Cliveden, Taplow

Cliveden House is a mere forty minutes away from central London but the journey will transport you back into the past, an experience enjoyed by some of the most important historical figures over its 350 years of operation. Located in Taplow, Berkshire in the shadow of the Chiltern Hills, Cliveden House is intimate in stature with only 45 rooms, but exhibits the grandeur and facilities that you'd expect from one of the largest and most celebrated international properties. The stately home is surrounded by 376 acres of National Trust managed Grade I listed formal gardens and parkland, with panoramic views over the River Thames, including the stretch where Wind in the Willows was penned in 1908.
 
Since it was built by the Duke of Buckingham in 1666 it has played host to everyone from Churchill to Chaplin, Lawrence to Lennon, with a smattering of smouldering affairs and scandals transpiring in its hallowed halls. You'll have the opportunity to take a dip in the pool which allegedly initiated the Profumo affair. Those that are keen to learn more can explore the hotel with a heritage concierge who offers the 'Butler Tour' of the house, in which many of the stories and details from its illustrious history will be divulged - with former guests including Frederick Prince of Wales, Queen Victoria, Henry Ford, George Bernard Shaw, The Beatles and Mahatma Ghandi.
 
Each of the 44 suites and rooms is named for one of these prominent guests. Suffice to say, they are beautifully appointed, with sumptuous bedding and furnishings befitting of such a prestigious property. Though they are steeped in tradition, you can rest easy that each room is equipped with the most avant-garde fixtures and technology, including state-of-the-art flat screen televisions, soundsystems and iPad menus.
 
Guests with culinary inclinations will be lavished as well. André Garett at Cliveden is an award-winning restaurant that places huge emphasis on seasonality and provenance, using only local ingredients to create his menu. Inspired by historical Great British gastronomy, he's reinvented a number with dishes like grilled Herdwick mutton cutlet, roast fillet of turbot and salt-cured duck liver tourchon. The dining rooms are incredible - whether it's the main restaurant, the sultry and seductive wine cellar or the French dining room.
 
Cliveden House is a classic. If anyone needs a spell away from the city to relax and regroup, we can give it our full and hearty recommendation.