Our program officially begins today, when you arrive at Hartwell House and Spa, a remarkable historical gem nestled in the English countryside.

More than just a luxury hotel, Hartwell House boasts a fascinating past. This Grade I-listed historic house, now owned by the National Trust, features picturesque tree-lined avenues, a croquet lawn, and a charming church. It has the unique distinction of having been the family residence of the exiled French King Louis XVIII for five years. It was also the ancestral home of King John and a Chancellor of the Exchequer, among other notable figures. As you arrive and take a moment before its grand façade for our exclusive program, you’ll feel a palpable connection to history.

Over our four-day program, we've designed opportunities to connect and enjoy each other's company through delightful cocktails, dinners, guided garden walks, and traditional afternoon teas – all within the elegant ambiance of a English Country House Soirée.

A highlight will be a tour of the magnificent gardens led by Hartwell’s head gardeners. Landscaped by a contemporary of Capability Brown, the grounds feature lime tree-lined avenues, croquet lawns, a serene private lake with a unique bridge (fashioned from the central arch of James Paine’s 18th-century Kew Bridge), an impressive Gothic Tower, and a classical Italianate Ionic Temple.

On the afternoon of your arrival, we will serve a traditional high tea with canapés, sandwiches, and pastries in the Drawing Room, allowing for a relaxed early evening. Our esteemed historian will also join us, providing an engaging overview of Hartwell House's illustrious history.

Overnight at Hartwell House & Spa.
(High Tea)

A 1-night Pre Journey Stay is available for those who wish to arrive early.

Thenford Gardens
Prepare to be enchanted by this truly exceptional garden, a personal creation of Lord and Lady Heseltine. It beautifully blends the tradition of 18th-century landscape design with the passion of a plant collector, promising delightful surprises at every turn. The diverse plant collections and design reflect a wealth of stories.

Sulgrave Manor and Gardens
We continue with a visit to the charming village of Sulgrave, where our experience will commence at St. James the Lessor. Following this, we will proceed to the magnificent Sulgrave Manor House and Gardens.

At the Manor, we have arranged for a delightful lunch and a private tour of the house and gardens, providing us with a unique opportunity to fully appreciate the rich history of the estate. We will explore its significant connection to the Treaty of Ghent—a pivotal agreement that established peace between Britain and the United States following the War of 1812—and observe a memorable double flag ceremony featuring the RAF and USAF, during which the British and American flags will be lowered simultaneously.

Furthermore, we will learn about the vital contributions of the NSCDA and other key individuals in the restoration of this ancestral home of George Washington. It is also our distinct pleasure to welcome Mrs. Carole Souter CBE, Chair of the Sulgrave Manor Trust and past Interim Chair of Historic Royal Palaces, who will be sharing her valuable expertise with us during our visit.

Following our visits, we will return to Hartwell House to continue our English Country House Soirée with a lovely dinner.

Overnight at Hartwell House & Spa.
(B,L,D)

Today’s visit marks the highly anticipated unveiling of the seven-year renovation of Woburn Abbey, one of Britain’s most iconic and historically significant estates.

Woburn Abbey
Our program culminates with a specially curated visit and lunch at the newly renovated Woburn Abbey, which has been closed to the public since 2019. For nearly 400 years, Woburn Abbey, set within a stunning 3,000-acre deer park, has been the seat of the Dukes of Bedford, currently home to the 15th Duke and Duchess. Originally founded as a Cistercian abbey in 1145, it was transformed into the magnificent estate we see today, brimming with history, ancient tales, and beautiful artifacts.

We will return to Hartwell for our final evening together before you depart for Scotland, Ireland, or your independent explorations.

Overnight at Hartwell House & Spa.
(B,L,D)