Executive Golf Magazine

Set in 376 acres of beautifully maintained National Trust grounds, Cliveden House is Britain’s only 5 Red AA starred hotel that is also a stately home.

Formerly home to some of the most influential and colourful figures in British history, Cliveden has been at the centre of social and political life for over 300 years and has always been a house for entertaining. The suites and guest rooms are all appointed to the highest of standards and with a staff of more than four to each room the emphasis is on service with care, courtesy and enthusiasm. All three elements combine to make each guests stay the “experience of a lifetime”, ensuring guests return again and again.
Cliveden has widely been acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest hotels – but what makes a stay at Cliveden so unlike a visit to any other five star hotels in the world?

Cliveden’s unique appeal stems from its ability to perfectly package the very essence of what it means to visit a luxurious home away from home.

As a private house, Cliveden was a remarkable stately home of astonishing grandeur. Since its creation in 1666, three Dukes, an Earl, the Astors and a Prince of Wales, have all lived in and owned Cliveden. Cliveden itself has earned a place in history through every century of its existence: the first performance of ‘Rule Britannia’ by Thomas Arne was staged at Cliveden, beginning a tradition of spectacular entertainment at the house; when the main building burnt down in 1850 it was the famous architect Charles Barry, creator of the Houses of Parliament in London, who was commissioned to rebuild the present house; a close neighbour of Windsor Castle, Queen Victoria visited Cliveden no less than nine times.

When the beautiful American heiress Nancy married Waldorf Astor in 1905 they were given Cliveden as a wedding present and, largely through Nancy’s influence, it soon became famous as a centre of social and political entertaining. Nancy’s impeccable standards of hospitality are still held dear today, as are all the traditions of the last century.

The choice of dining is second to none and the extensive scope of the menus sublime. The Terrace Dining Room, with its wonderful views down the Parterre to the Thames, offers a unique combination of a traditional interpretation of classical English and French cuisine combined with Cliveden’s extensive cellar book making it the perfect place to entertain for lunch or dinner.

‘Pleasure, frolic, or extravagant diversion, was all that he laid toheart’. The Second Duke of Buckingham, 1666

Michelin starred Waldo’s is where guests gravitate for dishes of real flare and the exceptional and modern cuisine has received many accolades and awards. This dining room offers a quieter and more intimate experience, ideal for dinner entertaining.

The French Dining Room, with its unique décor and history originating from the Chateau d’Asnière is the perfect venue for thirty guests or more and is reputed to house the finest French Rococo décor outside France.

The Cellar Dining Room, once the original House cellar and restored by the Astor family in the 1890’s or the Macmillan Dining Room situated in the West Wing offer excellent alternatives for private dining for smaller parties.

Within 20 minutes drive of Heathrow Airport and just 40 minutes from London, your visit to Cliveden will include almost every traditional pursuit of the country living. Guests should feel free to explore the National Trust owned gardens and 376 acres of woodland, water garden and magnificent formal garden that surround the house.

Spring Cottage is a Regency Tea House picturesquely remodelled for the Duchess of Sutherland in 1857. On the Banks of the Thames at Cliveden it was designed to be viewed by punts and pleasure boats drifting down the river. The House served as a royal retreat by Harriet Duchess of Sutherland and Queen Victoria and the two ladies used the cottage as a quiet meeting place where they would chat over afternoon tea.

Within 20 minutes drive of Heathrow Airport and just 40 minutes from London, your visit to Cliveden will include almost every traditional pursuit of the country living.

Boating and the Thames have always been very important to Cliveden and remains a favourite pastime. Cruising the Reach in Nancy Astor’s own original electric canoe “Liddesdale” or indulging in a champagne cruise aboard the Suzy-Ann before dinner help complete the Cliveden experience.

Tranquility is found behind the walled gardens in the Pavilion Spa, which boasts award-winning therapists and extensive health and beauty treatments. The elegant Spa is also home to an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, open throughout the year, Canadian hot tubs, sauna and steam rooms. Time spent within the Pavilion will immediately create a sense of calm and harmony.

Guests are also able to enjoy horse-riding, golf, polo, fishing, shooting and archery at local venues and tennis and squash and a fully equipped gym within the grounds ensure that your stay at the House can be as active or as relaxing as your tastes allow.

For those who visit Cliveden for business, the two boardrooms and a further meeting room, ensure that meetings can be self-contained, secure and serviced to the high standards that all visitors to the House enjoy In addition Exclusive Use of the House can be arranged for very special events.

From the moment you step across our threshold into a recaptured world of style and elegance, you will feel like honoured private guests in a stately home of outstanding beauty and when you leave us it will be with a lifetime of memories to share.

For further information about Cliveden or any of the von Essen hotels, visit the website: www.vonessenhotels.com

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