On the peaceful, winding road up to The Grove, it’s hard to believe that only five minutes ago I was being overtaken by thundering 70mph juggernauts on a four-lane motorway.
Just 18 miles from central London, this unexpected oasis is set among 300 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, and the imposing hill-top property boasts 214 rooms and suites across the Mansion (which dates back to the 16th century and has been home to the Earls of Clarendon) and the contemporary West Wing.