Of all the luxury British country-house hotels that have opened in the last half-century, just one, Hambleton Hall, has remained impervious to fortune and is as fresh, magical and enveloping as the day its owners, Tim and Stefa Hart, first welcomed guests nearly 40 years ago. Contented but never complacent, it offers no more than sophisticated yet deeply comfortable classic English interiors, the brilliant, locally sourced cooking of chef Aaron Patterson (the hotel has held a Michelin star for a record 35 unbroken years) and a joyous wine list curated by revered sommelier Dominique Baduel. There’s a swimming pool, tennis court, kitchen garden and views across Hambleton’s south-facing terrace and formal gardens that take your breath away. After an afternoon in the fresh air, Hambleton’s many aficionados return to their haven, where key staff – general manager, restaurant manager, chef, sommelier, housekeeper, receptionist, laundress – have notched up 200 years of continual service between them.
Rutland Water (walk or cycle round the Hambleton peninsular to catch a glimpse of the ospreys), Hambleton Hall’s Garden and Kitchen Garden, Fine town of Stamford.
Renowned Artisan Breads from Hambleton Bakery.
Modern Art at Goldmark Gallery, Exotic cars at Top 555.
Nota Bene
Noel Coward studied the manners of the upper classes here in the 1920’s.
