A Sleepover At The Langley Hotel

Setting The Scene

This sophisticated air continues into the lobby, as you are greeted by the affable front of house team. Following six years of meticulous restoration by Dennis Irvine Studio, the hotel opened in 2019, yet still feels incredibly fresh in spite of the original features. Once the home of the Third Duke of Marlborough, Charles Spencer, the surrounding grounds were designed by England’s most-famed gardener, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and well worth exploring if you can tear yourself away from the main house. 

The Aesthetics

The vibe: classic historic home with a glossy finesse. There are reproduction portraits of the Spencer Churchill family throughout, a large Italian chandelier — each glistening droplet painstakingly hand-crafted — impressive bronze Venetian doors, and the intricate original mosaic flooring, which was only recently uncovered, previously hidden beneath modest carpet.

The Rooms

The true definition of a boutique hotel, The Langley boasts 41 rooms spread between the main building and an adjacent Grade II-listed Brew House, which was the former stables. Suites are grand and sprawling, in a tasteful mocha hue and augmented by delicate filigree chandeliers. A smattering of old masters-style paintings nod to the heritage, whilst marble-clad bathrooms complimented by fragrant Noble Isle products offer modern luxury edge. The rooms in the Brew House are more rustic and quaint, with wooden beams and tartan soft furnishings for an overall country chic feel. 

The Dining

Dinner at Cedar is decidedly romantic, replete with gilded chandeliers. Opt for one of the tables by the window, for yet more views of the glorious grounds. Locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients underpin the Mediterranean-inspired menu, which boasts such variety your decision will prove tricky. No matter what you order, piping hot homemade sourdough bread, served with porcini mushroom butter, is a must. Standout starters include slow-cooked pork belly with tangy green apple and rich polenta with mushroom and scamorza cheese. Main courses are meat heavy with venison decadently served with black truffle, hazelnut puree and red wine jus, or butter-soft beef fillet served with hearty triple cooked chips. Be sure to save room for the impossibly light yet decadent tiramisu.

The Drawing Room serves quintessential afternoon tea, the setting adding a touch of elegance to proceedings with original artworks, high-corniced ceilings, and views of the lake. It also offers an informal all day dining menu of pizzas, caesar salads and beef ragu tagliatelle. Fancy something a little stronger? Head to the Churchill Bar for a glass of the house pour, Veuve Clicquot, an impressive selection of cognacs, and signature cocktails with an innovative twist. The warming and sweet walnut and maple old fashioned, or decidedly spring-like Garden Fizz no 2 are welcome sharpeners.

The Spa

The highlight of the hotel is the impressive 1600m2 spa. A true temple of wellness, you will want to carve out sufficient time during your stay to sample the amenities. One of the largest subterranean spas in Europe, you may get lost in the maze of bleached wood corridors lined with hurricane lamps. Spend your time hopping between the exceptional thermal facilities— the sauna, rose quartz steam room, ice showers, heated loungers and pummelling jet whirlpools — before taking languid strokes of the 16-metre heated pool. The treatment menu is extensive using results-driven products from luxurious beauty brands such as Sisley Paris, Margaret Dabbs and La Sultane De Saba in restorative yet relaxing rituals.

I experienced the Akwaterra Massage, which began by selecting a soothing massage oil: a transporting blend of frangipane for hydration, carrot for healing, and prickly pair for its anti-aging properties. Next followed a ritual combining deep tissue massage with heated ceramic tools to work deeper into tight knots, cellulite, and areas of tension. I drifted in and out of the fringes of sleep atop the gently warmed bed and emerged 90 minutes later with noticeably lighter limbs and strokeably soft skin. 

The Extras

A brisk walk around the grounds will work off last night’s dinner, pick up a map from reception and stop by the wellington boot room for a pair of Aigle boots before venturing out. You find the hotel’s adorable pair of pygmy goats, and beyond the private grounds is Langley Park, a country park with an Arboretum and Temple Gardens.

Visit thelangley.com to book now.