Clementine House
Hatfield Broad Oak, Bishop´s Stortford, Essex, UK
For those with nostalgic memories of playing with dolls houses as children, Clementine House exudes all the charm of a life in miniature, but on a much grander scale. With a powder-blue front door, window shutters reminiscent of the Provence and an outdoor swimming pool complete with Victorian-style glass pool house, this luxury self-catering country home in rural Essex is postcard pretty both inside and out.
Introduction
Within only an hour of London’s bustling streets, this large luxury home and its clambering roses are a welcome tonic for anyone looking to escape the glittering lights of city living. Here, there is a whole lot of nothing to do in the best sense possible; while away time with a midnight dip in the outdoor swimming pool, wander across the fields to feed the alpacas breakfast, or simply lounge in the tub all morning with a book and ice-cold, hand pressed lemonade. However you decide to spend your time here, Clementine House is one fine country retreat.
Inside
In a vision of romantic English elegance, Clementine House is filled to the brim with crisp whites, exposed timber beams and blousy florals from top to toe. A country house through and through, it’s the kitchen which really brings groups together; a warming Aga exudes cosiness, a rustic chandelier glimmers above the breakfast table and the garden trees gently sway outside the sash windows, tempting family games of hide and seek in the orchard. From the roaring fires, to rolltop bathtubs and deliciously snug beds, Clementine House oozes comfort in abundance.
Outside
On clear summer days, climb to the top of the house’s very own tor to watch the sun sink into the horizon while deer and alpacas roam the fields below, bottle of Champagne in tow, (whether you roly poly back down is entirely up to you!). When the moon rises, slide into the outdoor swimming pool and float between the shimmering reflections of the constellations, leaving grandparents to look after story-time inside. If one must leave this utopian bubble, Essex’s chocolate box villages are stitched together with rural rambles and thatched gastro pubs aplenty.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 14 guests
From £4,500 per week, £3,350 per short break - Bedrooms and bathroomsOn the first floor are four double bedrooms; one with super king-size bed and en suite with rolltop bath and walk-in shower, one standard double bedroom, one with king-size bed, en suite bath and shower room and one with super king-size bed. On the second floor sits two double bedrooms (one with king-size bed) and one twin. There is one ground floor WC and two family bathrooms with baths and handheld showers (one on the first floor, the other on the second).
View bedrooms - FeaturesHeated outdoor swimming pool (available April - September until 9pm daily), tennis court
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: FridayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. A cot and highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for up to eight cars on the private drive. The country kitchen includes a large Aga, electric oven, double fridge-freezer, microwave and dishwasher. There is a separate utility room which includes a washing machine and a tumble dryer. Due to an unfenced pond in the garden, children are to be supervised at all times. The gardener will be on site daily to feed the alpacas, but will be discreet. Please ensure music and noise is kept to a minimum after 10pm. Guests are asked to be mindful of the large painting in the living room and to refrain from touching.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper of local produce, 50" TV with Sky Q, Sonos speakers, Nespresso coffee machine, a collection of board games, recipe books, logs and kindling to get you started...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more little luxuries
- Private cateringDiscover your options for private dining and fully catered breaks.
- Additional extrasA handpicked selection of unique experiences are available at this property.
- Eco-friendlyElectric car charging point
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
Prices & Availability
Please note, availability for this property is to be confirmed by Unique Homestays on receipt of your enquiry
Bishop´s Stortford
Independent boutiques and bistros, two weekly markets and a farmer´s market flogging the area´s finest fare, all between the pretty half-timber buildings this part of the world is so famous for; Bishop´s Stortford is quintessential as quintessential gets.
Getting there
- On the Map Clementine House sits close to the Hertfordshire border in rural Essex, to the east of Bishop's Stortford.
- By Car Just under 40 miles north of central London, follow the M11 towards Stansted Airport.
- By Train The nearest train station is Bishop's Stortford, nine miles from the property.
- By Air Stansted Airport is just four miles away; London Heathrow is 62 miles away.
From the owner
“We bought Clementine House in 2004 and fell in love with it the moment we came in through the front door.”
We have not changed much of the original layout of the house since we purchased it – it is a perfectly proportioned family home with great entertaining space. The biggest project was the pool and pool house build; this is where the mound that you see in the field beyond the house comes from. It’s not a Roman ruin, but actually the inside of the pool! It’s a great spot to sit and look out over the fields at the deer and muntjac that are frequent visitors, as well as our early-stage orchard and our four alpacas.
We particularly love the large painting on the sitting room by a painter called John Monks who has artworks hanging in London's V&A. We fell in love with the painting at a big exhibition and originally thought it was too big to fit into Clementine House. In the end we worked out that we could fit it into the sitting room with a centimetre to spare. The artist had to come and help us install it, cutting and folding back the stretcher in order to get it through the door, so it’s probably there for good as the paint has now dried!
Above all the house has been amazing for entertaining, and we have had many family gatherings and celebrations here; here's hoping that you do too.
The Dickson family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Bishop´s Stortford with an insider’s perspective.
To See
Cambridge
One can´t visit Cambridge without punting; give it a go yourself or employ one of the many students to tour you around. When on dry land, hire a bike, visit the museums or simply wander the city´s leafy parks and gardens.
To See
Audley End House and Gardens
A Jacobean mansion housing a collection of paintings, sculptures and ceramics. The extensive grounds, designed by Capability Brown, include a walled kitchen garden, woodlands and an adventure playground for children.
To Eat
Dine on the River Cam
Indulge in delicious, homecooked Thai food on your own personal chauffeured punt along the waters of Cambridge. Be sure to take your own wine (and a corkscrew!).
To Do
Feed the alpacas
Wander across Clementine House´s gardens to join the gardener at the alpaca field, where children (big and small!) can feed the animals their breakfast or dinner.
Guest Testimonials
We´ve had a lovely stay at Clementine House. It has been perfect for our needs as a large family and the outside space was great; the pool is amazing and we very much enjoyed the tennis court and all the animals on-site! We´d love to return one day.
Such a heavenly house - we felt very fortunate to have found it and to stay for a week. The most incredibly comfortable beds, the cleanest Aga, gorgeous pool... It was heavenly to sit on the mound in the evenings, the sweetest alpacas that ate out of our hands, great space for football with the goal too, masses of tennis, basketball net was also a bonus! We walked to the pub across the field which was stunning in the evenings. So, so much to love about this house.
Unique extras
Enhance your stay with a unique experience from one of our preferred suppliers. From professional in-house chefs to luxury at-home spa therapists and wine delivered to the door, see what’s on offer for your bespoke escape.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
Best cabin stays in the UK
The Times
May 2023Staycation in splendid isolation
Country Living
May 2023Britain´s best holiday cottages
The Telegraph
May 2023Best holiday homes in the UK
Conde Nast Traveller
May 2023A look inside The Fable x The White Company
House Beautiful
May 2023Britain´s best offbeat escapes
Country Living
May 2023Follying up the folly
Country Living
May 2023The hidden heart of Cornwall
Financial Times
April 2023
Britain in Wonderland > Grand gatherings > UK > Essex > Bishop´s Stortford > Clementine House
Related Collections
Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
