Peter Herbert arrived at Gravetye in 1958. Captivated by Robinson's house and its setting he had the revolutionary idea of injecting his own exceptional hotel keeping and restaurant standards in to this rural spot. Over 40 years on, Gravetye has lost none of its edge. It has a timeless quality - not trendy, and yet not aged and stuffy. The service is warm and friendly, and that is down to the enthusiasm of the team, but who would not be happy to work in such an environment? Time has enabled projects, such as the restoration of the kitchen garden, to come to fruition and miraculously the thousand acre oasis of forest in which Gravetye sits resisted encroachment, although only 30 miles away from Hyde Park Corner.
In April 2004, General Manager, Andrew Russell and Chef de Cuisine, Mark Raffan, both of whom had worked for the Herbert Family for over seventeen years, purchased the hotel. They both have a great affection and affiliation with this historic house and garden. They are both delighted to be able to continue the philosophy of great country house hospitality and also to maintaining and nurturing this historically important garden.
November 2005
Voted the 3rd best hotel in the UK and one of only three British hotels in the top 100 of Condé Nast Traveller's Awards (USA)
THE ULTIMATE RESOURCE for the LUXURY TRAVELER
ANDREW HARPER AWARD WINNER CONGRATULATIONS to all of you at Gravetye Manor on your recent Andrew Harper Grand Award! "We know how you strive to provide excellence in service, cuisine, and atmosphere, and would like to thank you for giving our members a distinguished, superb experience since 1984."
"Lifetime Achievement Award - Gravetye Manor Nestled amid glorious woodland gardens south of London, this timeless Elizabethan stone manse was Britain's first luxury country house hotel, and nearly 50 years later it still ranks among the very best of its genre."
GOOD HOTEL GUIDE 2008
With an oak panelled hall, drawing room and staircase, leaded windows, fires in public areas, antique furniture and the ‘aroma of polish and pot pourri’ this is a classic country house hotel. The creeper clad Elizabethan Manor stands amid woodland in grounds designed by William Robinson, pioneer of the English Natural Garden. Visitors tell of the ‘personal touches, kindness and courtesy’ and the ‘genuine care and attention to detail’.
AA GUIDE 2007
ZAGAT RESTAURANT / HOTEL SURVEY 2008
THE RESTAURANT GUIDE
Some years ago, when reviewing Gravetye, I said, 'There are places where even the mention of their name induces a sign of contentment as the eyes mist over with the recollections, and so it is with Gravetye; after all the name itself is evocative, like a favoured place from a Dornford Yates novel'.
These scarves, hats, gloves, socks and throws are in soft earthy tones of black, grey, taupe and cream.
Why not spoil yourself or indulge a friend with a gorgeous gift?
You will find this range in our display cabinet and you can see all the B L A C K collections at www.black.co.uk
