Dreaming of a sunny spring staycation? Well, while the UK weather can never be guaranteed, the nation is certainly home to some exquisite hideaways that are the perfect choice for an idyllic weekend break – and the four-star Horwood House in Buckinghamshire is at the top of the list.
Located in the picture-postcard village of Little Horwood, deep in the Buckinghamshire countryside, the property is set within sprawling grounds in a beautiful Grade II listed manor house that carries a storied history.
Having recently undergone an extensive £6.5 million renovation to expand and renew its facilities, the hotel now offers an intriguing blend of original heritage style and modern luxury. So, while its past still very much influences its present, it also now caters even more seamlessly to the modern traveller, offering the perfect balance between the two.
If you’ve yet to discover it, then now is the ideal time to visit. I recently had the chance to check in for a weekend and find out what it was all about, and it certainly did not disappoint.
Hotel
The hotel is around a 20-minute drive from Milton Keynes Central Railway Station, making it easily accessible if you’re travelling in by train and meaning you can have checked in, had your bags delivered and be sitting and relaxing, drink in hand, in as little as half an hour.
Set within an original manor house that was designed by renowned arts and crafts architects Blow and Billerey, the property is accessed via a long and magnificent driveway that leads you down to the manor house, taking you on a scenic journey through the property’s picturesque grounds and creating a great first impression.
A prime example of the popular 19th century style that those who appreciate stunning architecture will no doubt appreciate, the house has previously served as a family home, a prep school and offices, before eventually being turned into a luxury hotel in the 1970s.
The recent renovation project has seen the property lovingly restored, carefully preserving the manor house’s unique original features as well as the surrounding courtyard of thatched cottages. The investment included the refurbishment of nine bedroom suites located on the top floor of the manor house, as well as a complete overhaul of 20 multi-purpose spaces, accommodating anywhere from 10 to 270 guests for conferences, weddings and private dinners. New private dining rooms and a fresh dining concept paying homage to ‘1911’ (the year the modern manor house was built) have also been introduced
The ground floor lounge has also been redesigned, and the addition of a contemporary extension to the manor house, which houses most of the bedrooms, now means the hotel can accommodate a larger number of guests, having been executed in a way that is in keeping with the original vernacular dictating the style and decor, albeit a little more modern.
The extensive grounds are seriously impressive, and are made up of a series of formal gardens which include a walled courtyard, lilypond, and large open spaces.
All in all, this has to be one of the most beautiful, charming and scenic independent hotels in Buckinghamshire.
Rooms and suites
The hotel is home to 165 bedrooms and suites in total, including a mix of classic and deluxe rooms, stable rooms and executive suites – some including terraces – as well as three plush and spacious Manor House Suites.
I stayed in an executive suite in the newer, more contemporary wing, which was a fusion of cool scandi chic and botanical motifs. Comprised of a fairly small bedroom featuring a king-size bed and a separate lounge area, as well as a sofa bed if you need it, it would be well-suited to families or those visiting for longer stays, and offers a comfortable balance between work and downtime for those travelling on business or looking to mix work with pleasure.
The colour palette was muted, featuring pale greys and neutrals, with the occasional pop of a brighter hue here and there. The bed was comfortable, and everything felt organised, clean and well looked-after, but the bedroom did lack a little bit of the wow factor.
In the lounge area, there was a TV, desk and seating area, plus a Nespresso machine for making that all-important morning coffee, as well as Cadbury’s hot chocolate sachets, various teas, and biscuits to enjoy.
For a truly indulgent stay, choose one of the three spectacular Manor House Suites. These have more character than the rooms in the modern building, and all boast grand bay windows, country chic furnishings, and opulent bathrooms with gold taps and twin sinks.
Food and drink
The hotel’s main restaurant is called Harry’s Bar and Kitchen, and offers what can best be described as casual fine dining in a beautiful, relaxed setting. Serving up modern European cuisine with a clear Mediterranean influence, it’s named after the house’s former head gardener, Harry Thrower – father of the famous TV gardener Percy Thrower, who made regular appearances on much-loved children’s programme Blue Peter back in the 1970s.
It was Frederick Denny, a local business man who made his fortune in the bacon trade, who originally commisioned the build of the manor house, and Harry was brought in to lead a team of sixteen gardeners tasked with keeping its kitchens perpetually well-stocked with the fruit and vegetables grown in its extensive gardens – so suffice it to say, he played an important role in keeping the cogs turning for some years.
The restaurant is spacious, with a well thought-out layout that offers diners an element of privacy should they want it. From quiet tables for two to the large “kitchen table,” which is perfect for larger groups, there’s room for everyone to dine in a way that suits.
Outside, there’s a pretty little courtyard that offers the ideal spot for catching some rays over a cuppa or indulging in the hotel’s utterly to-die-for afternoon tea. Think delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and light seasonal sweet treats – a must, if you have the time, and you can add a glass of Prosecco to further elevate the experiecnce.
If you’re having dinner in the restaurant, then prepare to be spoilt for choice.
For starters, opt for the duck croquette, yuzu mayonnaise, fig, orange gel, which combines deep and rich flavours with a crispy texture, all making for a delicious and decadent way to kick things off. Or, for something vegetarian, go for the mezze sharing plate, which features grilled halloumi, honey and sesame feta rolls, falafels, houmous, vine leaves, chargrilled flatbread and smoked aubergine – and is great for picking at over a drink and some good conversation while you wait for the mains to come,
For mains, seafood lovers can opt for the grilled tiger prawn skewer with harissa mayo, fennel and watercress salad, confit garlic oil. Plump, succulent, juicy prawns are always a winner in my book – although do bear in mind that these come with the shells on, which isn’t for everyone.
For carnivores, meanwhile, there is no better option than the 8oz aged sirloin steak, which was served with skin on fries, dressed watercress and crispy onions. Add the smoked garlic butter and a side of chargrilled tenderstem broccoli with toasted hazelnuts to make it a feast fit for a king. The steak was perfectly cooked (medium rare) and melted in the mouth, with just the right level of fat to give flavour – and the entire dish felt thoroughly indulgent.
Although on this occasion, I didn’t have a chance to try the burgers, the ones that came out to the table next to me looked incredible, so if you’re a fan then don’t hesitate.
All meat served at the restaurant is sourced locally from The Buckingham Butchers, who themselves also source locally, including the charcuterie. Steaks are aged for 30 days in a bespoke Himalayan Salt Chamber whilst whole on the bone and then sliced to perfection – so you can be sure you’re in for a treat,
If you’ve still got room for dessert, then the tiramisu is the perfect choice after a rich meal; light, creamy and a great way to end a meal.
Overall, there were plenty of good options for vegetarians and vegans across the menu, so you can rest assured you’ll be well catered to if that’s you.
Every grand country house hotel should uphold the traditional ‘afternoon tea’ and at Horwood they certainly don’t disappoint. With or without a glass of English fizz, it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon with family or friends, luxuriating in stunning surroundings and being just a tiny bit indulgent. Settle in and savour the flavours, where delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and light seasonal sweet treats delight the tastebuds.
The hotel’s other restaurant, the 1911, is equally contemporarily styled, and it’s here that the buffet breakfasts are served (and conference buffets for corporate clients, too). I thought this was an underused space, as it’s quite large and could well be used as another dining venue to give more choice to guests – especially those staying for more than a weekend break.
Private dining is also available in more traditional surroundings at the Burton Suite or Manor Library rooms.
Spa
The H Spa is a highlight of any stay at Horwood House, and offers a 15m pool, relaxing lounge area and, for energetic types, a state-of-the-art gym. Although relatively compact, the spa itself is well-equipped, with a sauna, steam room and a number of poolside loungers, as well as an outdoor spa courtyard with seating, which can be enjoyed on warmer, sunnier days.
There are also six treatment rooms offering an array of treatments ranging from relaxing massages and rejuvenating facials to nourishing wraps.
The spa prides itself on offering the most up-to-date techniques, including mesotherapy – a non-invasive treatment using electro waves to rejuvenate and plump up your skin. I enjoyed a revolutionary LED Light Therapy during my visit, which involved a cutting-edge, needle-free treatment where advanced MesoLux and REALDEEP technology is used to open tiny pathways in the skin via electromagnetic energy. In doing so, this allows active ingredients to penetrate the deepest layers without the use of needles, offering visible, long-lasting rejuvenation.
The treatment uses three distinct light wavelengths to target specific skin concern: red light, to activate collagen production and restore firmness and reduce fine lines; blue light to target bacteria to clarify acne-prone skin and soothe irritation; and gold light, which stimulates circulation and lymphatic flow to revive dull, tired skin.
The therapist also incorporates nourishing skin elixirs to give skin a hydrating boost, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acids, peptides and various skin-loving vitamins – and suffice it to say, I left the treatment room feeling thoroughly refreshed and renewed.
Apparently, this new technology is particularly beneficial to those navigating hormonal shifts, perimenopause and menopause – directly combatting the rapid drop in collagen and loss of elasticity associated with these life stages – and can also help anyone who is currently using GLP-1 weight loss injections by aiding with skin-tightening.
Weddings
Horwood House is widely regarded as one of the leading wedding destinations in the county, and with its 38 acres of stunning countryside and elegant Manor House, it’s certainly easy to understand why.
There are numerous different settings to choose from here, depending on what type of wedding you have in mind – whether it’s exchanging vows on the Manor House steps or beneath an ancient oak, or holding a refined reception in the grand Drawing Room. The opportunities for wedding photos are endless, too, with an array of beautiful backdrops to be found everywhere you look.
Business
The hotel is also big on business, and attracts professional events throughout the year. With 15 flexible meeting areas, it can accommodate groups of up to 270, and as part of the recent refurbishment, new life was breathed into each space with the addition of high-tech AV facilities to support seamless presentations, meetings, awards and events.
The hotel prides itself on innovation, and infact, scooped the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) award for Innovation in 2023. It has continued to invest in the latest technology since then to ensure that it always offers a top-level service to its business guests.
When it comes to refeulling, business groups can dine ar the “Kitchen Table” in Harry’s Bar and Kitchen, while larger numbers can be comfortably catered for in Cook and Eyre Suites. The Manor Library and Burton Suite both also offer excellent private dining spaces for up to 12 guests, and the award-winning Crisis Coffee Lounge offers the chance to relax or mingle over a coffee and some snacks whilst supporting a worthy charity.
In a nutshell
Blending classic English charm with modern luxury, Horwood House is perfect for couples seeking a relaxing country escape, local and families, and business travellers seeking a welcoming yet refined yet welcoming setting for meetings and events.
Combining comfort, style, and understated sophistication, it ticks all the boxes for the ideal weekend staycation – and with its spectacular countryside surroundings, it promises an idyllic stay all round.
Factbox
Address: Horwood House, Mursley Rd, Little Horwood, Milton Keynes MK17 0PH
Phone: 01296 722100
Website: horwoodhouse.co.uk
All imagery credit: Horwood House
