HOTEL OF THE WEEK
Chesham, Buckinghamshire
WHERE AND WHY: A distinct country estate feeling with serene gardens and 30 acres of grounds, yet reachable from London’s Metropolitan tube line.
Add a £7m refurbishment and a generous helping of history and a fascinating stay awaits. This begins as early as 1194 with a manor house and goes via English nobility to becoming a Second World War military intelligence centre.
Rooms and suites are in the Mansion House, the Mews and the Waterhouse building, and are thoughtfully furnished with a contemporary accent on style and luxury – some with superb views over the Chiltern Hills.
ON THE MENU: Local and seasonal ingredients feature prominently in the refurbished main Mansion House venue, the 1838 Restaurant & Bar, where there is a handsome wine list and afternoon tea is also served.
For alfresco dining or drinks head to The Huntley bar.
Highlights in the 1838 include the ham hock and parsley terrine and wild mushroom and truffle arancini starters (both £9) and the Casterbridge 28-day dry-aged sirloin (£30) and roast fillet of salmon, kale, chorizo and chickpea cassoulet (£22) mains.
Save room for the desserts or the artisan cheeseboard.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: The property has a gym, an indoor pool and Hunter wellies are available to borrow for walks around the gardens, 30 acres of grounds and Chess Valley.
Muggles will enjoy the Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden, while literature lovers can visit the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden.
For history buffs, the Roman remains of the Verulamium at St Albans beckon.
WAKE-UP CALL: Rooms start at £109 a night on room-only. devere.co.uk/latimer-estate