Cliveden, British National Trust Estate and Hotel

Not far from London lies a beautiful country home that is part of Britain's National Trust. This country estate, built in 1666, today serves as a luxury hotel, complete with uniformed servants, formal gardens, chandeliers, and an aura of exclusivity normally reserved only for royalty and those whose wealth compares accordingly.

Cliveden's History
Cliveden was originally built as a country house by the Second Duke of Buckingham in 1666. Its intended use was that of a hunting lodge, a place for the Duke to entertain his friends (and mistress) away from the eyes of London. In 1893, the British upper class (including Queen Victoria) were scandalized when the Cliveden was sold to the wealthy American William Waldorf Astor. Considered a national treasure, the home soon became a lively social setting for Astor's son and daughter-in-law.

Cliveden is an Italianate villa, whose impressive structure owes as much to the American Astors (three generations of whom owned Cliveden) as the preceding British owners. The country house has hosted every British monarch since the time of George I, as well as a number of other historic notables, such as Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill.

Cliveden, however, is perhaps most recognized for its role in the Profumo scandal (in which then Secretary of State for War John Profumo met and had an affair with a young Christine Keeler, who turned out to have been sleeping with a Russian spy as well). This affair, which began with a chance meeting at Cliveden, resulted in the collapse of the British leadership's ruling Conservative Party government during the 1960s.

Location
Cliveden takes its name from the chalky cliffs associated with the outstanding views that are available, both of the Thames and the surrounding countryside of Berkshire. Close to Heathrow Airport, today this luxury hotel serves visitors from around the world. Set amidst more than 300 acres of parkland, the Cliveden Estate is today owned and run by the National Trust.

Luxury Accommodations and Activities
Today, any guest with the financial wherewithal to afford the steep prices can enjoy the luxurious accommodations at Cliveden. Rooms are filled with the finest of antiques. Each room is named for a prominent guest from Cliveden's past, and the design and furnishings reflect that guest's character and temperament.

Spa treatments, fine dining, and even a place for man's best friend can be found at Cliveden. Fine dining can be enjoyed at the world-renowned Waldo's restaurant (selected by "Food and Wine" magazine as one of the world's 20 most exciting places to dine in 2009) or outdoors at the Terrace Dining Room.(with river and garden views).

Activities at Cliveden focus on classic sports, such as tennis, squash, shooting, and sailing. Cliveden's collection of antique boats are available for use by guests who might enjoy taking a picnic hamper full of goodies (prepared by the hotel's kitchen) for an outdoor lunch along the Thames. One very unique boat among the Cliveden's collection of sailing vessels is Nancy Astor's electric canoe. There are also complete gym and spa facilities on site for visitor use.

Cliveden is a very unique place, once home to royalty and later the site of numerous social events (one even infamous). Its history and charm remain, and guests who stay at the hotel today are pampered in every way imaginable. From luxurious bedrooms to stunning common areas to a beautiful formal gardens and parkland area, Cliveden is an exclusive getaway that today can be enjoyed by even the title-less visitor.