Secret tunnels, partying royalty and playful rascality
A classic 17th century Jacobean hunting lodge with a glam rock heart, today Huntlington House is a luxury self-catering manor fit for grand celebrations. Here, hedonistic souls will feel playfully right at home.
Huntlington House’s pointed gables and stone-mullions could share tales of lavish parties, underground passages, wartime prisoners and science classrooms. Now, as the rural manor enters it’s golden years there’s no luxury spared and no desire too far-fetched. Refined, elegant but with hints of decadent days gone by, this Worcestershire country house and its Romanesque indoor pool and wellness area makes for pure bliss and the ultimate in joyful indulgence while a maze and children’s climbing area ensure unlimited play in the gardens. There are seven bedrooms across two floors and multiple en-suite bathrooms. A music room equipped with drum kit and leather sofas is sure to inspire late-night jam sessions between friends, while glittered skulls and antler chandeliers reside above mantelpieces, harking back to the manor’s hunting lodge roots.
Modern to a tee but with many of its original features fording the foundations, history still abounds here with the wreckage of a 16th century galleon forming the entrance hall ceiling, original floorboards line the upper floors, while fireplaces which once warmed the Earl of Dudley some 300 years ago still roar on winter nights. The house also features beautiful 16th century reception rooms which are the perfect place to while away the evenings with a glass of wine in front of the fire in the main hall followed by an informal supper in the dining room, which has been likened to a James Bond movie setting.
The large kitchen boasts a traditional double Aga, induction hob, electric oven, walk-in larder, walk-in fridge, small second fridge, boiling water tap, two dishwashers, freezer and microwave. A second kitchen can be found on the second floor with electric oven, fridge, hob and microwave and a washer dryer in the separate utility room. Plus, the summerhouse also has a bar, fridge and barbecue and the outdoor kitchen is fully equipped with a fridge, sink, barbecue and pizza oven.
Twelve acres of garden and 18 of farmland surround what was once part of the Witley Court Estate and play host to children’s whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-esque adventures. They can skip through the topiary maze looking for white rabbits, watch shimmering dragonflies hover over the pond and laze on a blanket beneath the spring apple blossoms by moonlight before being safely tucked up in bed. For the sports fans in the party, the garden’s tennis court will call for pre-breakfast doubles matches, while a stone pagoda offers a quiet sanctuary for delving into a novel. Walks at Huntlington House are particularly stunning with golden pathways wending from the house down to the small lake area. There the garden turns into a rustic landscape that takes you through ancient trees and offers views of the Malvern Hills and beyond to the church-spired skyline of Worcester.
Enhance your stay with a unique experience. From professional in-house chefs to arranging for a special wine delivery from a leading wine merchant or at-home spa therapists, the Jarvis family promises a bespoke escape. A handpicked selection of unique experiences are available to help guests live like locals discovering hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions with an insider’s perspective.
Your homestay includes parking for up to 10 cars, a hamper of local goodies and kindling to get you started. The owners, their two friendly dogs and the daily gardener live within the grounds.
