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De Vere Latimer Estate is a luxurious mansion house hotel nestled in the heart of Buckinghamshire with a rich history dating back to 1194 AD. The estate was passed down through families of English nobility, and during World War II, it was a top-secret center for military intelligence, earning it a reputation as one of Britain’s most secret homes. Today, the hotel is a blend of bold modern spaces and style whilst complementing the history with elegant suites that set the tone for memorable events and unforgettable weddings alike.
Property highlights
The hotel has undergone a £7m refurbishment, adding 21st-century comfort and style while retaining the original character of the main house. Guests can choose from a range of stylishly designed standard rooms and suites, each equipped with contemporary amenities including fitness centre and indoor pool to ensure a comfortable stay. The hotel offers free, superfast Wi-Fi with a maximum bandwidth of 1Gb available throughout the hotel and up to 100m within the grounds.
About De Vere Latimer Estate
De Vere Latimer Estate is conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from Junction 18 of the M25 and 5 minutes from Chalfont & Latimer station, on the Metropolitan line, providing easy access to central London. The hotel is also close to Heathrow airport and Luton airport and just 20 minutes away from the world-famous Warner Bros. Studios Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
The hotel is situated amidst 30 acres of some of the most stunningly picturesque countryside anywhere in the county, with landscaped gardens surrounding the house and sweeping views of the Chess Valley. Guests can explore the peaceful formal gardens and grounds or take a dip in the fully equipped gym and indoor swimming pool available daily for guests to use.
The hotel is ideal for corporate guests and has been equipped with all the latest facilities to ensure they have a productive and enjoyable stay. The hotel’s conference and meeting rooms have been designed to provide the perfect setting for business meetings, seminars, and conferences. With free self-parking, guests can easily drive up to the hotel and park their vehicles.
A beautiful mansion house setting
De Vere Latimer Estate is licensed to host civil ceremonies and partnerships, making it a popular venue for weddings. The hotel has a capacity of up to 200 guests, and the Cavendish Suite provides the perfect setting for an elegant ceremony and wedding breakfast for parties of 60 to 200 guests. The hotel offers a dedicated wedding team to guide and assist guests every step of the way.
Room service and guest comfort throughout
The hotel features 103 thoughtfully furnished guest bedrooms and suites that reflect the revival of British heritage design. Guests can choose from a range of room types, including elegant suites that provide a perfect blend of old and new, all with room service. Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and en-suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries.
Indoor pool
Guests can unwind in the hotel’s fully equipped gym or take a swim in the indoor swimming pool. There is also a sauna, steam room, and a mini-gym available for guests to use. The hotel has an on-site restaurant serving an array of delicious dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant provides a comfortable atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy a meal with friends or colleagues.
De Vere Latimer Estate has received numerous guest reviews, with many calling it one of the top rated hotels, praising the hotel’s exceptional service, excellent facilities, and stunning location. Guests have also praised the hotel’s artisan coffee shop, Burr, which serves freshly brewed coffee and a range of snacks, sweet treats, and pastries.
What is the history of Latimer House Chesham?
The hotel’s history is deeply intertwined with that of the Cavendish family and has an intriguing story . The original Elizabethan house, where Charles I was imprisoned in 1647 and Charles II took refuge before fleeing abroad, was gutted by fire in the early 1830s. The present red brick Tudor-style mansion, which was designed by Edward Blore, was completed in 1838. The house was built by Charles Compton Cavendish, 1st Baron Chesham, in 1838. He was the son of Lord George Augustus Henry Cavendish and Lady Elizabeth Compton, the daughter of the 7th Earl of Northampton.
The estate was inherited by William George Cavendish, 2nd Baron Chesham, upon Charles’ death in 1863. William married Henrietta Frances Lascelles, daughter of William Saunders Sebright Lascelles and Lady Caroline Georgiana Howard, daughter of George Howard, 6th Earl of Carlisle of Castle Howard. They had five children, the eldest of whom was Major General Charles Compton William Cavendish, who became the 3rd Baron Chesham when his father died in 1882.
De Vere Latimer House Estate during the Second World War
During the Second World War, the house was the headquarters of IV Corps from August 1940 and the center of top-secret activities by MI5 and MI6. It was also one of three stately homes where captured German U-boat submarine crews and Luftwaffe pilots were initially held before being transferred to conventional prisoner of war camps.
After the war, the house became the home of the British military’s National Defence College. In 1974, a bomb containing about 20 lbs of explosive was placed close to one of the main buildings at the National Defence College by the Irish Republican Army. The bomb exploded, injuring 10 people but with no fatalities. Damage estimated at over £6,000 was caused.
Presently, the Latimer Place operates as an independent hotel with conference facilities, branded as the De Vere Latimer Estate. The hotel was featured in the TV documentary “Britain’s Secret Homes.” The hotel offers a unique blend of history, elegance, and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for guests seeking a luxurious retreat in the heart of Buckinghamshire.
Filming at the estate
De Vere’s estates offer a unique and historical setting for a variety of productions. The properties, including De Vere Tortworth Court, Horsley Towers, and De Vere Beaumont Estate, showcase a variety of architectural styles and original features that have been well-preserved over the years.
These locations have been featured in numerous film and television productions, such as Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Crown, and Call the Midwife, among others. The location offers a blank canvas for productions to create their own unique sets, with the freedom to film and roam around the estates, as well as access to back-of-house areas and technical resources for crew. The estates offer trust agreements to ensure no hidden expenses or costly contracts, making it a stress-free experience for all involved. They understand the importance of every detail in a production and can accommodate sets of any scale or size, from grand stone archways to small and cozy kitchens.
