By Michael Edwards on Jul 26, 2023 in Accommodation, Europe, Featured, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Back in the 19th century this vast Hertfordshire estate was the home of two British Prime Ministers, Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston. Now, with two championship golf courses named after the former premiers, it is a leafy Mecca for golfers.

Brocket Hall, a neo-classic house completed in 1760, stands at the heart of the 536-acre estate. Working around its elegant symmetry, landscaper Richard Woods, heavily influenced by Capability Brown’s ideas, redirected the River Lea, built bridges, broadened the ornamental lake and planted specimen trees. Criss-crossing the estate with “ridings”, paths for horse drawn carriages, to showcase the splendour of the estate.

Grade 1 listed Melbourne Lodge, formerly the stables where horses were kept for hunting and racing on the estate’s very own race-course, now houses 16 stately, high-ceilinged en-suite luxury rooms.

Overlooking the lake, the golf clubhouse, serving both golf courses, is the place for a pre-round breakfast or lunch. It gives views of Auberge du Lac, one of the most beautifully located restaurants in the country.

The welcome

Tactics for check-in are to park close to the golf clubhouse in the conveniently located pullover point to pick-up your key. Drive up to the entrance to the Grade 1 Listed Melbourne Lodge to drop off your luggage, then drive to the Lodge’s car park.

The room

Named Northern Dancer after the famous racehorse, this dual aspect corner room has views over the parkland. Portraits from the good,…

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