Cliveden
Nestled in the Chilterns about 30 miles west of London, this Italianate mansion and its 376-acre estate occupy land that slopes gently down to the River Thames. The word ‘Cliveden’ means ‘valley among the cliffs’. Now a Grade I listed building, the stately home hotel includes 47 guest rooms, two restaurants and the Library Bar. If you’re lucky enough to be a guest, there’s a health spa with indoor pool, tennis courts, gym and a flotilla of vintage boats at your disposal.
In 1696, the 1st Earl of Orkney purchased Cliveden. He had the gardens landscaped including the Octagon Temple and Blenheim Pavilion, two surviving highlights. In 1795, a candle started a fire that destroyed the house. Rebuilt in 1824, the second mansion was also destroyed by fire just 25 years later. So we come to this third house, designed in 1851 by Charles Barry for the 2nd Duke of Sutherland, and little-changed since that time.
In 1961, Cliveden was at the heart of the infamous political scandal between “model” Christine Keeler and Secretary of State, John Profumo MP. They met at a house party hosted by the 3rd Viscount Astor. Their liaison was alleged to involve a security breach with the Soviet Intelligence Agency, later disproved.
In 1942, the Astors gifted Cliveden to the National Trust along with a huge endowment on the condition that they could continue to live there. By the 1970s, the house had a new life as part of the overseas campus of Stanford University. In 1984, it was leased to Blakeney Hotels who restored it, filled it with Edwardian furnishings and created a luxury hotel with lavish rooms and suites. Above the 16th Century fireplace remains the portrait of Nancy, Lady Astor by John Singer Sargent.
Cliveden remains one of the most impressive estates in England with its display of wealth and grandeur that reflects a bygone era. At Violets & Tea, we just love visiting and staying overnight, and indulging in the delicious afternoon teas on offer.



We stay at Cliveden on our Enchanting Cotswolds & the Chelsea Flower Show tour in 2021.
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Images © Eliza Ford


