LUX Spring 2018
118 Upon arrival at the gated entrance to Brocket Hall’s sprawling grounds, visitors are overwhelmed by the sheer splendour of this gorgeous estate. Even the sight of golfers swinging their nine irons across the courses does not diminish from the beauty of the grounds; in fact, it enhances them. The perfectly manicured courses contrast perfectly with the haunting woodland landscape. Both courses, the par 72 Melbourne Course, where players are challenged to cross the River Lea, and the tree lined, par 73 Palmerston Course, share a unique heritage (they are both named after the former Prime Ministers who resided at the hall). They also share the Watershyppes Clubhouse, where players can relax and unwind after their game. The clubhouse boasts a restaurant serving hearty, decadent meals for weary players, served surrounded by beautiful paintings that emphasise the best of British scenery and artistry. Hosting a range of events and entertainments, the clubhouse is truly the centre of Brocket Hall’s social scene. On set dates there is even the opportunity for guests to indulge in an afternoon tea at Brocket Hall itself, offering them an opportunity to see the house itself, before moving back to the clubhouse to marvel at the art, which is part of the estate’s partnership with Cadogan Contemporary gallery, which has resulted in a permanent and rotating exhibit of the best modern British and international artists today. Alongside this glorious exhibition, the clubhouse also boasts is also a Member’s Room where the Set amid the rolling hills of rural Hertfordshire is the glorious, historic Brocket Hall, a sprawling estate once home to two Lords and Prime Ministers, Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston, as well as being a frequent bolthole for Queen Victoria herself. The house and grounds have witnessed major events in Britain’s history; from the rise and fall of governments through to the beginning of wars, and today guests can visit this astonishing venue and bask in the beauty and history that converge there. Retreat Exclusive trophies, speaking volumes about the club members’ incredible success, are proudly displaying in a gleaming glass cabinet which spans an entire wall. The opposite wall showcases a vast, jade green fireplace, around which are spread plush chairs where members can recline and recuperate in true luxury. For those making the estate their temporary home, there is a choice of rooms available in the sublime, rustic former stable block Melbourne Lodge, as well as the hall itself. This majestic building has a stunning red brick exterior, with white, wooden framed windows. Two lions recline regally at the entrance beneath a crest, and guests can wander to the balustrade overlooking the water on one side and a neatly tended garden on the other. Inside the hall, the third building to stand on this site, contains sumptuous décor, including a glorious ceiling painting in the Drawing Room designed by Giovanni Battista Cipriani, and a 60 foot long Ball Room adorned by a beautiful ceiling painted by Sir Francis Wheatley. Alongside the sumptuous communal rooms, the hall also incorporates 30 bedrooms, each individually furnished with original oil paintings and period furniture. The hall even has a helipad, making this the perfect marriage between old-fashioned glamour and elegance and modern convenience. Every inch of the hall is so superbly crafted that it is no wonder that it is a popular choice for weddings. Whether on a frosty Spring morning or a warm, sunny Summer’s evening, Brocket Hall is always picture perfect. The setting’s majesty and classic style make it perfect for an unforgettable day, and with the estate’s attentive and professional staff on hand there is no doubt that any celebration held at Brocket Hall will be utterly faultless. For guests seeking a classic English country house experience in a more homely setting, Melbourne Lodge has 16 spacious bedrooms, each with a stunning view of the estate. Each room in this reconditioned stables is named after the steed that previously lived there, with guests choosing from Mill Reef, Red Rum, Nijinsky and many more. Attention to detail prevails, from the paintings of the horses hung in each room to the mechanism that hangs in the former clock tower, making this simple building a tour of English grandeur in itself. Although every effort has been made to retain original fixtures and fittings to give guests a sense of the past, the staff at the hall are conscientious to a fault, and as such every amenity visitors could possibly need is provided. Alongside a hairdryer, dehumidifier and iron, guests can also avail themselves of a phone, bountiful refreshments and even a selection of magazines. The bathrooms are equally well stocked, with Nobel Isle toiletries, fluffy white towels and even a bathrobe on hand to ensure that guests can pamper themselves in style and luxury. A deep bath with shower attachments ensures that everyone is catered for regardless of their preference. Marvel at England’s Green and Pleasant Lands at Brocket Hall
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