Cliveden House is a National Trust property and hotel set within stunning grounds in Taplow, Berkshire. Once home to Lord and Lady Astor, the outside swimming pool was made famous as the location for the Profumo affair and guests at the time ranged from Winston Churchill to Charlie Chaplin. It’s had quite an illustrious existence.
Over our numerous visits, be it for afternoon tea, lunch at André Garrett’s restaurant or the more casual Astor Grill, the restoration work has always been going on. During our stay this time, the spa is closed but the rest is very much finished and the building has never looked better.
Rooms are not numbered, instead named, ours being T.E. Lawrence, and it’s a whopper. Proper old school; creaky floorboards, antique furniture and the bed has a huge ornate head board. There’s even a separate dressing room, complete with chaise lounge.
Our eyes light up as we step inside the bathroom, through the hidden door, as there’s marble galore – and underfloor heating which is a nice touch. There’s a shower/bath mix (a stand alone roll top bath would be nice) but it feels inkeeping with the space and period. His and his sinks add to the luxury, as do the Bamford products.
The little touches don’t go unnoticed. When our room is turned down, a book titled ‘The Mistress of Cliveden’ is left by the pillow for bedtime reading along with a towel and slippers on each side of the bed. The only thing missing is someone to tuck you in.
For breakfast (served in the Andre Garret restaurant) we’re seated at a table by the window with views looking down over the garden which is gorgeous. I opt for the Lord Astor, essentially a full English, which is a hearty and well sourced plate of food. My gentleman companion goes for smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. Good coffee and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice make for the perfect start to our day.
Service throughout our stay is top notch and even though every inch of the building is grand and gorgeous, we feel relaxed and continually comfortable. There’s not an inch of snootiness about the place. If you want old school luxury, Cliveden’s your place.
Would we stay again? Yes.
Clivedenhouse.co.uk
We stayed as guests of Cliveden House