Reviewing Horwood House: A Timeless Retreat Celebrating Luxury and History

Turn into the magnificent long driveway that leads to the majestic Horwood House hotel and you are immediately immersed in a sense of a bygone age.

Nestling in the north Buckinghamshire countryside on the edge of the village of Little Horwood just outside Milton Keynes, the tree-lined approach leads to the manor house at its end, designed by arts and crafts architects Blow and Billerey and built in 1911. It is a stunning example of their architectural style and is now grade II listed.

Step inside, by contrast, and you are surrounded by 21^st-century luxury, the result of a £6 million refurbishment completed in 2022 that features a contemporary extension housing most of the comfortable and spacious bedrooms.

I am here with my partner Lee as a treat to celebrate his 40^th birthday. We arrive ahead of check-in time in order to have a leisurely look around, a stroll through the formal gardens designed by the house architects to complement the manor house itself and perhaps enjoy the treatments and facilities in the elegant and stylish spa.

We are invited to enjoy a span session while our room is being prepared, which we were happy to take up. We begin with a wonderful couple’s massage by the hotel’s expert masseurs – so relaxing that Lee fell asleep during the session (bless!).

Now for some serious relaxing after the massage before a swim in the H Spa’s 15-metre pool and a session in the steam room. Having arrived at 1pm, suddenly it was 7.30pm…

Our room is ready, one of the hotel’s king deluxe suites. It is spacious and very comfortable, with no amenity or detail overlooked. Each suite also features a dining table, mini fridge, air-conditioning, complimentary wi-fi and a Nespresso coffee machine.

Throughout the suites and the ground floor of the Manor House is displayed artwork that explores 1911, the year in which the Manor House was built and the landmark events that mark the period, such as the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, along with the publication of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden and works by celebrated poet DH Lawrence.

Our table in the hotel restaurant has been booked for 9pm so we have time to freshen up and enjoy an evening stroll through the grounds – a series of beautiful formal gardens featuring woodlands, a walled garden and a lily pond – before dinner.

Service in the restaurant is attentive and punctual. We enjoy an aperitif each before choosing from the menu: mixed olives and crispy beef croquettes to share as a starter, followed by two juicy, perfectly cooked sirloin steaks. Just the job at the end of a busy day.

Then a surprise. I had mentioned to the hotel that it was Lee’s birthday and they rose to the occasion, bringing him a specially made dessert to celebrate the milestone.

After dinner, we retire to the bar and chat well into the evening, reflecting on a gorgeous day and a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion.

Horwood House is renowned for its modern business facilities too. It is a regular host of events for the local business community: conferences, product launches, dinners, meetings and Christmas parties.

Its history sets it apart. Its attention to detail and level of customer service is second to none. We’ll be back, I’m sure.