The Grove Hotel

At the time of this Hertfordshire estate’s founding, it took rather longer to travel the 18 miles from London. Today the splendid Georgian house that is The Grove — along with its attractive contemporary addition — offers all the charms of a country-house luxury hotel, an absurdly short ride from the capital. And we mean all the charms: not just afternoon tea and a wander in the garden, but everything from nature trails and spa treatments to golf, tennis, even archery.

The Mansion’s rooms and suites are a touch more historical in style than those in the much more recent West Wing, but the difference is one of degree, not of kind. Regular renovations have kept them all looking sharp, and the comforts are unobtrusively modern. And The Grove is family-friendly to a remarkable degree — not only do many units comfortably house families, but the kids’ club keeps them effortlessly entertained.

The Grove’s championship golf course and its Sequoia spa account for a large part of its appeal. Summertime sees a wealth of activities added to the menu at the Walled Garden, with its outdoor pool, landlocked beach, and outdoor cinema. And year-round, three permanent restaurants serve Grove guests; additional pop-ups and special dinners, some of them seasonal, augment the offering.