De Vere Latimer Estate Chesham, Buckinghamshire

WHERE AND WHY

A distinct country estate feeling with serene gardens and 30 acres of grounds, yet you can still reach it on London’s Metropolitan tube line.

Add a £7million refurbishment – where bold modern spaces complement the original character – 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, run by MI5 and MI6, and used as a temporary base for captured German U-boat crews and Luftwaffe pilots.

British agents listened in to conversations, and among the secrets revealed were Hitler’s powerful missiles, the V1 and V2. Latimer is considered on a par with Bletchley in the role it played in winning the war.

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. Guests can also head to the courtyard for alfresco dining or drinks at The Huntley bar.

Coffee and pastries on-the-go are available at the artisan coffee shop, The Pantry.

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 in reception to borrow for long walks around the formal 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