Last updated on September 16th, 2025 at 03:20 pm

Danesfield House: a hidden gem in Buckinghamshire

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

I can’t wait to return to Danesfield House Hotel & Spa! I booked a romantic weekend there last Valentine’s for my husband, and every moment was pure indulgence: luxury, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.

Just 30 minutes from London, it’s the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and enjoy a little luxury. Here are my favorite memories from our stay!

Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON invites you to discover the charm and luxury of Danesfield House Hotel & Spa.

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

Danesfield House Hotel and Spa

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

We arrived at this stunning retreat, nestled between Marlow and Henley-on-Thames in Buckinghamshire, on a crisp, sunny day, and were instantly captivated by the grand buildings and elegant gardens.

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

What struck us first upon entering the property was the elegant tree-lined drive of hornbeams, framed perfectly beneath the Clock Tower.

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog
Behind these doors, we unpacked our suitcases and settled in for two blissful days of pure tranquility… absolute heaven!
Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog
Even though Danesfield House is just a short drive from London, the moment we stepped inside, it felt like we’d been transported to another world!

The stunning setting, grand architecture, and charming interior design set the perfect tone for the wonderful stay that awaited us.

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

As we soon discovered, Danesfield House is filled with winding corridors, wooden staircases, and a variety of living spaces, each radiating its own unique and picturesque charm.

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog
The kind of hallway in which we took pleasure in getting lost…
Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog
Our favourite room during our stay at Danesfield House: the room with a pool table overlooking the main Hall
Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog
The main Hall with a monumental fireplace…

Danesfield estate: from a Country House to a Hotel & Spa

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

The Danesfield House we see today, with its striking Neo-Tudor style, was completed in 1901 as the family home of Robert William Hudson and transformed into a luxury country house hotel in 1991.

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

The house is the third property to have been built within this beautiful setting with 65 acres of formal gardens and outstanding views over the River Thames and the Chiltern Hills beyond.

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog
There are several lovely places to go and sit to admire the view…such a peaceful and spectacular scenery!

The gardens, beautifully restored and tended since 1989, feature a variety of stunning flowers and unique plantings. I can only imagine how absolutely sumptuous they must be in summer!

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog
What a breathtaking view (beyond the lavenders and naked sculptures :-))!!
Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog
It was such a treat to explore the different spaces and soak up the sun!
Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog
The gardens feature different spaces and designs, giving the place a particular charm…

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

Danesfield House also has a fascinating history: in 1941, during World War II, it was requisitioned as a base for the development of the Royal Air Force’s Intelligence Section.

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

Today, in addition to being a luxury hotel, Danesfield House is home to the award-winning Spa Illuminata, so popular that we couldn’t snag a massage slot (a perfect excuse to return!). For city fans, its sister spa is located in Mayfair.

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog
 This corridor -with a superb outside view- leads to the Spa, which offers the perfect treatments for you to completely let your hair down…

The hotel also boasts a 20-metre swimming pool, steam room, and sauna, all of which we thoroughly enjoyed. The only minor downside? A shortage of loungers around the pool, leaving a few couples wondering where to place their belongings while relaxing.

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

Perfect dinner at Danesfield House

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

No getaway is complete without a memorable dinner! Our evening at the restaurant was pure bliss!

The staff were attentive without being intrusive, and every dish was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. Perfect for a romantic night out.

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

Thanks to the dim lighting, my photos would have done these dishes a cruel injustice! So let’s just talk about the food instead!

My starter, a salad of endives, figs, goat cheese, and candied pecans, was exquisitely fresh and flavorful.

The main, pan-fried seabass with sautéed spinach, saffron potatoes, and asparagus, was perfectly cooked.

And the dessert: berries, vanilla ice cream, and raspberry coulis, was so good I devoured it in seconds. I blame the melting ice cream… though I admit I probably should have savoured it longer!

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

I would have liked to make the whole dinner last forever actually. It was an absolute pleasure. Our only consolation was the prospect of having a delicious breakfast the next day!

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

And it was amazing, again! Breakfast was served indoors, of course, but with a stunning view over the grounds, and the sun was shining to make everything feel absolutely perfect.


Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

Danesfield House’s cosy bedrooms

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

Our room wasn’t especially spacious or luxurious (let’s be honest, it’s all about the budget), but it was warm, cosy, and perfectly comfortable.

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

Still, thoughtful details made the room feel truly comfortable, and small design touches added pops of colour to brighten the otherwise dark space.

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

In the end, it was wonderfully relaxing to unwind here between countryside walks, trips to the restaurant, and refreshing dips in the swimming pool.

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

It’s easy to feel at home at Danesfield House, and leaving this stunning property was the hardest part. Gorgeous surroundings, a unique atmosphere, and top-notch service make it truly unforgettable!

Danesfield House Doyouspeaklondon Lifestyle London Blog

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are planning to treat yourself to this amazing Hotel & Spa, please share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!


To go further:
Danesfield House & Spa: Henley Rd, Marlow-On-Thames SL7 2EY
Website

See my other recommendations for England getaways here.



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