What’s De Vere Latimer Estate like?
This handsome hotel, surrounded by countryside, is a real beauty. While the red brick mansion house is just one of the buildings you can stay in today, the wider Latimer Estate played a key role in the Second World War. Then, it was used by MI5 and MI6 agents to collect enemy secrets. The hotel, which is part of the De Vere group, is also a popular wedding venue.
How dog-friendly is De Vere Latimer Estate?
Good. Bowls and beds are provided upon request and there are 30 acres of green space to explore, which dogs will love. The estate also has a couple of designated poo bins, which are always handy. Pets are not allowed in the main hotel restaurant but they are welcome to dine with their owners on the quieter tables just outside, or in the library. Up to two dogs are welcome per room. There is an additional charge of £30 per dog per stay.
Tell me more about De Vere Latimer Estate
There are a total of 205 rooms here, making it one of the biggest hotels we have stayed in by far. You’ll find the best (and priciest) rooms in the historic mansion house. Two other buildings can accommodate guests though – Latimer Mews and the Waterhouse Suite. These are both much more modern and located a short walk from the main house, which is where you’ll find all the amenities, such as the bar, restaurant, gym, indoor swimming pool and sauna and steam room.
The newer buildings do feel a bit more corporate, as there are conference rooms and breakout spaces available to hire – but if you’re travelling with a dog, they’re actually quite handy as both buildings have easy access to outside space and you can guarantee your dog will pee while you’re walking to breakfast or dinner! Below are a couple of snaps of Latimer Mews, where our room was located on the first floor.
We were very happy with our standard double (Room 624). It was spacious, spotlessly clean and had recently been refurbished in a soothing yet stylish grey colour scheme. The bed, with its tall feature headboard, was nice and comfy and the framed maps of the local area hanging above it were a nice touch. There were tea and coffee making facilities, lots of storage and a large flatscreen TV. I loved the old-fashioned rotary telephone, too.
The WiFi – which worked across the estate – was excellent, and a QR code on the wardrobe allowed you to access a guest directory with lots of information about the estate, local attractions, restaurant menus and so on. There were complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries and fluffy white towels in the monochrome bathroom. And if you forgot any essentials, like phone chargers or paracetamol, you could buy them from a handy vending machine in reception.
What’s the food like at De Vere Latimer Estate?
Tasty, and rather upmarket. The dishes are seasonally inspired and when we visited, there was everything from sirloin steak to seafood salad on the menu. If you’re not in the mood for anything too fancy though, pizzas and burgers are also available. My Moving Mountains Vegan Burger, pictured above, was delicious and the chips were very moreish. The desserts were also very tempting – especially the Regional Artisan Cheeseboard, with delights like Cotswold Brie.
We dined in the relaxed Huntley Bar, which serves a selection of dishes available in the 1838 Restaurant, as well as sandwiches and light bites. But the main restaurant, which is like a giant orangery, is absolutely beautiful. It’s where breakfast is served and the range of buffet options is impressive, with all the usual hot options plus an abundance of fruit and pastries. There’s even a ‘hydration station’ offering five different juices.
Are there resident dogs at De Vere Latimer Estate?
No, but you may well bump into a few others while you’re staying. We saw one or two – but only from a distance.
Where are the best dog walks near De Vere Latimer Estate?
The hotel has 30 acres of grounds to explore and overlooks the beautiful Chess Valley. Maps of local walks are available from reception – or the guest directory online. The 10-mile Chess Valley Walk, which runs from Rickmansworth to Chesham, is very popular with hikers and runs straight past the hotel. For more information about the linear route, which will take you over the footbridge at Sarratt Bottom, pictured above, click here.
The Chorleywood House Estate is also a great place to enjoy a dog walk. This peaceful nature reserve, which is just off the M25 and around a 10-minute drive from the hotel, spans more than 170 acres. There are three dedicated trails that pass through the estate’s parkland and woods, ranging from half a mile to a mile in length. You can also enjoy a gentle stroll along the banks of the River Chess. The estate is open all year round and entry is free.
What I loved about De Vere Latimer Estate
The historic original building, the newly renovated rooms, the sense of history
How to book De Vere Latimer Estate
Overnight stays start from £80. It’s well worth booking direct and signing up to the free Applause loyalty club, as it gives you access to bonuses like 15% off stays and 10% off food. For more information or to book, call 01494 545500 or visit the De Vere Latimer Estate website.