 Mind
Your Manor
Estate Living Less than an Hour from London
By
Alain Gayot
|
Jacobean
architecture and 200 lush acres |
Along
with attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the Tate Modern
and Covent Garden, London appeals for its wealth of day trips. You can easily slip
away to Cambridge, Stonehenge or Stratford-on-Avon, then
return to catch a show in the West End that same night.
For an unconventional—and more relaxing—London
experience, base yourself at Marriott Hanbury Manor Hotel
& Country Club and make your jaunts into, rather than
out of, the city.
Just
25 miles from London, the 200-acre estate dates back to
the fourteenth century. Its current house was built by
Edmund Hanbury as a gift for his wife in 1890. With its
tragic history—both of the couple's children were
killed—and imposing Jacobean architecture, it is
a setting worthy of a novel by Thomas Hardy or one of
the Bronte sisters. Sculptured chimney stacks, molded
oak windows, historic tapestries and stained glass add
to the quintessential country estate ambience, while expansions
loyal to the original style meet the needs of 21st-century
travelers.
 |
 |
Romanesque
pool |
Original
chapel |
Originally
designed by Harry Vardon, the remodeled Jack Nicklaus
II golf course has served as the site of the European
PGA English Open. At the spa, with its striking, Romanesque
pool area, you can indulge in Carita, Decléor and
Guinot treatments. Guests enjoy complimentary access to
the spa's eucalyptus steam rooms and sauna, as well as
a comprehensive fitness center, dance studio, tennis court
and snooker room.
 |
| Country
estate ambience |
For
fine dining, Zodiac serves an imaginative menu, which
might include honey roasted Wiltshire quail or water roasted
rack of Welsh lamb. Those seeking the secrets of the kitchen
can join a Chef's Table event. For a gastro-pub experience,
book a table at the Oakes Grill.
Expansive
grounds, infused with roses and rimmed with herbaceous
borders, make the estate ideal for events, particularly
weddings, which are a specialty. Ceremonies can be held
in the original chapel, an intimate venue with a minstrel
gallery, and receptions hosted in the Garden Court. The
pretty outdoor spaces might also be used for corporate
cocktail parties, paired with the business amenities at
Marriott's flagship U.K. property.
 Going
to London? Check out our guide. |
P062106 |
(Updated: 06/26/08 HC) |
|
Marriott
Hanbury Manor Hotel & Country Club
