Hortus Grandis
8 guests
-
4 bedrooms, 6 beds
2 bathrooms
+1 extra toilet
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A fine, period home, tucked away in manicured walled gardens, this rural retreat is all about Georgian elegance and exquisite taste. With enough space for a large family or a group of friends celebrating something special, it would originally have been the head gardener's home – built in the 1780s and surrounded by a walled garden of around an acre. Set inside a wider estate of ancient woods and parkland, the sweeping drive makes for a grand entrance, with neat lawns for children and dogs to frolic on. Inside, a formal sitting room and a dining room offer plenty of traditional country house charm, with classics on the bookshelves and a roaring fire to sit beside after winter walks, while a snug provides a comfy place to play board games or watch TV. There's a smart kitchen, with everything you could need for cooking full meals at home, and a useful boot room for muddy feet and paws, while upstairs classic country furniture and neutral tones make the bedrooms comfy and calming. Outside, play games in the garden in the shade of the giant pines, or head to the studio for a few games of table tennis. Stride off across the parkland paths to spot wildlife or drive to the nearby village of Watton at Stone on the River Beane. Around three minutes away by car, there's a pub and a village bakery, along with a butcher and a deli to pick up fresh ingredients.
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What to expect
Highlights
Stay in the Hertfordshire countryside – your home is close to the River Beane, around fifteen minutes from Hertford by car
Admire the impressive Georgian residence, set in its own walled garden
Cosy up around the fire in the elegant sitting room
Head to the games room in the grounds for a few rounds of table tennis
Play some board games or just watch TV in the comfortable snug
Stride across the manicured lawns in your private gardens
Like what you see? Explore more of this home
Home truths
There's plenty of private parking here for up to six vehicles, and a secure, gated entrance
The private garden is fully enclosed and safe for children and pets
Your host can provide non-allergenic bedding on request
Please note there are steps up to the entrance and no bedrooms on the ground floor – the gravel drive can also be difficult for those with restricted mobility
The cellar and attic space are off limits as they're used for storage
Mobile phone and wi-fi signal is variable here
One well-behaved dog is welcome to sleep downstairs
About this stay
Amenities
Outdoor fireplace / firepit
Outdoor seating
Desk / workplace
Wi-fi
Pets allowed
Parking available
Washing machine
Dryer
Bedrooms & bathrooms
4 bedrooms, 6 beds
2 bathrooms, 1 additional toilet
Extras
VIP services
Luggage storage
Additional fees
Your host can organise welcome baskets for special occasions, and arrange a private chef or wildlife photography experiences for an additional fee
Your host can help you arrange hot tub hire through a local company
Additional fees subject to a 3.5% handling charge.
Extras are subject to availability. Please enquire with your host.
Local guide
About Hertfordshire
With its rambling country estates, rolling valleys, forest-clad hills and chocolate box villages, Hertfordshire feels quintessentially British. Picnic in the grounds of Jacobean manors or journey through the centuries at St Albans’ Norman cathedral and the Roman Theatre of Verulamium. Follow canal towpaths to idyllic pubs, but not before stepping straight into the magical world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. After elevenses in a tearoom and...
Explore the area
Local restaurants, cafes, museums, sites and activities, recommended by our community of hosts and travel experts
Explore the Majestic Knebworth House
Stunning gothic mansion with beautiful gardens, dinosaur trail, and adventure playground. Friendly staff, guided tours, and a reasonably priced cafe make it a perfect family day out.
Explore Hatfield House's Majestic Architecture and Gardens
Step into history at Hatfield House, a grand Jacobean stately home surrounded by stunning gardens. Marvel at the spectacular ceilings, paintings, and furniture while immersing yourself in fascinating historical facts. Don't miss the beautiful and well-kept gardens, perfect for a peaceful escape and picturesque walks. Enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant or indulge in ice cream from the shop. For an enhanced experience, join a private tour with charming guide Dermot.
Explore the History of Hertford at Hertford Museum
Discover the fascinating story of Hertford through archaeological, social, and historical exhibits at this charming, charity-run museum. Perfect for a family day out or a stroll along the river.
Explore Panshanger Park
Sprawling countryside park with lakes, woodland, and historical structures. Perfect for walking, picnicking, and admiring wildlife. A hidden gem for nature lovers.
Dine at Elle's Kitchen
A popular restaurant in Hertford offering a wide menu with hot and tasty food. Don't miss the sensational chilli beef and coconut rice combo!
Dine at Mudlarks Garden Cafe
This friendly cafe in Hertford offers superb food, including healthy vegetarian/vegan options and gluten-free offerings. The staff are attentive and the atmosphere is welcoming to all. Don't miss their delicious cakes, like the Bakewell muffin and banana sticky toffee cake.
Get around
Airport
London Luton
39 min
London Stansted
54 min
London City
58 min
Train station
Watton-at-Stone
5 min
Bus stop
Robin Hood PH
3 min
Local shops & services
Supermarket
4 min
Cafe
3 min
Pharmacy
8 min
Booking policies
House Rules
Children welcome (1-12 years)
Infants welcome (under 12 months)
Pets welcome
No parties or events
No smoking
Good to know
Arrival from 16:00
Departure before 10:00
Wifi
No air con
Cancellation policy
Up until
30
days
Cancel at least 30 days before your check-in date for a full refund.
Up until
7
days
Cancel at least 7 days before your check-in date for a 50% refund.
Not eligible for a refund once your check-in date is under 7 days away.
Host
This home is managed by Thomas
This home is managed directly by its owner who will be your point of contact before and during your stay. Dedicated to making your stay as regal as possible, the team will be on hand to help you arrange added extras, and to offer local recommendations.
This home is nominated for the Plum Guide Award.
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- Every home scrutinised by experts, they have to meet our standards.
- Hosts we knowHigh-quality hosting, with track records of high-quality hosting.
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