Escape to Danesfield House à la Amal and George Clooney for old-school decadence and glamor on a Hollywood-worthy minimoon.

location

Set deep in the immaculate splendor of The Chilterns in Buckinghamshire, Danesfield House offers a setting from hell just three miles beyond the upscale market town and foodie paradise of Marlow.

It is less than an hour’s drive from central London and within easy reach of Henley-on-Thames. With 65 acres of private formal gardens to roam and views of the River Thames, it’s no wonder the mansion clad in chalk white and purple wisteria stood out as a super secluded and alluring reputation for the Clooneys, who hosted another glamorous reception here after their Venice wedding in 2014 hosted .

First impressions

The winding approach is spectacular – a large, tree-lined gravel track offers beautiful and undulating views of the grassy grounds before revealing the historic Georgian mansion, where several Ferraris are parked casually opposite the main entrance most days.

There’s no escaping the fact that the Grade II listed property is where the Glitterati hang out and has been rebuilt since 1750 by Queen Charlotte’s appointed Attorney General John Morton.

After changing hands, Danesfield – as it stands today – was converted into a family home in 1901 by Robert William Hudson. Aside from the Clooneys, it has quietly and steadily attracted other A-listers including Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, Nicole Kidman, Dame Maggie Smith and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Jeremy from the concierge team gives you a warm welcome before helping to unload luggage and escorting us into the house where we are met by graceful receptionists. The team maintains the touch of sophistication of the Country Pad without being stiff and by combining the highest level of professionalism with friendliness.

Deeply glamorous, Danesfield exudes a casual, superlative, laid-back elegance of yesteryear without the country chintz. Oak paneled corridors and public rooms such as the great hall and dining rooms are filled with oil painted portraits and antiques.

Warm and well-lit, the Grand Hall features a huge, smoldering open fire, ornate vaulted wooden ceiling and crystal chandelier, as well as more visually pleasing art pieces and oversized, mismatched sofas to curl up on.

Suite dreams at Danesfield House

All 79 rooms vary in style but are testament to Danefield’s rich heritage and tranquil exterior. Despite its generous size, our Superior Suite remains cozy, thanks in large part to a soothing, traditional beige and cream color palette, Victorian fireplace, rich carpets, romantic mood lighting, and plush overstuffed sofas in both rooms.

Antique consoles and dressers are creations of beauty and stained glass windows offer stunning southerly views over the manicured lawns. Feather pillows and linens add the finishing touches to an ornate king-size four-poster bed – just the thing after a serious night of table gluttony.

Room amenities are top-notch, with free snacks, coffeemakers, and two smart TVs. Marble bathrooms have dual sinks, rainfall showers, and Aromatherapy Associates toiletries.

And you don’t have to worry about busier nights like New Year’s either; Excellent soundproofing in all rooms ensures a peaceful night’s sleep. You’ll tumble into bed and try to pull up the TV menu, but sleep will overtake you quickly and happily.

Dining at Danesfield House

The Danesfield’s fine dining restaurant is helmed by Executive Chef Massimo Principe – an exciting force in imaginative classic cuisine and presentation and one who champions local and seasonal sourcing. The room is a decent size with tables spaced far enough apart so you don’t have to worry about someone overhearing your honeymoon sweets (or your last-minute wedding plans).

The finesse of white-pressed tablecloths, heavy silver cutlery clinking against crystal tableware is first matched and then enhanced by the food; This is deeply stylish and formal adult dining. You will also want to dress up; The space is made for special celebrations, and you’ll feel like a Hollywood royalty every inch of it.

There is no loud background music, just the soft glow of flickering candlelight and impeccable service to add to the romantic ambiance. Though polite and sophisticated, you won’t find it stuffy either; Smartly dressed and fabulous staff such as Miguel (who entertained us with amusing stories from his time at other highly acclaimed properties such as Cliveden House and Lucknam Park) and Ana Marie ensure you have the time of your life.

Highlights of our evening included ham shanks with apples and candied walnuts and seared tuna with teriyaki glaze and wasabi jelly – both impeccably presented and even more delicious than we could imagine. A fabulous main course of halibut served with white wine sea purslane sauce, purple potatoes and pickled girolles rivals any Michelin-starred cuisine, and the dry aged beef tenderloin with oxtail and Jerusalem artichoke is outstanding. Of course you will book again to try the lamb, duck and salmon options too.

A well thought-out dessert menu effortlessly rounds off a thoroughly wonderful evening – especially the elderflower and apple panna cotta with pomegranate compote and amaretto parfait. Fear not if you’re looking for something more casual but just as delicious; The gin bar has a couple of nice corners to pit-stop for plates of Toulouse sausage with creamed potatoes, or hand-made burgers and house-made fries from the all-day menu.

Not surprisingly, breakfast is a fancy affair, making the best of local produce – you’ll enjoy deliciously creamy and fluffy handmade Greek yoghurts with cherry compote and mini croissants, baked in-house and served warm at your table . Warm sausage and bacon are cooked to perfection, as is smoked haddock with creamy scrambled or poached eggs.

Spa at Danesfield House

Located in a separate but interconnected building, the Spa Illuminata at Danesfield House is a tonic for weary minds and bodies. Guests are provided with fluffy bathrobes and branded flip flops to take with them to the 20 meter indoor heated pool overlooking the ornate Italianate gardens.

The pool is spacious and really warm – you can splash around in it for hours. A state-of-the-art sauna, a steam room and a bubbling hot whirlpool complete the additional pampering program at the pool.

When it’s time to relax, stretch out on one of the large sun loungers (there are plenty of them) and brood over fashion magazines and Sunday papers, marvel at the classic frescoes on the walls, or bask in the sun that is provided by the ceiling -floor window with stunning views over the open countryside.

You won’t waste time delving into the unrivaled menu of treatments, from Lava Shell’s ThermaBliss and organic CBD oil body massages to anti-aging, lifting and express facials by Resveratrol and Caudalie. Immaculate changing rooms (apparently cleaned after each user) are stocked with straighteners, hairdryers, and free toiletries. The spa menu also offers a wide range of healthy salads and delicious detox smoothies.

Marry at Danesfield House

A wedding and reception here is guaranteed to be a celebration to remember for a lifetime. Make your own day shine by booking the intimate Hambleden Room for up to 16 guests, or break the budget and head to the Versailles Suite, where you can host lavish round-table weddings for up to 120 guests.

Amal and George hosted their glittering Midsummer Eve themed reception here to celebrate with those who couldn’t make it to Venice. The couple’s guests danced the night away in an exclusive, purpose-built marquee on the premises, which you can also book through the superb in-house events team, alongside similar round tables with elaborate floral arrangements.

And like the family and friends of the Alamuddins and Amal’s Oxford friends, who were welcomed into the Grand Hall before sipping delicious his-and-hers cocktails of tequila and passionfruit liqueur, Danesfield’s Bar now serves “Amal” and “George” on the cocktail menu of brides to choose from.

Celebrate Christmas 2022 in Danesfield

Whether you’re heading for a Christmas minimoon or simply want some time-out just for two before or after the wedding, Danesfield essentially sparkles before Christmas and has been enchanting guests with magical and lavish house party-style Christmas celebrations for decades.

The team pulls out all the stops this year and offers many romantic pre-weddings, bridal couples or family celebrations. Sign up for celebratory dinners and crunchy lunches, celebratory afternoon teas, carol singing, traditional five-course Christmas dinners with all the trimmings, Boxing Day lunches, evening opera performances and wreath-making workshops.

The festivities begin in November when the house transforms into one grand winter wonderland, with twinkling lights inside and out, eight-foot nutcrackers, an oversized tree in the great hall, and permeated with the delicate wintery scents of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and tangerine and Cinammon.

There is also a popular Christmas market during the first week of December – quirky and traditional stalls selling handmade gifts, stocking fillers and ornaments.

What you will love at Danesfield House

• Two pristine waterfalls overlooking the River Thames, a koi fish pond, Corsican pines and a selection of English and French lavender, head to the gardens for those all-important minimoon or wedding gram snaps (be sure to pack a stocked minimoon Picnic basket with champagne, strawberries and creative pastries from Danefields master confectioner Slawomir Szelagowski)
  • Observing the local wildlife; Muntjacs and fallow deer often nibble on the property’s large yew and box hedge
  • Stroll Marlow’s cobbled lanes and waterfront walks

how to book

Danesfield House, Henley Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 2EY. Overnight rates from £188 on a B&B basis. To book a reservation, send an email [email protected], call 01628 891010 or visit danesfieldhouse.co.uk for more details. To make a wedding inquiry email the events team at [email protected] or call 01628 891010.

Continue reading: