Villa di Aylesbury

Sometimes you get a feeling about a place just by looking at it from afar. I'd passed Hartwell House dozens of times on the way to Oxford and always thought it looked very appealing. With my wife's birthday coming up I decided to gather the clans and give it a try. From Mirella who took my booking to the smiley sommelier Pepin everyone was so friendly and welcoming. And I mustn't forget Ellie, the lovely food and beverages manager and the very attentive lady who served our breakfast. My daughter in law, who is a coeliac, was particularly impressed with the attention to detail of her dietary needs. She even had her own gluten free canapés! Hartwell House is in a beautiful setting and steeped in history. My French wife was intrigued to discover that the French King Louis the 18th lived in exile at Hartwell in the early part of the 19th century. The grandchildren loved the pool and spa and the adults enjoyed the warmth of the open fires in all the comfortably furnished sitting areas. I am leaving the best until last. The food was outstanding, the best we have experienced at any of the historic houses we have stayed at for this annual occasion. It was 'Michelin star' quality without the price tag. I unhesitatingly recommend Hartwell for any occasion where the best comes as standard.