Steal Away to the British Countryside at Cliveden House

Lily Pond Approved

The Cliveden House is a 5-star hotel in the Berkshire countryside of England. It has a rich history rooted in tumultuous love affairs and visited by the world’s elite. Today, the Relais&Chateaux hotel offers guests a historically immersed stay on luxurious grounds with many activities on the grounds.

History

The 2nd Duke of Buckingham acquired Cliveden House as a monument to his mistress Anna Maria, Countess of Shrewsbury, in the late 17th century. The Duke died in 1687 and the property bounced between aristocrats for many decades, during which it became a regular stop for several British politicians, as well as a hotspot for many scandals and tragedies. The final inhabitants left the property, which they had donated to the National Trust, in the 1960s. In 1985 the Cliveden house began its journey as a luxury hotel.

Grounds

The estate is set on 376 acres of National Trust grounds and offers expansive walking trails and water features. While you wander through the gardens, you may come across the Cliveden Maze which covers one-third of an acre and is based on the one that was built for the 1st Viscount Astor in 1894. If you venture down to the River Thames, you may come across the vintage Flotillas. The Suzy Ann was built in 1911 and can accommodate up to 10 guests and was restored for Cliveden in 1986 – meals, drinks and picnics on the flotillas can be catered for. The Belmont is a 33-foot slipper launch that can accommodate up to 4 guests and was built in the 1930s. Many walking trails are available and can be explored here.

Rooms

47 rooms and suites in the main mansion, plus the Spring Cottage – which is a three-bedroom house located on the banks of the River Thames. Rooms are named after past visitors and owners of the house – such as the Lady Astor and the Nancy Lancaster. Rooms have touches of antique and period furniture to stay true to their centuries-old royal beginnings. There are a variety of types of rooms, all with their own unique features – ranging from the club rooms, to junior suites, to hot tub rooms and mansion house parterre suites. The Lady Astor Suite, for example, is one of the mansion house parterre suites and is one of the grandest suites in England – with high ceilings handmade king-size bed, and sweeping views over the Parterre and River Thames.

Why Visit

Cliveden House, I set amongst the beautiful backdrop of the British countryside. Many guests visit just to experience this area famed for its natural beauty. It is just a 25-minute car ride from Windsor Castle and roughly an hour’s drive outside of London. Guests can tour royal residences, including Highclere Castle - famed as the main setting of Downtown Abbey. Ultimately, it is a place to go to unwind and bear witness to a place so beautiful British Royalty chose to steal away from the world there.