Upon first seeing the magnificent Hartwell House Hotel, we both gasped ‘wow’. The impressive stately home is just like you would see in a fairytale or a blockbuster film. Delightfully, the inside has just as much impact, keeping true to its character and history.
The hotel is set in 90 acres of beautiful, landscaped gardens and parkland. Every window we looked out of during our stay gave us wonderful sweeping views over the grounds.
We were greeted at our car when we arrived with the offer of help with our bags, and before we checked into our room we were offered a tour of the hotel which we happily accepted.
We marvelled at the grand staircase, historic paintings, antiques and ornate furniture. We felt like we were transported back in time into an era of grandeur.
We stayed in one of the hotel’s Royal four poster rooms. Walking into our spacious room, the hallway held two separate built-in wardrobes and the entrance to the bathroom.
Our room was mighty impressive, with beautiful high ceilings, antique furniture and ornate décor.
We truly felt like royalty. The grand four poster bed was a sight to look at, but also, I can confirm, extremely comfy.
Located at the front of the hotel our room gave uninterrupted views over the grounds, a perfect view to admire both morning and night.
A tea tray with Hoogly tea and a Nespresso machine is provided along with two large bottles of filtered water.
The bathroom had a lovely bath and full-size Quercus Penhaligon toiletries were provided.
When not relaxing in your room, the hotel provides maps of the grounds so you can enjoy exploring the landscaped gardens.
We chose to spend our free hours relaxing in the hotel’s spa. Located in the Hartwell courtyard just steps away from the main house, the spa is an oasis of relaxation.
Greeted with fluffy robes and slippers and shown the facilities, Mr B and I were soon relaxing on a lounger next to the pool.
There is a steam room, a sauna and a gym. But when not soaking in the jacuzzi Mr B and I headed up to the Hartwell club room where complimentary tea, coffee, water, fruit and baked goods were available. The room had plenty of seating and a lovely outdoor terrace.
Walking out of the spa feeling light as air, Mr B and I made our way to the main house as we had pre-booked afternoon tea.
We had a perfectly situated table in one of the drawing rooms. We sipped on a crisp, cold glass of champagne eagerly awaiting our stand full of delights.
The loose-leaf tea menu has a varied selection and whilst Mr B opted for Earl Grey, I chose the Vanilla Chai.
Freshly prepared sandwiches were roast Oxfordshire beef, tomato and horseradish; smoked salmon, caper and dill cream cheese, and heritage egg mayonnaise and mustard cress. Mr B was delighted that the savoury options also included a smoked tomato and cheddar quiche. All were delightful, freshly made with quality ingredients.
My absolute favourite part of any afternoon tea is always the scones and these were perfection. We each had two homemade buttermilk scones, one plain and the other raisin. They were served warm and accompaniments were Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve.
The sweet treats were all a delight to look at, the beauty and precision tempting us to tuck in.
There was a layered genoise sponge with raspberry jelly and yogurt mousse and a rich and indulgent dark chocolate and hazelnut Macaron.
A moreish white chocolate and coconut mousse, encased in a white chocolate shell with a lime gel.
And lastly, my favourite as it was nothing like I have ever tasted before and I loved the originality, was a Honey bavarois with an elderflower curd, lemon glaze served on an oat biscuit. It was so light, soft and silky smooth, the delicate flavours worked perfectly together.
After more relaxing and unwinding it was time for dinner. We had a reservation at 8.30pm, but made our way down earlier so we could enjoy a pre-dinner drink in one of the drawing rooms. Something I highly recommend, it was the perfect start to our dining experience.
We were also treated to some dainty and delicious canapes to accompany our drinks.
The dining space is beautiful, the tables adorned with crisp white linen and silver crockery. We were offered fresh bread, I opted for the milk bread whilst Mr B chose the olive focaccia. We were presented with two butters, salted butter and an absolutely divine truffle butter.
For my first course I chose the Cannelloni of prawn, crab and dill, served with a carrot and cumin puree, pickled carrot and langoustine bisque sauce which is poured on the dish tableside. It was so tasty, a light and delicate dish.
Mr B ordered one of my favourite starters, the Oxfordshire beef tartare with wild garlic, crispy artichokes, egg yolk puree and rocket. The quality was outstanding and none of the accompanying flavours overpowered the freshness of the tartare.
I instantly knew which main course to order as soon as I spied it on the menu, the Fillet of beef wellington served with celeriac and truffle puree, pickled mushroom, baby onion petals, ‘Foie Royale’ sauce, creamed potato, shallot and chive. Oh wow, it was utter perfection, my knife cut through it like butter and the taste, it was utterly divine, a perfect balance of textures and flavours. It was an outstanding dish.
Mr B ordered the pan-fried Sea bass with boulangère potatoes, pea puree, peas, leeks and a white wine fish sauce. The delicate flavours were well balanced and the sea bass well cooked with a perfect crispy skin.
For dessert we were both drawn to the same dish, so both ended up ordering the Egg custard, brown sugar tart, vanilla bean ice cream, nutmeg. The pastry was crisp and buttery and the filling unbelievably smooth and silky, such delightful flavours with the creamy ice-cream having a generous punch of vanilla.
We both commented to each other what a thoroughly fantastic meal we had both just enjoyed. And what made it perfect was the friendly and attentive service, never once did our water or wine glasses get empty before they were filled.
It is safe to say that Mr B and I took no time at all to drift off into a slumber and after a great night’s sleep, we were looking forward to our final meal at Hartwell House, breakfast.
Whilst we browsed the breakfast menu, I ordered a latte and a cranberry juice.
There is a small continental buffet which guests can help themselves to, offering cereals, yoghurt and freshly baked pastries.
I ordered the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs and I requested if I could have it served on sourdough, which wasn’t an issue. It was a lovely breakfast, creamy scrambled eggs and a generous amount of smoked salmon.
Mr B enjoyed the cooked English breakfast, it came with grilled back bacon, crispy streaky bacon, Oxfordshire pork sausage, grilled vine tomato, sautéed Portobello mushroom, black and white pudding, and he chose to have his local Tring free range eggs scrambled. He said the quality of each item was clear in the taste and he enjoyed every mouthful.
When you walk away from a hotel stay commenting that everything was perfection, you really can’t ask for more than that.
https://www.hartwell-house.com/
