Lucknam Park Hotel

Lucknam Park is unspoilt, elegant country house living at its very best. However, whilst it is a glorious, grand house, it is not run in a formal and stuffy manner and therefore the ideal place to relax. As our guests tell us, ‘it is much more of a home away from home atmosphere!’

Social distancing has been a way of life for over 300 years at Lucknam Park. The glorious 500 acres of private parkland cocoon guests in the luxury of personal space, As the country gradually opens up to social interaction, guests can gently reconnect with the great outdoors, reconnect with themselves, family and friends.

The scene is set from the moment you turn into the driveway of Lucknam Park. The magnificent mile long lime and beech avenue stands like a guard of honour gently guiding guests to the graciously restored Palladian mansion.

Enveloped within its own classical gardens, extensive parkland and paddocks, the relaxed elegance of the quintessential English mansion is perfect for unwinding; and escaping from the pressure of life….to once again, find balance and reconnection.

ROOMS
Each of our 43 bedrooms are individually styled with unique key features and luxury refined English furnishings. The antique furniture combined with contemporary touches ensure our historic rooms are true to their past and provide everything you’d expect from a 5-star hotel in the 21st century.

Grand Master Suite
Stunning décor and sweeping views, the Grand Master Suites were originally the master bedrooms of the house, and have become so once more.

Elegantly decorated with a large sitting area, an open fireplace, a dining table, writing desk and a stately four-poster bed, this classic design is a stylish take on what is quintessentially British.

The bathrooms echo pure splendour, finished using the finest marble. Style and comfort have been combined to create the ultimate relaxation during your stay.

Feel the luxury that 54 square metres of style and comfort can bring when blended together. Lay between the soft Egyptian cotton sheets in the magnificent four poster bed. Indulge in the warmth of the open fireplace as you take great pleasure in the unique splendour of your surroundings.

Admire the fabulous views overlooking the long, sweeping drive way from the large sitting area. Take great pleasure in using our 24 hour room service, ready to tend to your every need and whim.

Watch your favourite shows on the flat screen TV, listen to a few tunes on the Ruark DAB Bluetooth Digital Radio or dine at the table in your own private dining area. Sit back and relax into the snug warmth of the luxury, soft bathrobes and slippers before venturing to the beautifully designed bathroom.

If you’re here for business, take pleasure in the relaxation and comfort of your room, where complimentary WiFi and a writing desk are on hand to help you catch up on those emails during your stay.

Little Lucknam guests can have their own Classic Room or Grand Suite to indulge in with the interconnecting room available just for them.

Junior Suite
Located in the courtyard and the rose cottage, these spacious suites have views overlooking the exquisite rose garden. Quintessentially English with furnishings to match, the beds, fine antique furniture and sumptuous soft furnishings offer a refreshing style to what is classically British.

Indulge in 26 – 35 square metres of comfort that is both luxurious and elegant with a choice of queen, king size, four poster and twin beds, each dressed with the finest of Egyptian cotton linen.

Enjoy the beautiful views overlooking the rose garden or parkland from the relaxing seclusion of the comfortable sitting area. Make your stay even more relaxing with our 24 hour room service, in place to tend to your every need.

Step into luxury with this collection of rooms that come with their own walk in shower. Snuggle into the warm, fluffy bathrobes and slippers that lay waiting, ready to pamper you the moment you step through the door.

Catch some of your favourite programmes on the flat screen TV, or listen to the latest tunes on the Ruark DAB Bluetooth Digital Radio.

Classic Rooms
The snug classic rooms at Lucknam Park are located in the main house or around the tranquil courtyard. They offer effortless luxury and indulging comfort on a smaller scale.

Each room is individually decorated and feature lovingly restored antique furniture and soft bedding to ensure a relaxing stay and a good night’s sleep. These snug, classically designed rooms are elegant and perfect for the single traveller or two adults on a short escape to the countryside.

Within these four walls is 15 square metres of pure luxury set to deliver both comfort and relaxation during your stay. Choose between a 4’6” or 5’ double bed, each dressed with the best quality Egyptian cotton bedding to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Satisfy your every need with our 24 hour room service. Kick back and relax with entertainment on our flat screen TV, listen to a few tunes on the Ruark DAB Bluetooth Digital Radio, or snuggle into the luxury bathrobes and slippers as you indulge in the soothing experience found in the bathroom.

Private Country Cottages
Your own private haven of luxury with the freedom to do nothing, try something and indulge in everything. Set in our 500 acre estate, our chic cottages have each been individually designed to give you the ultimate country living experience.

Thatchers Cottage
A classic, country chic design with luxurious touches throughout. Thatchers Cottage is set within our 500 acres of glorious parkland with all of the award-winning facilities at your fingertips. The cottage sleeps up to 6 people and is ideal for couples, families or small groups.

Luxury accommodation fit for a family
Set amidst 500 glorious acres of beautiful gardens and unspoilt parkland, Lucknam Park is a luxury playground for families. Fun, friendly and full of entertainment, experience new activities in the Hideaway or ride into the Cotswolds countryside on wheels or horseback.

Book a UK family holiday at our friendly hotel in Wiltshire. Enjoy new experiences, spend quality time together and make memories along the way.

Located just 6 miles from Bath and within easy reach of popular family destinations such as Longleat, Bowood, Cotswolds Water Park and Bristol Zoo, Lucknam Park is an ideal choice for a UK short break. Explore the woodlands on horseback, bike ride around the estate or experience a picnic in the parkland.

Our family rooms are spacious and some of them interconnect – safely next to your second bedroom. Set just a short walk away from the hotel, The Hideaway is a place of fun and activities that will see imaginations come to life. Whatever the weather, your little ones can keep entertained with this unique family space.

Ultimate pampering for you and your pooch
Lucknam Park prides itself in extending the highest standards of hospitality and comfort to all guests, both two legged and four legged. With a selection of special amenities to ensure man’s best friend, enjoys a memorable stay.

Quintessential country estate & gardens
Lucknam Park is approached by a magnificent mile long avenue of four hundred lime and beech trees planted in 1827. The gardens of the country hotel spread over 5 acres and are set within an impressive estate of 500 acres of listed parkland.

Of all the gardens, the Walled Garden is the oldest dating back to the 1830’s. Within its walls lie a very traditional English garden with tall, sculpted Yew hedges and low box hedging framing the herbaceous borders. Dominating the garden is the Dovecote, a listed building dating from the late 18th century.

The Rose Garden was planted in spring 1996. The symmetrical design is based around that of a French courtyard with espalier fruit trees laddering the old converted stable building walls and a small formal pool in its centre.

Lavender is very evident throughout including, formal circular Lavender garden on the west lawn. The Arboretum covers a 1.5 acre site within the estate’s 500 acres of parkland and has been designed for all seasons.

It was started in 1998 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the hotel and has been filled with some 200 trees, many of them rare and unusual. Lucknam renovated the old Vinery in 2012, a historic greenhouse.

The newly built 8 large raised beds, filled with over 120 tons of top soil, now has over 30 varieties of produce, ranging from alpine strawberries, rhubarb through to runner and broad beans; from edible flowers to root and brassica crops.

Dining
Located in the heart of the English countryside and just minutes from Bath, Lucknam Park is the perfect place to enjoy fine Michelin Star dining at Restaurant Hywel Jones.

Available for evening dinners on Friday and Saturday, it is the pinnacle of culinary excellence with an impressive wine list including wines by the glass, Champagnes and aperitifs.

For a more informal dining experience, join us at The Brasserie. Stylish and contemporary, perfect for al fresco dining during the warmer months, The Brasserie offers a fine selection of menus for lite bites, lunch and dinner. Open daily from 12pm, last orders at 9pm.

Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park
Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park transports you to a bygone era of elegance and sophistication. The experience begins at the mile-long drive entrance, lined by beech trees, before you enter through our magnificent Drawing room or charming Library for evening cocktails.

You are then escorted to the elegant restaurant to commence your evening of fine dining. Executive Chef, Hywel Jones has held a Michelin star at the restaurant since 2006 and offers guests an unforgettable dining experience.

In his quest for perfection, Hywel uses the finest ingredients to ensure the fullest flavours and where possible sources from local suppliers.

The Brasserie
Enjoy a seasonal, dining experience at The Brasserie, a contemporary and stylish restaurant in the spa building. It’s the perfect place to while away the hours whatever the weather, with a contemporary, light and airy interior.

The extensive use of glass gives the impression of the garden and The Brasserie being as one, with views of the pretty dovecote and flowerbeds.

Our Chefs use seasonal produce, sourced from local suppliers wherever possible, and ingredients straight from our kitchen garden. Enjoy lunch and dinner in the restaurant with a full a la carte menu available daily from midday to 9pm.

Menu options may vary and the menus below are samples. Bath robes are permitted only in The Brasserie lounge area and not in the main dining area. Please note that a discretionary service charge of 12.5% will be added to your food and beverage bill.

Discover our traditional Afternoon Tea
Where better to indulge in a traditional English afternoon tea than at Lucknam Park Hotel, an 18th century Palladian mansion set amidst 500 glorious acres of beautiful gardens and unspoilt parkland.

Afternoon Tea at Lucknam Park has always been a firm favourite, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat after a long day shopping in Bath which is only 6 miles away!

From just £34.00 per person you will be able to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea served in Restaurant Hywel Jones, our Michelin starred restaurant, or if it’s fine weather on the terrace.

Sunday Lunch
Sunday lunch is available in The Brasserie. Join us in our spectacular surroundings to experience seasonal cuisine featuring fine, local produce and home-grown ingredients. Sunday lunch in The Brasserie, Served from 12 – 4pm.

It’s the perfect place to while away the hours whatever the weather, with a contemporary interior and views of the pretty dovecote and flowerbeds. Three courses for £35 per person.

Children: Three courses for £20 per child. Please note these will be smaller portions of the same menu. Alternatively, we offer a designated children’s menu.

Let your stresses and strains ebb away
Our country house retreat surrounded by its walled gardens, avenues of beautiful trees and manicured lawns is the perfect natural setting for our luxurious and rejuvenating spa.

Set within the estate’s 500-acres of unspoilt parkland, the spa is totally at one with its surroundings incorporating wood, marble and glass to reflect the warm seasonal hues of the outdoors.

Our highly trained specialists perform a range of personalised spa treatments in our eight therapy rooms. A sensory test with the luxurious ESPA oils guide your therapist to your individual requirements.

Take a rejuvenating dip in the stunning 20 metre indoor pool, or the indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool offers a tranquil space to relax with views of the arboretum.

The award-winning facilities also include 5 thermal cabins, a salt water plunge pool, experience showers, ice bar, post-treatment relaxation room and a social lounge with a skincare mixology bar.

The Brasserie, which adjoins the spa, offers a seasonal a la carte menu and is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed meal in a stylish and contemporary setting.

Mindful Massage
Unwind a busy mind, escape the pace of everyday life and emerge feeling focussed, with a sense of renewed positivity. This holistic, deeply relaxing and clarifying experience works on the concept of mindfulness, focusing on both mind and body to help the guest reduce stress and ‘be more in the present’.

The therapist skilfully guides you through breathing and visualisation techniques to help relax the mind and release physical or emotional anxieties, whilst the soothing, deeply therapeutic full body massage promotes positivity to the mind.

Luxury spa features
Within the elegant walled gardens lies ESPA at Lucknam Park, an exciting fusion of contemporary design and luxury spa facilities. Our spa offers an array of exclusive and bespoke treatments from ESPA and Carita Paris.

Surrounded by idyllic English countryside and set just 6 miles from Bath, lies ESPA at Lucknam Park. Everything has been designed to relax and indulge you, from the tranquil spa gardens to the diverse range of treatments performed by expert therapists.

Choose from a unique selection of spa escapes, spa days, treatments and beauty therapies that can be tailored to your individual needs.

Following a day of tranquil relaxation, enjoy a meal at The Brasserie, our all-day sleek and chic restaurant offering a range of seasonal cuisine. Book now and treat yourself to some much-deserved me-time.

Overlooking our spa garden and arboretum, lies The Studio by Lucknam Park. This purpose-built space is an idyllic spot for group Yoga and Pilates sessions, one-to-ones, or team wellness sessions for businesses.

The Studio takes up to 8 people and mats can be provided. For hotel residents, our scheduled wellbeing classes are free of charge. Spaces are limited so we would highly recommend advance booking.

Explore the estate on horseback
Horses add their own style to a country house setting. Echoes of bygone days on a ride across the estate. The Equestrian centre at Lucknam affords everyone the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of horse riding.

Everything equestrian
Lucknam Park Equestrian Centre, set in 500 acres of unspoilt parkland in Wiltshire, meets the same exacting standards of distinction and luxury that are synonymous with the award winning country house hotel. There is access to numerous countryside rides through the Southern Cotswold countryside.

The Equestrian Centre has 35 horses of all sizes and capabilities. Complete beginners, both adults and children, are catered for as well as the more proficient riders wishing to improve their skills in jumping, dressage or cross country. The full size all weather arena and training pen ensures a good training environment.

The Equestrian Centre also offer group riding, specialist clinics, natural horsemanship and bespoke corporate packages, perfect for team building events. From time to time The Equestrian Centre also run specialist clinics with top riders from the world of show jumping eventing and dressage.

All riding abilities catered for from complete novices to experienced riders. Breaking-in and schooling of horses, difficult horses for retraining, lessons provided by our experienced and qualified staff in the all-weather arena including show-jumping, dressage and cross country schooling- under the leadership of Dawn Cameron, Equestrian Centre Manager.

Equine Connect

Equine therapy is a holistic, experiential and highly specialised form of therapy that incorporates working with horses to improve both mental and physical health. Animals can be a source of extraordinary comfort.

Dawn Cameron has managed the Lucknam Park Equestrian Centre for over 20 years which stables over 30 horses of all shapes and sizes. During these equine therapy sessions, guests are taught to control the horses through their body language.

A horse’s natural instincts and methods of communication rely solely on the placement and subsequent release of pressure.

Creating connections with horses encourages guests to use body language more openly, discover emotional growth, learn about themselves and develop new ways of thinking – all of which are skills transferable to both personal and interpersonal relationships.

Equine therapy is becoming increasingly popular in the UK and Lucknam Park’s 500 acres of beautiful English parkland, is a welcoming and calm space in which to try an innovative and special experience.

Pony Rides

This is a real treat for any young horse riding enthusiast. Hire a pony for 1 hour to explore the woodland trails and fields around the estate accompanied by a responsible, confident adult/family member from the same house hold to lead them.

This is a non-supervised activity to a set route accompanied by one parent/adult per child. Available from the age of 3 years and 14 years.

Raise a glass to unforgettable memories
Lucknam Park adds decadence to any special occasion. Whether it’s the perfect wedding, delectable private dining, or exclusive use of the hotel, we keep everything effortlessly momentous and tailored to you.

Take a vow
From intimate fairy-tale weddings to exclusive opulent celebrations Lucknam Park is the perfect setting for your special day. Romantic receptions, luxury rooms and attention to detail mesh together to create the perfect backdrop to any celebration.

To have and to hold
You can hold your civil ceremony and wedding reception at Lucknam Park non-exclusively. Wedding ceremonies enjoy the intimate surroundings of the Walmesley Room and the elegance of the Music Room.

The Music Room is also perfect for smaller wedding breakfasts whilst the elegance of Restaurant Hywel Jones is ideal for the larger wedding party. For memories of your special day, plant a tree of your choice in our arboretum with a plaque commemorating your marriage.

Watch it grow and flourish as you come back to celebrate your wedding anniversary over the years. Capture your special day on film from the stunning setting of the beautiful rose and lavender gardens.

Certainly a day you will look back on with fondness forever. Only 6 miles from Bath, Lucknam Park is easily accessible by road, air and train.

Private Dining
Lucknam Park can offer you private dining in our Michelin Star Restaurant for your special occasion. From engagement parties, romantic meals and celebrations to executive meetings and networking dinners – we can tailor our menu to suit the occasion!

Our Executive Chef Hywel Jones will create the menu to suit the occasion and our sommelier will ensure fine wines to accompany; for more information see our Dining section.

Exclusive Use
For an event that is even more private and personal, Lucknam Park is available for exclusive use. For any event this is the ultimate house party! Exclusive use includes 43 elegant bedrooms and suites and maximum flexibility for dining, entertainment and activities.

The main house with its elegant Drawing Room and Library is ideal for receptions and perfect for those relaxed networking sessions during the day. The 4 private meeting rooms offer flexible space whether it is for round table discussions or formal meetings.

Dining in the hotel’s Michelin star restaurant The Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park, under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Hywel Jones and his brigade will ensure a memorable evening.

Meetings & Events
Lucknam Park is the ideal conference venue to hold business meetings near Bath. Discreet yet accessible. Secluded yet connected. A distraction-free setting for the best business brainstorms. A space for clear thinking and healthy debate. Call our friendly and helpful team today to find out more.

A unique and luxurious setting
With four elegant meeting rooms, Lucknam Park is the perfect environment for top level discussions and meetings. Each room provides flexible space for creative exchanges, networking sessions, executive meetings and working lunches. Complimentary Wi Fi throughout the hotel keeps the communication channels open.

Team Building & Incentives
Lucknam Park understands the importance of building relationships and rewarding team members. After a busy day in the office or an intense board meeting, try one of our relaxing or adventurous activities.

Activities to enjoy in and around Lucknam Park
Make the most of your stay at Lucknam Park with a great array of activities to be enjoyed or explore some fantastic local sights on a day out. All within about an hour’s travelling time from Lucknam Park.

Muse. The Sculpture Company Exhibition
Discover a stunning collection of contemporary sculptures by some of the finest British sculptors displayed around the hotel, estate and gardens.

We are delighted to partner with ‘Muse.The Sculpture Company,’ leading specialist sculpture dealers who have unrivalled access to the very best in contemporary sculpture. All works shown in the ever changing presentation are in small world wide editions and available for you to own.

Regular artists shown will include the award winning Hamish Mackie, the celebrated Phillip Jackson CVO and the internationally acclaimed Maurice Blik.

‘Muse.The Sculpture Company,’ exhibit at all major art fairs and events including Lapada London and Royal Ascot and can advise on siting, shipping and commissioning sculpture both table top and monumental.

Outdoor gym

Breathe in fresh air and soak up the scenic views while staying active.

Forest bathing

The simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees. Take a stroll down the mile-long tree-lined driveway or head into the woodlands for some time to reflect.

Wildlife spotting

Get back to nature within the Lucknam Park estate where you’ll find an array of wildlife.

Walking & running trails

Heading out for a brisk walk or run is the ideal way to keep up your fitness in idyllic surroundings.

Tennis

Game, set, match! We have two all-weather outdoor tennis courts set within the grounds.

Cycling

Cycle around the estate and up the stunning mile long driveway. There are bicycles for all ages available from our hotel reception.

Croquet

Participate in a game or two of this traditional English sport on the front lawn – perfect on those glorious summer days.

Outdoor play area

Enjoy quality family time at children’s play area with outdoor table tennis, fun outdoor musical instruments and even a Tractor Ted. We may also be able to arrange the following activities at an additional cost, subject to Government advice and restrictions: Advance bookings required

Archery

Great for families; we can arrange for an expert Archer to teach you new skills (even complete beginners will soon be hitting gold!) Cost from £90.00 per hour per person for groups up to 6 people

Falconry

Participate in the most ancient field sport where you will be given the opportunity to handle the birds and find out more about the birds of prey. Cost from £625.00 for a group of 6 people.

Clay pigeon shooting

A qualified instructor will show guests various techniques of clay pigeon shooting, whether you are looking for one-to-one tuition or include this within a corporate event.

Duck herding

A well behaved dog will guide the ducks though gates, over bridges, across roads, before heading back to base – a great activity to watch and participate in!

The History of Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
It is not known exactly when Lucknam began, but the –ham ending to its name, ‘Luckenham’ suggests that it was a Saxon settlement dating from before the Norman invasion in 1066.

From as far back as 1199 to 1688 there was a farmhouse on the current site of the main house. For over 5 centuries the land was farmed until 1688 when the last of that family died leaving all the estate to nine cousins who decided to sell.

Lucknam Park was bought in 1987 by a joint venture trading as Lucknam Park Hotels Limited. In 1994 the hotel was bought by a European shipping family who operate Lucknam Park as a single private hotel property.

THE WALLIS FAMILY
James Wallis, a wealthy Bristol Merchant, bought Lucknam and its 100 acres for just £500. This part of the West Country had been long famous for the manufacture of woollen cloth and the Wallis family had been cloth merchants for several generations.

James Wallis owned two ships and traded various cargoes to Europe and America. In 1680 he imported 7000lb of tobacco from Virginia, making a large fortune – which funded his purchase of Lucknam.

It is probable that James Wallis built the centre part of the house, with the pillared portico and bowed wings being added at a later stage.

When he died in 1708 his son Ezekiel inherited Lucknam at the age of 14. In 1728 he married Cecilia Selfe, the following year he served as Sheriff of Wiltshire. He died in 1735 and Cecilia remarried, she survived her husband and as she had no children the estate passed to her nephew Paul Methuen.

THE METHUEN FAMILY
Like the Wallis’s the Methuen’s made a fortune as clothiers, but two members of the family, John and his son Sir Paul, were distinguished as envoys to the King of Portugal during the war of Spanish Succession.

When Sir Paul’s son, Paul Cobb Methuen married in 1776 his father gave him Lucknam Park. Nearly 20 years later Paul Cobb Methuen inherited nearby Corsham Court, the family home, and Lucknam Park was once again sold. This time its value was £7,750.

William Norris Tonge was the new owner. However he lived there for only 8 years before instructing his agent to find a buyer.

THE BOODE FAMILY
In 1827 Lucknam Park was bought by the very wealthy Andreas Christian Boode. His father was of Dutch origin and had been immensely successful. When he died in Demerara he was the owner of five coffee plantations, worked by some 2000 slaves.

Andreas came to England and married the daughter of the rector of Liverpool. On her death he bought Lucknam Park and moved there with his two children Phoebe and John. It is at this time that he added the pillared portico and bowed wings to the house. Land was also added to the estate.

His son proved to be a great traveller and after university he set off for Italy, Russia, Palestine, Egypt and Turkey. He married Clementina in 1834 and a few days after the marriage there were celebrations at Lucknam.

Eight hundred people sat down at tables to the side of the house and a cannon signalled the start of the feast (an artist impression of the occasion can be seen in Reception).

The newlyweds travelled to Italy spending a year in Florence. They had four daughters, two of whom died in infancy. Unusually for the time Clementina left John and there was a divorce. John remained at Lucknam with his daughters.

The interior of the house was much altered at this time. The Hall was panelled in dark oak, with carved beams, and coats of arms on the ceiling. There was a large library which is now the Drawing Room.

The Park restaurant was a conservatory. Upstairs the boudoir was a very heavily furnished room, with Jacobean panelling, and stained glass windows. Soon after John’s death in 1870 the estate (now 1,100 acres) was sold.

THE WALMESLEY FAMILY
The new owner was Richard Walmesley. Later Lucknam passed to his son, Johnnie. Both were typical Victorian squires, helping the poor, entering into the life of the county and funding building in the district. Johnnie’s only son was killed in the Great War and he was so affected by the loss that he sold Lucknam in 1918.

MERRY FAMILY
The Merry family originally came from Glasgow. In 1928 Archie Merry bought Lucknam Park estate for his only son Eion Merry as a hunting box. When Eion married in 1932 he and his wife Jean moved from Scotland to Lucknam.

They made many alterations to the inside and outside of the house. In 1933 the blacksmith from the nearby village of Crudwell made wrought iron gates for the walled garden that are still there today.

The Drawing Room was decorated in blue flock paper (silk finished paper overlaid with velvet designs). The family was given a green and white marble fireplace for the Drawing Room from the father of Davina’s aunt, Alice Crichton.

She had bought it from the Crichtons home in Dublin for a bottle of whisky! In the library, the red flock paper was removed and the current panelling was installed by the great decorators of that era, Lenygon.

Cars were parked in the courtyard. Around the fountain was a ring of cherry trees. The groom and his wife lived in one of the courtyard buildings and the gardeners in the cottages leading to The Spa.

Race horses and hunters were stabled in the farm buildings and Snowdrop bedroom in the courtyard was a saddle room. Apples were stored in the Dovecote.

For a short time at the start of the war, the house was home to hundreds of evacuees before being transformed into a bustling informal headquarters for airmen from the neighbouring aerodrome.

They used Lucknam Park’s Beech and Lime tree driveway to park the Spitfire and Hurricane planes – the huge trees being a perfect camouflage.

The main dining room (then used as a Billiard room) had side cupboards filled with tinned food, a billiard table and a large dolls house (now displayed at Longleat House). All its windows were covered with brown paper to block out the light and netting to catch splinters of shattered glass.

The entire house was heated by just three fires in the Hall, Library and Drawing Room. During an air raid, everyone in the house raced to the dining room and hid under the Billiard table. Among the many visitors to Lucknam during the war was Queen Mary who was staying at nearby Badminton House.

When Eion Merry died in 1966 at 63 years, the family could no longer afford the upkeep of the house. Faced with the option of either demolishing both wings of the house to scale down the size they decided to sell to neighbour, Mr Stevens.

Website: www.lucknampark.co.uk

Rooms: 42

Price: from 284 EUR per night