{"id":116786,"date":"2018-12-06T15:36:54","date_gmt":"2018-12-06T15:36:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.5starweddingdirectory.com\/?p=116786"},"modified":"2018-12-28T16:41:07","modified_gmt":"2018-12-28T16:41:07","slug":"review-hertfordshires-hidden-gem-the-grove","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/5starweddingdirectory.com\/blog\/review-hertfordshires-hidden-gem-the-grove\/","title":{"rendered":"[Review] The Grove, Hertfordshire’s Hidden Gem"},"content":{"rendered":"

The journey up the long winding driveway to The Grove is a chance to let your troubles slip away. Set in 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, London\u2019s Cosmopolitan Country Estate is a gorgeous, quirky manor house hotel. Featuring a spa, championship golf course and its own beach, I couldn\u2019t wait to check in and sample what The Grove had to offer.<\/p>\n

Arrival<\/h3>\n

From the moment we arrived we were treated like old friends. Our car was whisked away by the valet and our baggage disappeared to our room. As we checked in I took a moment to gaze at the beautiful art that was dotted around the lovely bright and light foyer. We soon came to realise that at The Grove you can not escape art \u2013 it is everywhere and it is beautiful! Behind the reception desk was a piece featuring old keys and there were statues placed among foyer chairs and tables.<\/p>\n

Gardens, beach and pool<\/h3>\n

We decided to have a look around and made our way to the walled garden which houses an outdoor pool as well as a beach! It\u2019s a great family area \u2013 children are made to feel very welcome here \u2013 and we enjoyed some drinks, reclining in some cute deck chairs while our 6 year old daughter played in the water. Next to the pool area is the Potting Shed where we found a table tennis table and pool table. Old riding boots adorn the walls and there\u2019s a really eclectic mix of antique pieces.<\/p>\n

\"The

\"Beach

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Out on the lawns there\u2019s fun for the whole family. The Grove go out of their way to provide unintrusive entertainment. Lawn chess, Twister and other kid\u2019s activities are on offer, and of course, the spa and golf course provide plenty of entertainment for the grown ups!<\/p>\n

\"The

As our room wasn\u2019t quite ready for us, Paul the Guest Services Manager ensured that we were well looked after, sneaking a cheeky cake and drink to our daughter and generally being incredibly helpful. It would have taken us longer than our allotted 24 hours to explore the whole of the sprawling hotel, to Paul was able to fill the gaps for us.<\/p>\n

Once home to the Earl of Clarendon in the 18th<\/sup> century, the impressive Mansion House and more contemporary West Wing overlook 300 acres. These sprawling grounds are home to an 18 hole championship golf course which will host the 2016 British Masters, and where President Obama and David Cameron recently played. There\u2019s also a professional football pitch which attracts many pro footballers, although we didn\u2019t catch sight of any on our stay! There are three lovely restaurants \u2013 Colette\u2019s for fine dining, The Glasshouse for an international feast, and The Stables for an informal meal. Then there\u2019s the health club and spa \u2013 Sequoia \u2013 offering a comprehensive range of treatments and relaxation rooms.<\/p>\n

Weddings<\/h3>\n

The Grove also offers three rooms suitable for weddings. The Amber is a chic and elegant space, with high ceilings and French doors opening out onto the formal gardens. The largest space, it can accommodate over 200 guests. The Mansion provides an intimate space for up to 36 guests with views over Charlotte\u2019s Vale, and then there\u2019s the Potting Shed, a beautifully restored Victorian glasshouse in the Walled Garden with space for 60 guests.<\/p>\n