About

History timeline

• 3,000 BC: Some of the earliest pottery made in Britain during the Bronze Age has been unearthed at The Grove by archaeologists.
• 1294: The Grove’s land was first conveyed by John de Brittewell.
• 1500s: During the reign of the first Queen Elizabeth, the first house was founded
• 1753-1790s: The house was acquired by The Honourable Thomas Villiers, Earl of Jersey and British Ambassador to France, who became the very first Earl of Clarendon. During this time the sprawling grounds were a favourite spot for artist George Stubbs, who visited the stables regularly to create his famous horse portraits. The Grove was also visited by Captain Cook, who presented one of the Earls with a sapling of the newly-discovered Black Walnut Tree. This magnificent tree now towers over the Terrace, beside the Lounges.
• 1800s: In the early 1800s the railways were built, but the Earl refused to let trains come through the estate, so the Watford Tunnel was created. Owned by the family for generations, the house was a popular weekend spot for Queen Victoria and other British aristocrats. Dressed in their best, socialites would escape to The Grove for lavish parties in the The Donneraile room, named after one of the hotel’s first guests, Lord Donneraile. Although we’re no longer home to the Earl’s favourite stuffed hunting trophies or silk wallpaper hangings, history enthusiasts will find many original features within the grounds. From the ice house under the golf course to the hidden stairways used by servants, our hotel is a maze of secrets.
• 1920-1940: The Villiers family moved out of the property and The Grove was used as a riding school, a boarding school and a health centre before being turned into the wartime HQ for London, Midland & Scottish Railway.
• 1940s: Known as project X and supported by the Earl of Clarendon, the grounds were used to build air raid shelters and underground bunkers for jeeps and other vehicles.
• 1996: The building was in a ruinous state, until it was rescued by Ralph Trustees Limited, who renovated the property with the help of famous architects, interior designers, landscape gardeners and golfers. English Heritage allowed us to run with our restoration project and eight years later we opened our luxury country house estate hotel and spa, starting a brand new era for The Grove.

Gardens

A nature lover’s dream, our stunning 300 acre grounds are a haven for peace and tranquility. Our immaculate Formal Gardens are brimming with rose gardens, contemporary art and unique water features. During the spring and summer, guests can also enjoy the Walled Garden, a secluded outdoor space with plenty of armchairs to enjoy a drink or an afternoon nap. For more adventurous visitors, borrow one of our bikes, grab yourself a map and explore our woodland trails and surrounding Hertfordshire countryside.