Preserving the past while protecting our future

AS I reached the end of the long drive, after passing carefully-tended shrubberies and a gaggle of ducks on a sheltered pool, it was hard to imagine a more picturesque English country house than the splendid residence that loomed ahead.

Hertfordshire's Down Hall had me contemplating a life of leisure as an English country gentleman.

Its majestic 18th-century exterior resembles a location from the set of a period film. The stunning mansion with its beautiful façade has grand interiors of high ornate ceilings, natural light and picturesque views.

Its sweeping 110 acres of lawns and landscaped gardens were a perfect invitation to a relaxing after-dinner or pre-breakfast stroll.

The whole atmosphere of Down Hall, nurtured by its attentive, respectful and helpful staff, helped me slip easily into a mood of peaceful relaxation.

But the history of this quiet corner of Hertfordshire was not always so uneventful.

The original house, dating back to the 1300s, was originally owned by the nuns of the Hatfield Broad Oak Priory but they fell foul of Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries in 1537 and it eventually passed into the hands of the Crown.

It was later sold by Henry to the Glascock family and it became home to several aristocratic families.

The early 20th century saw the hall open its doors to the First World War wounded, before it reverted to private ownership for a short period and, in the 1930s, became a school.

It was not until 1986 that Down Hall became a hotel and it was restored to its sumptuous glory.

But the hotel is not trading solely on its past – it has an eye to the planet's future by aiming to do as much as possible to reduce its carbon footprint.

In January, Down Hall undertook an eco-audit carried out by top environmentalist Donnachadh McCarthy and it is committed to becoming more environmentally conscious and carbon neutral.

Sean Quinney, general manager, said: "Just asking guests to hang up their towels to help preserve the environment is no longer enough."

Down Hall is also pet friendly so you can take your dog along for a break, too.

DOWN HALL COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

WHERE: Bishop's Stortford, on the Hertfordshire-Essex border.

HOW MUCH: Rates vary from £140 for a single room to £202 for a feature room, and £273 for a suite, on a room-only basis.

CALL: To make reservations, call 01279 731441.