The fact that Down Hall is the only hotel in southeast England (and one of just two in the UK) to feature its own padel tennis court might have passed most guests by a couple of years ago. But today it’s probably one of the biggest draws to the 19th-century Italian mansion spa hotel and estate — particularly given its convenient location just 45 minutes from central London on the Hertfordshire-Essex border.
Chances are you’re familiar with the buzz around padel tennis by now. If you’re not (yet) completely obsessed with it, you’ve almost certainly heard of the unlikely squash-tennis hybrid that’s seen an unstoppable rise in recent years thanks to an eclectic A-list following from Andy Murray to David Beckham and Elle Macpherson.
If you are a true obsessive, you’ll know how hard it is to get a court by now, so it’s no surprise that Londoners are queuing up for a visit to Down Hall as the weather hots up for spring. Book a stay and you’ll have the luxury of free access to the hotel’s padel court (including equipment hire) alongside a luxury spa, locally-sourced dining and 110 acres of landscaped gardens.
From afternoon teas in the drawing room to garden games on the lawn, here’s what to expect.
Where is it?
Just 45 minutes from Liverpool Street, in Hatfield Heath near Bishop’s Stortford on the Herfordshire-Essex border. It’s just a 17-minute drive from Stansted Airport if you fancy a pre-flight stopover.
Style
Expect historic country splendour with contemporary chic interiors: think grand stone pillars, flags flying outside the entrance and sweeping umbrella-filled terraces on the outside; and velvet sofas and feature walls in bold botanical colours under the chandeliers indoors.
There are fun country house details like giant outdoor chessboards dotted around the grounds, the work of pioneering landscape designer Charles Bridgeman. It’s not unusual to spot a Ferrari parked up outside on the main drive.
Which room?
All 98 bedrooms have been recently refurbished and come with tea and coffee-making facilities, a laptop-sized safe and highspeed Wi-Fi. The 50 rooms in the west wing boast traditional heritage colours and feature rooms come with two or four-posted beds and views over the gardens.
Pick a mansion house suite for a more spacious stay, with a four-poster bed, separate dressing room and balcony.
Food & drink
Seasonal British cuisine is the order of the day here, with menus that pay homage to the seasonal produce grown in the hotel’s kitchen garden and surrounding countryside. There’s the option of having brunch on the outdoor terrace and dinner takes place in the hotel’s new Garden Room restaurant, decked out with tropical wallpaper and striking lime green velvet chairs and serving everything from Norfolk lobster to steak flavoured in a South African-style Josper oven.
Order the charred mackerel or beef carpaccio to start, followed by the pan fried wild sea bass or treacle-cured beef rump, perfectly served with truffled pomme Anna, purple sprouting broccoli and beef jus.
Afternoon tea is popular here, with locals coming from afar for a taste of scones and finger sandwiches in the fittingly regal drawing room or Ibbetsons Tea Lounge. It’s £30 a head and you can upgrade to champagne or prosecco from £37. Cocktails are made using fruits foraged nearby.
Facilities
Weddings are a regular occurance here so don’t be surprised if you spot a happy couple posing for a photo shoot on the outdoor terrace or giant chess board (the hotel’s west wing recently had a £1.2m refurb to cater for weddings and corporate events for up to 220 guests, featuring six event rooms, a ballroom and bridal and groomsmen suites).
Indoors, there’s a there’s a gym with a classic selection of cross trainers, rowing machines, free-weights and medicine balls (there’s a new ‘Trim Trial’ outdoor gym if you fancy working out in the fresh air), but more popular with guests is the Eden Spa featuring ESPA products, a hydrotherapy pool, a mood-lit timber sauna and a state-of-the-art steam room with starry night feature lighting. Facials and massages are available to book in advance.
Croquet, boules, badminton, tennis and even five-a-side football are among the other activities dotted around the grounds, but the newest jewel in Down Hall’s crown is its padel court, installed during the pandemic and increasingly attracting hoardes of Londoners looking for a padel-infused weekend in the countryside (the best thing about padel is it’s a doubles sport, so lends itself to drinks afterwards).
Drinks are served on the sweeping outdoor terrace in summer and the hotel also offers a picnic service to be enjoyed in the 110 acres of manicured grounds and woodland. Special events take place on the estate throughout the year, from fireworks displays to kids’ holiday camps and fêtes, and there’s a children’s play area and kids camps during the school holidays from Sharky and George. An Instagrammable selection of colourful wellies are available outside the main front door.
What to Instagram
Garden games on the lawn against the backdrop of the grand 19th-century mansion. Picture the croquet scene in the latest series of You.
Best for?
Padel nuts looking for a calm weekend in the countryside. Even better if you live or work near Liverpool Street.
How to get there
Hop on the train from Liverpool Street and you’ll be at Sawbridgeworth station in under 45 minutes. It’s a 12-minute taxi at the other end.
When should I go?
Anytime, but ideally in summer if you want to make proper use of the outdoor facilities. The padel court is open to the elements so keep your fingers crossed for a dry day.
