“The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.” – Jane Austen.
The treasured titles of novelist Jane Austen have nevermore ceased to send our hearts a flutter, as we’ve revelled in memories of our Pride and Prejudice heart throb Mr Darcy, emerging dripping from the lake, or the eponymous, headstrong Emma causing meddling mayhem with her matchmaking antics.
With the UK forevermore in the heat of their fervour for all things Bridgerton and Austen, it couldn’t be a more befitting staycation occasion to welcome in our hearts with passionate fervour, Henry’s Townhouse; the palatial Georgian treasure and one time dwelling of Austen’s beloved favoured brother, Henry Thomas Austen, which also hosted Jane herself on umpteen occasions.
Revived via impassioned affection to its lionised regency dynasty with a cocooned layering of 21st century niceties, it was utter joy to be invited by the fantabulous Henry’s Townhouse household and join them in an immersive literacy crusade, basked in grandiose visual chronicles kindled by the illustrious Austen lineage.
The hotel
Henry’s Townhouse joins its Edenic Cotswolds sibling of the Temple Guiting Manor estate in leafy Gloucestershire, elevating the presence of this illustrious portfolio that harmonises the UK’s sacred heritage, and glamorous modern luxuries with a stylish flourish.
A plain sailing stroll at little over five minutes from Marble Arch tube station has you ogling at a shiny, antique gold wall plaque brandishing Henry’s title, next to a jet cobra black door of a delightfully discreet, Grade II listed building huddled next to it’s fellow Georgian terrace entourage.
One buzz of the brass bell and I was in the standing in the presence of the graceful house manager Ann Grimes, immaculately attired with a beaming smile and a demeanour possessing such fluid poise akin to a ballet dancer, that I found my back automatically stretching that little bit taller. As I was ushered into the property’s chequered entryway, it became inevitable that a wondrous, literary fairy-tale awaited.
Stopped in my tracks by an exquisite mirror bejewelled in luxe antique gold leaf intricacy, the lovely Ann gently released me from my trance to lead me into the splendour of Jane’s Reading Room. Paying abundant adulation to Jane Austen’s decorum, a soothing colour palette of cream and pastel green enveloped the walls. The room was adorned with ancestral gilt-framed paintings against soft petal blush curtains, silk sofa drapes and a chocolate wood corner desk perfectly placed for a spot of Austen reading, while munching ones way through the selection of artisan chocolates and savoury treats laid out for your indulgence.
Suspended over the reception area was a chandelier, glittering with ceremonial pomp as luminescent crystal droplets radiated next to the draping chandelier necklace fixtures, and imitation fire candles set in to create a soft warm glow for the sunset hours.
Luxuriating on the velvet sofa, a welcome crystal flute of ice cold Bollinger made its way from the silver ice bucket and into my grasp, as Ann revealed modern amenities of sleek HD TV and Wi-Fi cleverly and discreetly stowed out of sight.
On route to my noble quarters for the next 48 hours, I opted for a quick appearance within the intimate hideaway of Henry’s drawing room, soaking in the sophisticated chivalrous ambience of dark shades, striped walls and brass lighting knowing it would make for an idyllic, leisurely post evening affair to relish a deep bodied glass of red, accompanied by a selection of delectable petit fours.
Rooms
Six glorious enchanting bedrooms, befitting a lionised Duke or Duchess, reside within the habitat of Henry’s Townhouse, each uniquely designed and titled after a member from the Austen household of Eliza, Cassandra, James, Frank, Phylly and Charles, with intricate room keys each bearing their respective Austen members’ miniature portraits.
It is owners Steven and Jane Collins, and their indomitable collaboration with Russell Sage Studio (The Goring and Zetter Townhouse), to whom we owe having our presence within this regal address. They have meticulously illustrated a beguiling medley of the yesteryears’ interior magic, with a requisite glamorous blend of an avant-garde comforts including La Bruket Sweden bath amenities, fluffy bathrobes and Dyson hairdryers.
The backdrop of Cassandra could only be concluded as a winsome vision of pure aristocratic beauty, doused in a purified powder blue confection, 18th century furnishings, and a dramatic jewelled hanging chandelier, while the peach and cream settings of Phylly’s chambers claims possibly the longest mattress in London at a colossal 7ft. Nothing, however, had quite prepared me for the occasion as I cautiously opened the double doors, and entered the enrapturing bridal like boudoir that was the larger-than-life Eliza.
Stretched at 312 ft² and encased in a flawless sheathe of baby pink hue, the suite exhibited the embodiment of Jane’s socialite sister in law as the belle of the ball and all things glitter of this princely property. Silk drape curtains, a Chinoiserie writing desk and a lavish chaise lounge abundant with velvet cushions encircled a grand king four poster bed, fastened with blush frills and drapes. But the sight of flawless artistry, however, was the bathroom, housing a spotless white bath and shower encased in a theatrically tented silk canvas, finished with gleaming mother of pearl and period tiling rising up behind the bath.
On hand to satiate those peckish and parched cravings is a very British mini-bar, brimming with quintessential sweet and salted morsels plucked right from the charming Cotswolds hills, chosen to savour over a glass of delicate, golden English sparkling like a true aristocrat for the 6pm hour.
Food and drink
While a restaurant doesn’t sit on site within Henry’s Townhouse, you are in for a flavoursome treat by having the privilege of an array of coveted fine dining establishments and gastronomical eateries nearby. Whether it be a tender Indian curry with Welsh lamb at Michelin-starred Trishna or a butter soft, wood-grilled beef fillet bathing in peppercorn sauce at the Chiltern Firehouse, expect a tantalising and varied myriad of worldly tastebuds, right within neighbouring proximity of your home from home.
For discerning guests in dubious doubt to remove themselves from the colonial life of Riley, the ever gracious Ann takes great delight in personally ordering your takeaway requests to have beautifully laid out in the comfort of the snug basement pantry (more to follow on this swiftly). For the more hedonistic visitors, Henry’s Townhouse has all the kitchen provisions to have their own personal private chefs whip up their favourite gourmet fare.
Setting the scene for a pre bon ton dining aperitif lies non other than the lavish yet eccentric grandeur of the carriage snug, drawing inspiration from the opulent first class railway carriages swathed in dark velvet throws and sumptuous cushions, as you savour a vintage flute of cuvée or a carefully curated cocktail concoction from the plentiful beverage cupboards.
For a morning encounter featuring the utmost in elegant, sybaritic breakfast banquets, Henry’s visitors are treated to a fulsome spread fit for an empress. Merrily making my way down to the pantry, I was welcomed by sweet aromas of warm pastries sourced from the local family delicatessens, followed by a staggering, custom designed refectory dining table of the finest wood hosting fine bone China dining accessories, and polished silverware, neighbouring an Aga set with London Stone surround inside the original fireplace.
A steaming cup of fragrant English Breakfast had adequately whet my appetite as I sat down to a repast of a cheese platter loaded with mild and creamy British cheeses, crunchy granola with hints of caramelised honey, and thick Greek yoghurt with a vibrant fresh fruit platter, not missing out on a fresh squeezed orange juice brimming with sweet pulp.
Reluctant to commit to the full English breakfast, despite the tempting allure, I opted for a small but hearty helping of perfectly prepared scrambled eggs with added hints of real chives, a dollop of cream, and generous sprinklings of real cracked pepper served with crispy sourdough toast slathered with local farmed butter.
As the soothing sunshine rays began to reflect its way through the thick clouds, Ann insisted I make my way to our rare London treat of the outdoor terrace space and relish in another glass pot of English Breakfast tea, before switching on the laptop.
To do
Enveloped closely to a charismatic leafy quarter of London’s affluent W1 postcode, Henry’s Townhouse boasts an envious address near to the capital’s most spirited and picturesque localities, dotted with an adorable assemblage of chic indie boutiques, and artisan coffee hideaways to keep visitors engaged.
For literature enthusiasts, Daunt Books serves as a further reading haven engulfed in trappings of solid oak mezzanines with accumulating volumes of prized tales, while La Fromagerie uncovers a walk-in cheese room, flaunting a delicious status as one of London’s sublime cheesemongers with their helpings loaded with lashings of mascarpone, brimming with nut earthy notes and chopped black truffle.
For a little tourist escapade, one can immerse themself in the world of Arthur Conan Doyle through a Sherlock Holmes adventure to his residence at 221B Baker Street, or an unsurpassed art crusade within the grandeur of the Wallace Collection museum.
In a nutshell
London has never failed in its hospitality performance in playing host to some of the exceptional five-star and private rental gems of the dandiest calibre.
Blessed to be pursuing a venture which has sent me to some of world’s most luxuriously envied hotels and lust-worthy personal butler residences, Henry’s Townhouse has eternally carved a special standing as one of the most heavenly accommodation specimens I have ever stepped foot in. From the fascinating rooms echoing their distinctive visual stories upon entrance, to the astounding hosting mastery displayed by Ann Grimes, who wastes not a second in making you feel like a Lady of the Manor throughout.
With the nation once again freshly submerged in the bygone era fever with the brand new Netflix prequel, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Henry’s Townhouse takes great delight to invite their refined residing guests, and ignite their fantasies for all things Pride and Prejudice, Downtown Abbey and Bridgerton within this revived courtly darling as buoyant as Bingley, and debonair as Darcey.
Factbox
Henry’s Townhouse can be rented on a room by room basis from approximately £595 a night, or a full property hire at approximately £4,900 a night inclusive of breakfast, minibar, afternoon tea treats and evening cocktail hour.
Address: 24 Upper Berkeley St, London, W1H 7QH
Phone: +44 7557 100892
Website: henrystownhouse.co.uk
All imagery unless stated otherwise credit: Henry’s Townhouse
