features

"The 'open-necked' style may not be to everyone's liking, but I found it a pleasant change from the unwarranted stuffiness encountered too frequently in soi-disant smart country hotels."

Nicholas Foulkes, Country Life

Rhinefield's past reads like a fascinating history book: from a Saxon manor house in 1066 to a hunting lodge for William the Conqueror in 1079 and later Edward II. From the last meeting place for Oliver Cromwell and Charles I (during Charles' journey to London for his execution) to an unwanted possession of Queen Victoria.

It was bought in 1890 by Mabel Walker, heiress to the Eastwood Collieries (immortalised in the novels of D H Lawrence), on her engagement to Major Munro. The couple commissioned leading architects to build them a lavish house. The Walker Suite was the original bedroom of the house and the beautiful views from the window seat were only for the privileged eyes of Mabel Walker-Munro to enjoy.

A model replica of London's impressive Westminster Hall. Deep rich furnishings, laborious carvings, intricate panelling and huge windows overlooking carpet-soft lawns form a unique backdrop for any occasion. The Hall has played frequent host to celebrity and society wedding receptions, grand balls, masquerades and banquets.