The hotel is ideally situated only 25 minutes by rail from London and 9 miles by road, an ideal starting point to discover the surrounding area or a peaceful retreat to get away from it all. The hotel is set in 10 acres of gardens and natural woodland, with views overlooking Central London. In fact, some of the shrubs and rhododendrons are of the same age as the house itself, and the magnolia tree outside the Terrace Bar is especially impressive when in flower. Commander Sir Arthur Trevor Dawson, was the owner and first occupant of the “Edgwarebury House”. It was turned into a private country club in the early 1930’s and remained so until the late 1960’s. When it was then operated as a hotel with a fine restaurant. In 1989 a new wing with conference facilities and bedrooms were added, moving the hotel into its present status. The building’s original features have been largely retained with several pieces throughout the hotel being of considerable age. The front door was originally part of the dungeons in Lewes Castle. As one stands in the entrance hall attention is immediately drawn to the outstanding features of the fireplace with Italian carved columns supporting the ornate mantelpiece. It is understood that some of the wood was actually from ships involved in the battle of the Spanish Armada. The beams and cornerstones have been used to decorate the ceilings in reception. The wooden panels in the Beaufort Room are believed to date back to the 1600’s. In the bar, there is a particularly fine set of old Gothic panels made from ships lockers. The fire place over mantel features some fine carving which frames a medieval Spanish painting produced on a leather “canvas”. It’s location, just 2 miles (10 minute drive) from Elstree Studios means that it has featured in many television programmes and films over the years. In addition to this ‘claim to fame’ the Hotel can boast of having entertained famous celebrities, including Peter Sellers, Tom Cruise and John Cleese to mention a few.