country house hotel Archives - Mimi's Travel File

This looks like countless country house hotels, at first blush. But it’s far, far better than them all. (photo courtesy of Gravetye Manor)

Gorgeous Gardens created by a Groundbreaking Designer

The gardens were designed by one of THE GREATS in garden design, Mr. William Robinson, who pioneered the English country garden look. Robinson’s home was Gravetye Manor for many years, during which time he transformed the 1,000-acre property. Today, Gravetye Manor employs eight full-time gardeners, lest you be wondering why your garden doesn’t look quite like this.

(photo courtesy of Gravetye Manor)

Take a stroll through the gardens, cocktail in hand, as the sun is setting before dinner. (photo courtesy of Gravetye Manor)

(photo courtesy of Gravetye Manor)

Garden design revolutionary, Mr. William Robinson, on his 94th birthday surrounded by the 94 white peonies he received as a present. (photo courtesy of Gravetye Manor)

: Gravetye Manor grows much of the fruits and vegetables it serves, as well as a profusion of flowers, which you will see on tables, windowsills, desks, everywhere around the house. (photo courtesy of Gravetye Manor)

Beautiful Restaurant with a Well-Deserved Michelin Star

That’s the Michelin-starred restaurant in the glass-fronted room looking onto the garden (photo courtesy of Gravetye Manor)

(photo courtesy of Gravetye Manor)

When sitting inside the restaurant after dark, one can see the garden thanks to tasteful up-lighting. (my fab photo)

Eating at Gravetye Manor’s restaurant is like eating inside of a Monet painting! (photo courtesy of Gravetye Manor)

I usually find food photos intensely boring but had to make an exception here.

When I requested a starter with lots of vegetables, they whipped up this beauty with a perfect egg yolk in its center, despite its not being on the menu that night. (photo courtesy of Gravetye Manor)

Rhubarb souffle with ginger ice cream: Swoon! (photo courtesy of Gravetye Manor)

Old, Pretty Manor House in Mint Condition

Built in 1598 Gravetye Manor has had many an owner but its most notable was Mr. William Robinson, who lived here from 1884-1935 AND pioneered the English country garden look. He grew up poor, became a gardener, worked on increasingly fine gardens, wrote about them, and gradually saved enough money to buy the 1,000 acres that make up Gravetye Manor today. Read about him here!

The wood is polished to a sheen and nary a speck of dust is in sight. (photo courtesy of Gravetye Manor)

Reception: warm, welcoming, and flower-laden (photo courtesy of Gravetye Manor)

Gravetye Manor has 17 big, handsome bedrooms with beautiful views. Holly and Chestnut are among the best.

This was our room, called Chestnut. (photo courtesy of Gravetye Manor)

This is the view from our window! Despite it being early Spring, the garden is still stunning. (photo courtesy of moi)

Flawless Service

Among THE best service I have ever experienced anywhere, including Asia, which is famous for its service. The managing director is a gentleman who is down-to-earth, has a sense of humor and believes it’s important for the staff’s personality to shine through because only that way does the customer receive genuinely warm service. Perfect! Considerate attention to details included:

When I merely glanced in the closet, the lovely woman who showed us to our room volunteered to bring more hangers.
When I asked for another soap, she brought two.
When we arrived back to Gravetye after a hike, they offered to clean our hiking boots, as if they were the finest of shoes.
Room service arrived when requested.
When we came back to the room after dinner,
- the TV guide was open on our bed with the controls on top of it,
- the tea kettle had been filled with water for the next morning,
- a detailed map of the local area with the sites marked on them was open on the desk,
- and a bookmark had been placed by each of our books.

Fun Facts

Gravetye Manor is 12 miles from England’s Gatwick Airport…though nary a plane will you hear when staying there.
While Gravetye Manor is 30 miles from central London, don’t think about taking a day-trip here, as you will be sad to leave after dinner.
We went to Gravetye because I had seen this article in Flower magazine about its glories. Check it out!
Things to Do: Many historic houses, famous gardens and fun activities abound nearby, including Winston Churchhill’s home, Chartwell, and Hever Castle, the girlhood home of Anne Boleyn, one of Henri VIII’s wives.