Today, I thought we’d take a tour of Cliveden House, the luxury English country house hotel near London where Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland, stayed the night before the royal wedding. Speaking of which, how much did you love the big event?! I teared up at the sight of Prince Harry and the Duke of Cambridge and spiraled from there. Meghan’s modern yet modest Givenchy gown by Clare Waight Keller (remember her instagram?) was pitch perfect. And don’t even get me started on the brilliant ceremony (Bishop Michael Murray!) and music (the gospel choir!). Royal weddings can be rather stuffy, but (no doubt thanks to Meghan) this one had such emotion and authenticity to it. Moving on to Cliveden house…
The handsome country house hotel is set on 376 acres in the English countryside. It boasts 38 guest rooms (15 of which are suites), a restaurant, and a spa. Guests are waited on hand and foot by the 154 members of staff. A true taste of luxury.
The original house was built in 1666, but has burnt down twice since. The storied property’s many owners include the Duke of Buckingham, the Prince of Wales, and Lord and Lady Astor.
I love this curved gallery with its marble pedestals and busts. So much natural light!
Afternoon tea at Cliveden House looks like an absolute delight. That may just be the prettiest eclair I ever did see.
More Cliveden pastries just because they’re so pretty. Afternoon tea in England is one of my favorite traditions in all the world.
The guest rooms are all luxurious yet cozy in the classic English country house way. I love this space’s canopy bed (note the tassels at top!) and purple toile wallpaper.
The bathroom has a charming purple claw foot tub and marble floors. Perfect spot for a bubble bath.
A gorgeous blue-green chinoiserie wallpaper steals the show in another guest suite. One of my favorite hues.
This room’s tall pink tufted headboard makes a romantic statement. I love a sofa at the foot of the bed.
A touch of chinoiserie wallpaper in a bathroom. Love the mix of the floral, antique wood, velvet, and marble. Can you even imagine putting your face on in this little nook?!
The Chinese Bedroom has to be my favorite. That yellow chinoiserie wallpaper is what dreams are made of. Also, love the chinoiserie fabric used on the headboard and bed canopy.
All fireplace mantle’s should have some pagoda flare.
The spacious Lady Astor suite costs a mere $2,400 a night. It was once Nancy Astor’s actual bedroom and has a private terrace overlooking the lawn and gardens.
Love a personalized needlepoint pillow with fringe.
In another room, grey chinoiserie wallpaper and a handsome marble top console with a greek key design.
The hotel is frequently used as a wedding venue. Above, a gilded dining room.
Another shot of one of the dining quarters. It looks straight out of Versailles.
The Cliveden estate grounds are just as impressive the interiors. Love this large patch of lavender.
A gorgeous old brick wall surrounding the garden. Love the architectural detail around the wood door.
More of the gorgeous walled garden.
Another glimpse of the beautifully manicured gardens.
Can you even imagine waking up to this view?
An old black taxi cab in front of the property. It’s really like going back in time.
If you’re as smitten with the property as I am you may want to read this book,The Mistresses of Cliveden: Three Centuries of Scandal, Power and Intrigue in an English Stately Home. It has great reviews.
Also on my summer reading list is Rose: My Life in Service to Lady Astor. It also has rave reviews and must include fascinating details about life at Cliveden. If you’ve read either book, I’d love to know what you think!
I love your blog, but ever since you’ve changed it, I longer get it via email. I tried unsubscribing and re-subscribing, but still nothing. :( It’s not in my spam and I’ve cleared all my filters. So sad.
Kecia – There was trouble with the RSS feed, but starting today I’m pleased to report you will all be getting emails again! So sorry for the confusion.