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Horwood House Unveils New Manor Suites In Grade-II Manor House
Once the birthplace of renowned TV gardener Percy Thrower, the historic Grade-II listed Manor House at idyllic countryside hotel Horwood House has unveiled three fully refurbished Manor Suites. The latest milestone in an extensive £6 million, 18-month redevelopment programme, the new look suites draw on the rich horticultural heritage of the 110-year-old property, which is set within 38 acres of stunning gardens and grounds.
Horwood House Histrory
Originally a farmhouse (some 300 years ago), the Manor House was upgraded in the early 1900s by Frederick Denny, and his original commission design played an integral part in the refurbishment. Lovingly restored to showcase and celebrate the building’s original features, the three master suites are all located on the Manor’s top floor. After ascending the original and fully restored feature staircase – complete with a showstopping three-tier custom made chandelier, inspired by the traditional 19th century heritage lighting found in many stately homes.
Guests will be greeted by features from the original Manor House such as reconditioned vaulted ceilings, original stonework and grand bay windows synonymous with the Jacobethan era, which were originally designed by well-known architect Detmar Blow over 100 years ago!
Changes at Horwood House
The Denny family alongside their Head Gardener, (Percy Thrower’s father) took immense pride in rebuilding the gardens to the glorious scenes present today. When designing the rooms, it was of utmost importance that the breath-taking grounds took centre stage, with views of the glorious tree-lined drive and the picturesque lily pond, (created by Percy Thrower himself) forming integral parts of each scheme. Both vistas are lit up at night to ensure views at every time of day.
Carefully decorated to ensure guests enjoy a luxurious yet comfortable stay, the suites have each been individually designed but all feature a lounge, a bathroom and a spacious bedroom with luxury king-size beds complete with Art Deco inspired headboards. Plush bay window seating – a perfect spot to enjoy an hour or two of reading – and richly textured soft furnishings are in a colour-scheme selected to complement the hotel’s horticultural setting and offer serenity to those staying – expect light greys, deep greens, subtle teals and warm terracotta hues.
The bathrooms feature eye-catching grey scallop tiles and either a walk-in rainfall shower or bath with gold accents.No amenity or detail has been overlooked, with each suite also featuring a dining table, mini fridge, air-conditioning throughout, complimentary Wi-Fi and a Nespresso coffee machine.
Throughout the suites and into the ground floor of the Manor House, guests will see artwork that explores 1911, the year in which the Manor House was built and the landmark events that mark the period, such as the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, along with the publication of “The Secret Garden” and works by the celebrated poet, D.H. Lawrence.
And that’s not all – the ground floor bar, lounge and ceremony spaces have also been refurbished and offer the perfect backdrop for an early evening drink, afternoon tea with friends or a lavish dinner party in the private Manor library room with carefully curated menus, full of the finest seasonal ingredients, from the hotel’s Executive Chef Will Dimartino.
Booking Horwood House
Looking for a historic, horticultural stay full of rural opulence? The Manor Suites are available to book now, with room rates starting from £249.50 per person (£499 per room) with breakfast included. To book, visit: https://reservations.horwoodhouse.co.uk.
Directions to Horwood House Hotel
Horwood House
Mursley Rd
Little Horwood
Milton Keynes
MK17 0PH
Nestled within the historical elegance of Brocket Hall, the renowned Auberge du Lac has proudly announced a new chapter in its storied culinary journey, spearheaded by the illustrious Chef John Barber. Having reopened its doors in May 2023 following a three-year hiatus, the restaurant has been infused with a fresh vigour, artfully blending tradition with cutting-edge culinary innovations.
Chef John Barber
Chef John Barber: A Maestro in the Kitchen
Chef Barber’s illustrious career, inspired by his mother’s home cooking, began at UCB College of Food and has spanned the globe, from the prestigious kitchens of the Belfry Hotel to the exotic locales of Thailand and Paris. His tenure at London’s Bar Boulud and the opening of 14 Hills with the D&D Group has seasoned him with an unrivaled expertise, making his tenure at Auberge du Lac a herald of culinary excellence.
Lucy Hawkins: Sustainability at Its Core
The heart of Auberge du Lac’s culinary philosophy is its kitchen garden, tenderly curated by Lucy Hawkins. This garden is not merely a plot of land; it is the cradle of sustainability, employing no-dig methods that enrich local biodiversity and allow for the freshest ingredients to be used directly in the kitchen. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in this verdant sanctuary during the Garden Tour & Lunch events, connecting them intimately with the origins of their meals.
The Auberge Experience: A Symphony of Luxuries
Auberge du Lac doesn’t just stop at fine dining; it offers an immersive ‘Auberge Experience’ package. Priced at £420 per couple, this luxurious offering includes a cozy welcome with Champagne and chocolates, a seven-course tasting menu, an overnight stay in the stately Melbourne Lodge, and a full English breakfast at The Melbourne Club. Each of the lodge’s 16 luxury ensuite bedrooms offers a vista of the Hall, Broadwater Lake, and the golf course, making it an ideal retreat after a gourmet evening.
Access and Convenience
Just a stone’s throw from London, Auberge du Lac offers an escape into the countryside that’s both quick and easy. The journey from central London to the tranquility of Brocket Hall takes less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking a taste of the countryside without straying far from the city’s pulse.
A Forthcoming Review
Stay tuned for an in-depth review of Auberge du Lac, where we will delve deeper into the gastronomic delights and serene ambiance that make this destination a crown jewel of culinary and leisure escapades.
Embrace the opportunity to experience the pinnacle of fine dining and bespoke luxury at Auberge du Lac at Brocket Hall, where every visit promises to be more than just a meal—it’s a journey through the rich tapestry of history, taste, and lush landscapes.
On the 14th of July, the BRIT-nominated duo Jungle will host an unprecedented open-air music event at Tofte Manor, a picturesque 17th-century estate. This unique one-day festival, dubbed “Jungle Curates,” will feature a lineup exclusively selected by Jungle themselves, including some of their favorite artists, DJs, and collaborators.
Stellar Lineup in a Breathtaking Setting
The event will take place amid the stunning backdrop of Tofte Manor’s labyrinth and the surrounding rolling hills of Bedfordshire. It promises an immersive experience with bespoke production, décor, and exclusive merchandise. The lineup reflects Jungle’s significant influence on the music scene, featuring a mix of established and rising stars. Notably, BBC Radio 1 icon Annie Mac will make her Tofte Manor debut, appearing alongside Jungle. The diverse roster continues with Ross From Friends, DJ Paulette, Ahadadream, Peruvian DJ and producer Sofia Kourtesis, and London-based Mood Talk, promising a blend of house, electronica, and more.
Jungle’s Ascending Trajectory
Coming off the success of their latest album “Volcano,” Jungle has been a prominent force in the UK music scene for over a decade. Their recognition includes a recent BRIT Award nomination for “Group of the Year” and a series of sold-out performances worldwide. Their hit single “Back On 74” recently surpassed 100 million streams, and they were the first to sell out three consecutive DJ shows at Koko London in one day.
A Unique Venue with No Restrictions
Tofte Manor is set apart from other venues by its lack of restrictive sound limitations, a common issue at inner-city events. This freedom has made it a favorite spot for electronic music’s biggest names, including Keinemusik, Maribou State, Dixon, TSHA, Floating Points, and Fred Again.., among others. “Jungle Curates” marks the final event of the summer at Tofte Manor, hosted by Labyrinth Events, who have also lined up performances from Adriatique and a sold-out show with Fatboy Slim the preceding weekend.
As the day concludes, Jungle themselves will take the stage for a rare DJ set, ensuring the event not only celebrates their music but also their unique style and influence. This is set to be a highlight of this summer’s music calendar, blending historical charm with contemporary beats in a not-to-be-missed festival setting.
