveden: Three Centuries of Scandal, Power and Intrigue, before arriving – the walls may whisper.

Cliveden House garden
Cliveden House The French Dining Room


I could easily stay a week, if you can’t linger, do add on a night or two before boarding the long flight across the pond. Fit for Royalty, be you a royal or a commoner, I guarantee you will swoon.