Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-location">THE LOCATION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115815.683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161939" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115815.683.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115815.683-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115815.683-400x280.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Danesfield House occupies a peachy spot overlooking the Thames between Marlow and Henley. It’s well known and loved for its spa and afternoon teas and is considered a special occasion kind of place owing to its swanky architecture and sweeping gardens, with a certain George and Amal’s wedding party putting it very much on the map.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<p>Grand old dame, with knock-out views. One look at Danesfield’s crenellated towers, ornate stonework and neatly trimmed box hedging, and I was wondering if I should have packed my Manolos, but a warm welcome and up the creaky staircase behind the bell boy and I felt pretty much at home. Albeit a home with oil paintings, tapestries, acres of fancy plasterwork and a helipad.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Everywhere you look is antique mahogany, neat-as-a-pin upholstery and massive chandeliers. It’s a little higgledy but hey, that’s history for you, with winding caliginous corridors opening into high ceilinged rooms &#8211; a lounge here, a suite there, and staff at every turn to point you in the right direction.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115600.200.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161940" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115600.200.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115600.200-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115600.200-400x280.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The options for lounging are ample, from the Grand Hall at the front with its Hogwarts fireplace and carved wood ceiling to the cocktail room, wallpapered with tapestries that look like they belong in the Wallace Collection. On sunny days though, most take to the terrace &#8211; an alfresco afternoon tea spot that takes some beating, gazing across tiered cake stands to the clipped topiary and the Thames in the valley beyond.&nbsp;</p>



<p>History buffs will love it not only for the role it played during World War II housing evacuated school boys and then as RAF offices, never mind the fact the whole place sits within the remains of an Iron Age hill fort. More recently it was the HQ of Carnation Foods before being converted into the hotel it is today and opened in 1991.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bedroom">THE BEDROOM</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115646.071.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161941" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115646.071.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115646.071-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115646.071-400x280.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Our room, Hurley, opened onto the stone balcony overlooking the terrace and THAT view. It was 100% Austen vibes looking through lead-lined windows at a country house on the opposite hillside and feeling like Mr Darcey could gallop over the horizon at any moment. The room was spacious with a huge bed, grand upholstered bedhead and curtained canopy with armchairs in the window, and then lots of mahogany &#8211; the desk, wardrobe and bedside tables, and a marble bathroom, naturally. There was tea and instant coffee, a fridge with water (for anything stronger it’s room service), hairdryer, fluffy robes and slippers and Damana toiletries, a fragrant French brand. The whole feel was historic but luxe, with maintenance and cleanliness clearly high on the agenda.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T120408.806.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161944" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T120408.806.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T120408.806-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T120408.806-400x280.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The restaurant runs along the back of the hotel in a galleried hall that overlooks the gardens, though most guests have dinner in the Oak Room just off this. Its bleached wood panelling, pale floors and white framed mirrors are a contrast to the rest of the rich coloured interiors and the white tablecloths and upholstered chairs merge into the pale backdrop. It’s got more of an event space feel than restaurant, but is intimate all the same. Ask for a table by the window to keep sight of that view. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T120335.224-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161943" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T120335.224-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T120335.224-1-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T120335.224-1-400x280.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The menu is succinct and traditional with a French influence &#8211; smoked ham terrine and pressed beetroot and goats cheese were among the starters, plus seared tuna with wasabi gel for the contemporary crowd. My dish of scallops with roasted red pepper puree, chermoula and salmon caviar was beautifully presented and with flair &#8211; tiny microgreen leaves and orange caviar giving it colour. The scallops were super fresh, succulently cooked and with no holding back on the seasoning. Mains went along similar lines &#8211; solid choices like roast beef fillet and chicken supreme, but with elegant accompaniments, like my seared halibut with fennel and lemon puree, roasted artichoke, charred grapefruit and pea, again perfectly cooked and a great combination of flavours. Likewise my other half’s lemon sole &#8211; they’ve clearly got a top notch fish supplier.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Breakfast overlooking the gardens is a quaint affair &#8211; you’ll be reaching for a sugar cube with the silver tongs and spreading marmalade from the tiny pot onto your toast. Guests book a time slot as everything is à la carte, with the full continental available &#8211; cereals, pastries, yoghurt and compote and toast, or cooked, with all the classics &#8211; a full fry-up, veggie option and variations on benedict. Again, the ‘trendy’ option was there &#8211; smashed avocado and poached eggs on toast. It all came out promptly (you cannot fault the service here), mine was hot and with perfectly cooked eggs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-spa">THE SPA</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T163333.170.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161999" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T163333.170.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T163333.170-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T163333.170-400x280.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Spa Illuminata is in a separate modern building joined by a glass bridge on the first floor so you can potter across in your gown. It has a good sized indoor pool surrounded by Grecian murals with Jacuzzi, sauna and steam all overlooking those winning views and with its own terrace and seating, plus loungers on the grass in the summer. It serves a light menu if you want to take lunch here rather than over at the hotel. There&#8217;s a studio for classes including yoga and pilates which you can book onto as a hotel guest for £5 if there&#8217;s space. The gym is really well equipped, breezy and fresh with natural light, unlike so many shoebox hotel gyms. The treatment rooms number eight singles and one double, some with showers for body treatments like wraps and all simply but neatly decorated with vibey music and just enough decor not to be spartan. There’s also a dedicated nail salon with two massage chairs for pedicures and two manicure stations as well as a shop selling Caudilie and Comfort Zone, an up and coming Italian spa-only brand that&#8217;s high on sustainability and botanicals.</p>



<p>My one hour Luminant Facial is a new one for Danesfield using Comfort Zone cleanser, peel, mask, serum and moisturiser. My therapist, Pauline, put the aromatherapy oils on her wrists before the treatment so it wafted around throughout, a nice touch. At the end she gave me a cloth bracelet scented with the same oils to waft some more at my leisure. The whole thing was a pro affair, a warm, comfortable and solid bed, immaculate towels and Pauline had the sort of calm and composed air that didn&#8217;t make you question whether you wanted to spend upwards of £1 a minute at the hands of this person. Spa treatments are an extravagance and &#8211; while the cost here is on a par with spas of a similar calibre &#8211; you want to feel in safe hands and serene surroundings &#8211; so ask for Pauline if you go. My skin felt fresh, smooth and soft even a couple of days later and I had a couple of compliments to boot.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disability-access">DISABILITY ACCESS</h2>



<p>The restaurant is on the ground floor and there are accessible rooms on this floor, though the hotel recommends calling ahead to discuss your access needs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs">DOGS</h2>



<p>Dogs are welcome to stay for a fee of £25 a night and can be taken in the bar and the gardens but no other areas of the hotel. You can also book a mobile grooming service that will come to the hotel for a spot of pampering.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<p>With Marlow and Henley both within 15 minute’s drive you’ve got chichi riverside mooching galore. In Marlow there’s indie shopping as well as chic high street brands and fo course the Kerridge pubs and riverside walks. National Trust-wise <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court">Greys Court</a> and <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden">Cliveden</a> are the closest, both with their own charms, and if you’re travelling with kids, the privately owned 850 year old <a href="https://www.stonor.com/">Stonor Park</a> with its Tumblestone Hollow children’s play area, festivals and foodie events is a winner. With the Thames so close, it’s a shame not to get on it (if not in it). The outdoor adventure centre <a href="https://www.longridge.org.uk/">Longridge</a>, just over the Marlow bridge, has got you covered with kayak, canoe, dragon boating and rafting experiences to book.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115714.628.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161945" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115714.628.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115714.628-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-20T115714.628-400x280.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This is trad country house hotel done right &#8211; eccentric and lavish furnishings but spotlessly clean and with up to date food and drink offering while still appeasing the roast beef crowd. While regal, there&#8217;s a calm feel to the place and within minutes of arriving you drop into a rabbit hole of a bygone era with china tea cups, courteous service from black and white uniformed staff and a kind of gentle refinement that isn’t easy to drum up. It’s like your favourite glam aunt who’s gorgeously eccentric but not let herself go.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> multi-generational groups will love the space for kids, the history for oldies and the choice of settings for special occasions.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> wasabi gel aside, there isn’t a wide offering of uber contemporary food and drink here so if it’s mezcal negronis and Korean hot wings that you’re after among fellow top-knotted East Londoners, you may be left wanting.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Rooms start from £239 a night for bed and breakfast and £347 for dinner, bed and breakfast. </p>



<p>Danesfield House Hotel, Marlow, Bucks; <a href="https://danesfieldhouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://danesfieldhouse.co.uk/</a></p>


Muddy stays: Danesfield House Hotel

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