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Step back in time
Can a Historic House Hotel be both a portal to the past and a modern-day sanctuary?
own the wide, sweeping driveway, past the spa – a peaceful sanctuary in what was once the coach house – and the dramatic outline of Hartwell House comes into view.
The statue of Frederick, Prince of Wales, sits grandly on his horse as a red kite flies past overhead.
At the studded wooden door, Hotel Director Kevin Hughes greets new arrivals, welcoming them into an immediately warm atmosphere. There’s a sense of stepping into a friend’s home – but with the period designs, opulence and drama of a historic property. Hartwell House in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, is one of a trio of treasures – alongside Middlethorpe Hall in York and Bodysgallen Hall near Llandudno, Conwy – saved by businessman and philanthropist Richard Broyd when he founded Historic House Hotels in 1979. Though each had flourished for centuries as a country estate, time had taken its toll, and by the late 20th century, their fortunes had diverged: Hartwell had served as a wartime military billet and a girls’ college, Middlethorpe had spent a decade operating as a nightclub, and Bodysgallen was a struggling bed and breakfast.
‘I wanted to return them to their original state, furnishing them appropriately and restoring them for the future,’ explains Richard. In 2008, he donated the estates to the Trust to ensure their long-term protection.
Above The terrace at Bodysgallen Hall, North Wales, overlooks historic gardens with Conwy Castle and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) beyond
Above View from Hartwell House, Buckinghamshire, of the statue of Frederick, Prince of Wales
As they were in their heyday, these estates are abuzz with guests, grandeur and vibrant hospitality
How did he decide on the vision for their modern renaissance? ‘The buildings and their grounds speak to you,’ he says. ‘As the poet Alexander Pope advised, you must “consult the genius of the place in all”. Fortunately, we have an extensive archive of photographs, which has informed our careful restoration.’
Sourcing period items has been key to evoking the atmosphere past residents might have enjoyed. At Hartwell, original pieces sold off in 1938 when the Lee family gave up the property to prevent its demolition have since been repurchased, restored and returned to their rightful setting.
One of the house’s most famous residents was Louis XVIII of France, who lived in exile at Hartwell during the Napoleonic Wars. At auction, King Louis’s writing desk was reacquired. Today, it sits in the Morning Room, where guests are invited to enjoy afternoon tea or read a newspaper. ‘It’s very satisfying when a portrait or piece of furniture is returned to a room after nearly 90 years,’ says Richard. ‘It’s wonderful to see history become part of the present.’
Above Bodysgallen’s 17th-century parterre in winter
At Middlethorpe Hall, the gilt chandelier that hangs over the main staircase has remained in position for decades. ‘You can see it in 1950s photographs, and it survived three or four changes of ownership, even during its nightclub years,’ he says. ‘Imagine the stories it could tell!’
Balancing an authentic spirit with modern comforts is no small feat. ‘These are still country houses with well-maintained gardens, an excellent chef, a well-filled wine cellar, yet with all the modern amenities that guests expect,’ says Richard. ‘The hotels are presided over by hospitable directors and their staff.’
From each guest room, views sweep over parkland carefully managed to restore the planting schemes of the 16th and 17th centuries. Head Gardener Robert Owen has worked at Bodysgallen for over 45 years and has reinstated the estate’s historic gardens, including a formal rose garden, rare 17th-century parterre and kitchen garden. Wildlife thrives: muntjac deer and swans grace the park at Hartwell, while deer are often spotted at dusk at Middlethorpe.
As they were in their heyday, these estates are abuzz with guests, grandeur and vibrant hospitality. Thanks to the hard work of the Historic House Hotels teams, they have been returned to their former splendour, complete with exquisite dining and impeccable service. After a night’s stay, people feel thoroughly looked after, says Richard. ‘They always remember the warm welcome and excellent service.’
Come and stay
We look forward to welcoming you to a Historic House Hotel.
Bodysgallen Hall near Llandudno, North Wales, and Middlethorpe Hall in York both start from £139 per person per night, to include accommodation for two people in a classic double or twin-bedded room, cooked breakfast and use of the health spa, plus a £25 allowance each towards dinner food in the hotel restaurant and a £20 voucher each per stay towards pre booked spa treatments.
Or stay at Hartwell House in the Vale of Aylesbury from £149 per person per night, to include £25 allowance each towards dinner food in the hotel restaurant and a £20 voucher each per stay towards pre-booked spa treatments.
You’ll also receive a free walking map of the estate.
Please note
a supplement for single occupancy will apply to all hotels. Please quote NTMAG26 when booking.
Terms and conditions: This offer is valid for stays Sunday to Thursday from 1 October 2026 to 25 March 2027, excluding 23 December–2 January, 14 February.
Text by Freya Parr. National Trust Images x6, National Trust/John Millar
Contact us
General enquiries, including changing membership details:
0344 800 1895
Supporter Service Centre, National Trust, PO Box 7083, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 1XE
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