Kath and James feel in love with Hartwell House after being guests at a friends wedding a few years earlier. James even proposed to Kath on a summers evening beneath the stars in the gardens of this beautiful building.
The wedding was a very private affair with only a handful of very special friends and family attending. The couple tied the knot in the Octagon Room, a small setting that can accommodate upto 24 guests. It has a stunning view over the lawns and the tented ceiling is adorned with a beautiful crystal chandelier, it was perfect for their intimate wedding. James’ best man made a very moving speech before the wedding party went to the front of the House to pose for photographs. The weather was not quite what we had hoped for, it had been dry and bright for the past week, however the rain fell in buckets on the morning but we still managed to pop outside for photos.
The wedding breakfast was lavish and the guests were all extremely looked after by the amazing staff.
About Hartwell House
Hartwell House is a National Trust Grade 1 listed Jacobean and Georgian house that is as stunning on the inside as it is on the inside. It is located within the Vale of Aylesbury, on the edge of The Chilterns in an area of outstanding beauty set within 90 acres of parkland and stunning gardens. As well as being able to host the most stunning weddings you and your guests are able to stay over in one of the beautiful onsite rooms.
Hartwell House is only 40 miles north west of London, within the Vale of Aylesbury and on the edge of the Chilterns. The main house has both Jacobean and Georgian features with outstanding painted ceilings and panelling, fine canvases and antique furnishings in its elegant and airy apartments.
It was erected between 1570 and 1617 by Sir Alexander Hampden, Hartwell House has a remarkable history stretching back nearly a 10 centuries to the reign of Edward the Confessor, and in its time it has housed many and varied prestigious occupants. It has been the home of William Peveral son of William the Conqueror; of John Earl and its most well known occupant, Louis XVIII, King of France, who held court from 1809 to 1814.
Others who lived at Hartwell include Richard Hampden(d. 1567), a member of one of England’s most prestigious families who entered the ménage of Queen Elizabeth I and rose to the position of’ Chief Clerk of the Kychen unto the Queen’s Majesty’; and Sir Alexander Hampden. Sir Thomas Lee(d. 1690), who took a leading role in the Restoration and was promoted by Charles II in 1660; the Rt Hon Sir William Lee who was Lord Chief Justice, Dr John Lee, who lived at Hartwell between 1829 to 1866, and turned the structure into a cross between a temperance hall, a gallery and an astronomical building.
It was in the Library at Hartwell House on Wednesday 3rd April 1850, that” The British Meteorological Society”( since 1883 renamed the” Royal Meteorological Society”) was created. On Wednesday 3rd, a some gentlemen met in the library of astronomer Dr John Lee’s home, and gathered” to form a society the objects of which should be the advancement and extension meteorological wisdom by determining the laws of climate and of meteorological sensations in general”.
In 1938 the house and estate were bought by millionaire Ernest Cook, an early promoter of the conservation movement and grandson and co-heir of Thomas Cook, later vested in the Trust that bears his name.
Whilst the second world war raged on Hartwell House was home to soldiers from the Uk and America. After the war in 1956 until 1983, Hartwell House was turned into a finishing school and secretarial university. A fire in 1963 caused widespread damage to the architectural detail inside the house, but when it was bought by Histroric House Hotels Ltd, the fine Georgian works of art and detailings were painstakingly restored alongside widespread restoration of the major meadows and parkland. Hartwell House opened as a hotel in July 1989 and this beautiful stately home entered a new phase of its long and distinguished history.
The creation of Hartwell House and its grounds has involved many well respected and established masterminds and builders including James Gibbs( 1682- 1754)- whose portfolio include the Radcliffe Library Oxford, Senate House Cambridge, St Martins- in- the- Field and St Mary- le- beachfront, Henry Keene( 1726- 1776)- settler of Gothic Revival; James Wyatt( 1746- 1813)- master of neo-classical design; and Richard Woods.
Coming to the present time, Historical House Hotels has began a complete restoration to a five star standard of the house and grounds, under the direction of its leader Richard Broyd and prestigious Buckinghamshire Eric Throssell.
If you are looking for a Hartwell House photographer please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Need a photographer to capture your wedding day in the Bromley Court Hotel? I’d love to help!
I’m a specialist wedding photographer covering London and the surrounding areas.
I offer a number of different packages to suit all needs. You can find out more about these on the services page. Or get in touch and we can discuss your big day over the phone.
My husband and I could not have been happier with Paul. Very professional, extremely talented, and barely noticed him on the wedding day. The pictures turned out phenomenal, and are easily our best keepsake from the wedding. He did not miss a moment. We are so impressed!!
Kath & James