All Photos: Bryan Dearsley / LuxuryUK
The first thing that strikes you when you arrive at Danesfield House Hotel and Spa is just how peaceful this elegant country estate is. Only 30 minutes from London’s busy Heathrow Airport, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were a million miles from the nation’s capital.
It’s a sense I found even more pronounced once I checked in and settled into my third-floor room.
There, through the room’s large windows, you can see Britain’s famous River Thames, no more than a few hundred feet away, curving gently through the countryside as it makes its way to the nearby market town of Marlow and points beyond.
This wonderful view is something of a rarity. There are no buildings between you and the water, no roads in earshot, just the hotel’s garden and grounds sloping gently toward the river.
A Brief History of Danesfield House, Marlow
Then, of course, there’s the magnificent Neo-Tudor mansion itself. Built as a country home for the heir to the Hudson’s Soap fortune in 1901 and set on a lush 65-acre hilltop property near Marlow, Buckinghamshire, this elegant chalk-white structure is certainly striking. Wander the grounds, and you’ll enjoy superb views of the Danesfield’s Clock Tower and tall brick chimneys from every possible angle.
Inside, you’ll notice many references to Danesfield’s role during the Second World War. Requisitioned by the Royal Air Force as the headquarters of the Central Interpretation Unit, the group responsible for analysing aerial reconnaissance photographs, it housed the visual intelligence counterpart to the codebreaking being done at Bletchley Park, an hour to the north.
Opened as a country house hotel in 1991, Danesfield has become a popular spot for celebrities, too, a trend started by George and Amal Clooney in 2014 when they held a wedding reception here. Weddings and events continue to be popular at Danesfield, a fact that’s not at all surprising given its remarkably romantic setting.
Luxurious Accommodations in Marlow
Danesfield House Hotel has 60 elegant bedrooms and suites, a fact that helps account for the fact that this posh property is so tranquil. And no two rooms are alike. My spacious Deluxe Room was bright and airy, and blessed with large windows that not only let in plenty of light but could be opened to let in that clean English country air… as well as the songs of birds happy that spring had arrived.
And if a view of the Thames is important (it should be!), then booking a Deluxe Room is a must-do. These south-facing rooms on the upper floors, they all boast the same view I enjoyed over the Thames and the Chiltern Hills in the background. Several of these rooms also have shared balconies, and a few feature four-poster beds (both are subject to availability, so be sure to ask when booking).
The Junior Suites and the two-level Duplex Suites housed in what were once the estate’s stable buildings are good options for those needing a little more space. Though without the Thames views, you’ll find yourself in a charming courtyard setting between the main building and the spa. The split-level Duplex Suites feature a king bed on the upper level, with a lounge area below and an open-plan bathroom featuring walk-in showers and separate bathtubs.
Traveling with your fur baby? Two Superior Rooms on the ground floor are designated as pet-friendly, with dogs welcomed at a not-unreasonable additional charge. The hotel even offers a special dog menu.
Dining at Danesfield House
The food scene at Danesfield is so good that yes, people actually do fly in for lunch (see the helicopter photo below for proof). Led by Executive Chef Matthew Edmonds, the focus is very much on seasonal British produce, with herbs grown on the estate and ingredients sourced from local suppliers.
The main event is The Orangery, a bright space with those same stunning Thames Valley views through its huge south-facing windows. Non-guests are welcome, but reservations are recommended. For a memorable private dining experience, book The Oak Room.
This intimate space is where Chef Edmonds offers a seven-course tasting menu for pre-booked groups. Fancy something less formal? The Cocktail Bar serves up classic as well as signature cocktails alongside bar food staples, including sandwiches, burgers, and fish and chips.
There’s nothing more quintessentially English than an afternoon tea, and Danesfield House does a great one. Served in The Orangery and open to both residents and non-residents, the superlative afternoon tea experience here comes in a traditional three-tier silver cake stand with finger sandwiches, scones with fresh cream and jam, as well as pastries.
Spa Illuminata
The Danesfield House spa, Spa Illuminata, is housed in a separate building that’s reached through the Stable Courtyard or, for guests, via a glass-walled walkway connected to the main hotel. Highlights include a 65-ft (20-m) azure-blue indoor swimming pool lined with comfortable loungers. A Jacuzzi hot tub, a poolside steam room, and a sauna are also available.
A Danesfield spa day is a must-do, whether you’re staying at the hotel or nearby (non-guests are welcome). Facilities include several single treatment rooms plus a VIP Double Treatment Suite with its own private steam room and sauna, making it perfect for couples. There’s also a nail bar, and pedicures and facials are available. Pop into the Spa Illuminata Boutique for things you might need, from make-up to swimsuits.
The fitness side of things is well served here, too. The fully equipped gym features cardio and strength-training equipment, and the fitness studio offers a rotating schedule of Pilates and yoga.
The Gardens and Grounds
The 65 acres of gardens and grounds at Danesfield aren’t just nice to look at; they’re fun to explore. The attractive formal gardens butting up to The Orangery’s terrace were originally laid out at the turn of the 20th century and feature towering yew topiary believed to be over 100 years old. An Italian Garden provides a charming Mediterranean touch, while fountains and a series of ornamental waterfalls cascade from the upper terrace toward the river.
The grounds are meant for strolling. Walking paths lead from the terraced gardens toward the Thames, passing viewpoints where you can see the river winding through the valley below. You can also walk to the remains of Danesfield Camp (aka, Danes Ditches), a prehistoric hillfort with ramparts dating to the Iron Age.
And if you’re out walking after dark and aren’t afraid if ghosts, keep an eye out for the Grey Lady of Danesfield Park. This mysterious figure is said to walk from the site of a former chapel on the grounds down the hill, carrying with her an old-fashioned lantern.
Weddings and Functions
Danesfield House has established itself as one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the Thames Valley. Having visited, it’s easy to see why (and hey, if it’s good enough for the Clooneys…). You can, in fact, rent the whole property exclusively for the big day, giving you no end of fantastic photo shoot opportunities.
Ceremonies take place in your choice of several licensed rooms. The Versailles Suite, the largest, accommodates up to 120 guests and was designed with the Palace of Versailles uppermost in mind, with tall gold mirrors, high ceilings, and sparkling chandeliers (it was here that the Clooney wedding reception dinner was held).
For smaller groups, the Chiltern Suite can handle up to 50 guests and is popular for its bay windows overlooking the gardens and the river. The cozy Henley Room is good for weddings of up to 30 guests.
The Grand Hall is the star of the wedding photography scene in the area. Church-like in scale with a tall, vaulted ceiling, ornate plasterwork, a grand fireplace, and magnificent chandeliers, it’s equally suited to group shots as it is to intimate couples’ portraits.
Fun Things To Do in Marlow
With Marlow no more than a few minutes’ drive away, Danesfield Houses makes an excellent base from which to explore this part of the Thames Valley. The town’s High Street is not only pretty but also lined with high-end shopping experiences for those wanting to splurge.
Marlow is also famous for its historic suspension bridge over the Thames. Built in the 1830s, it famously served as the prototype for the more famous (and much bigger) Chain Bridge in Budapest.
For one of the best views of it, walk past the entrance to All Saints Church and head straight for the river. And pop into the church, as they regularly hold music recitals and rehearsals, adding a touch of magic to your Marlow experience.
For a pint or a bite to eat, The Chequers, part of the historic Brakspear brewing group, is a great choice (it’s also earning a solid reputation as one of the region’s best steakhouses). The Two Brewers holds the title of the oldest pub in town and pours quality cask ales from Rebellion Brewery, a microbrewery based in nearby Marlow Bottom.
Tips & Tactics
Having enjoyed a marvellous two-night stay at Danesfield House Hotel and Spa, I can thoroughly recommend it… especially if you’re looking for a luxury place to stay in the countryside that’s within easy reach of the nation’s capital and its biggest airport.
A first-rate breakfast is included with most stay packages and is served in The Orangery. Check-in is a very respectable 3pm, with check-outs at 11am.
For more details about prices and packages, visit www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk. Alternatively, send them an email at [email protected], or call +44 (0)1628 891010.
How To Get There
- Getting There: Danesfield House, Marlow, is located on Henley Road in the hamlet of Medmenham and is roughly 15 minutes from both the M4 and M40 motorways, and approximately one hour from central London.
- Airports: Heathrow Airport is easy to get to and is just 23 miles away. Uber, taxis, and limo services can get you there in around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Two private airports within ten miles of the property.
- Parking: Ample free parking is available.
- Traveling by Rail: The nearest stations are Marlow and Henley-on-Thames. Both are branch line stations with connections to London Paddington via Maidenhead or Reading. A taxi from either station is straightforward.
- Helicopters: It happens! The hotel has a helicopter landing area, but you’ll need to let them know in advance.
__________________
Travel and lifestyles writer Bryan Dearsley is Editor of LuxuryUK, a leading source of news and reviews relating to luxury lifestyles and travel in the United Kingdom.
