A SPECIAL VISIT TO KEYTHORPE HALL
This past weekend I was invited to Keythorpe Hall, an English country house in the heart of Leicestershire. Owned by Giles Godfrey and Barbara van Teefelen, Keythorpe is an exclusive-use residence, and possibly one of the finest and most unique in the Kingdom.
I arrived at Keythorpe on Friday lunchtime with my friend, Nathan Rollinson, and it was clear as soon as we entered that this was no ordinary English Country House. From the unique interiors and decor, to the exquisitely casual flower arrangements - grown on the estate (of course), Keythorpe is a place that has been brought back to life with consideration, with every detail crafted and curated for pleasure - which is exactly what this type of house was built for, and what makes it so special.
You’ll be pleased to discover that although nestled in the countryside, Keythorpe is easily accessible with just a 2-hour drive from London, or a mere 45-minute drive from East Midlands Aiport. For those seeking a more extravagant arrival, helicopter landing is available upon request.
Nathan and I were invited to Keythorpe to experience their Supper Club - a 6-course menu created by headchef Bent Varming, consisting of produce grown in the Walled Garden at Keythorpe Hall, and sourced from local artisan farmers and producers. The result is a culinary experience that is both environmentally conscious and irresistibly indulgent.
At dinner I was seated next to Bert Blaize, an award winning sommelier and author who works with Keythorpe to curate a very special bespoke drinks offering. Bert came up with wine pairings for all 6 courses, all of which were heavenly and helped to create a charming and convivial atmosphere in the grand dining room. As I scanned the table, I couldn’t help but think that the walls must be smiling with contentment - the house being able to carry out its role as a place of enjoyment and pleasure.
If, like me, you’re into interiors, Keythorpe is a house that truly delivers. The spacious light-filled rooms with their 18-foot ceilings exude a sense of elegant grandeur. The double drawing room, great hall, dining room, house kitchen, and chef’s kitchen provide ample space for relaxation, entertainment, and culinary adventures.
My bedroom, the Butterfly Room, was particularly special with a breathtaking bathroom suite, papered in chinoiserie wallpaper, a feature that I will never forget - especially whilst taking a relaxing soak in the roll-top bath - pure delight!
In fact, all of the bedrooms at Keythorpe are special - featuring super-king beds and unique decor, it’s what sets this place apart from a regular hotel stay.
Nathan got to enjoy the Berners Room - a large suite with south-facing views and a magnificent portrait of Sir Thomas Knyvett - 4th Baron Berners, a gentleman who we were both quite enamoured with!
The Georgian Country House was built for weekends like this one. The fires stacked with logs, burning brightly and casting a warming glow. The cushions plumped, ready to provide a comforting place for drinks and conversation. The vastness of the rooms, filled with eclectic furniture and art, an elegant backdrop to the pleasures of a slow weekend.
For me, this was the perfect weekend in every way, and I will definitely return in the near future. Staying in a hotel is something I always enjoy, but the uniqueness of an exclusive-use home like Keythorpe is a once-in-a-lifetime experience - after all, who doesn’t want to be Lord of The Manor, even just for a night or two?