Cliveden House holds a special place in our hearts. Mum celebrated her birthday there before she had us but as soon as Darcy came along, she wanted to share it with her. There were birthday celebrations, and Christmas get togethers with other doggy friends. After Darcy passed unexpectedly in January 2022, we took a break. I think Mum always thought this was where many of their adventures began. Not until a few weeks ago when Aunty Margaret came to visit and she invited us to join her. Our return trip was full of memories.
We always love the arrival at The Cliveden House, driving up the long drive way towards the beautiful house at the end of it.
Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of intrigue and glamour for the elite.
The grandeur of the main hallway enriched with antique furniture and period features, it has stayed true to its roots.
And the grand staircase always made a good photo feature.
The Cliveden House story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs (the Profumo Affair took place in July 1961).
All the suites are individually named after guests who have stayed there. We had the lovely Vanderbilt Suite –
We wanted to show Aunty Margaret the magnificent gardens. We went up to the top of the stairs and out onto the balcony to give her a birds eye-view …
It was here that Mum took that photo of Darcy which made Cliveden’s in-house magazine and on their Instagram.
Before we wandered down to the grounds for a walk. Dogs are not allowed in the formal gardens so we waited while Aunty Margaret explored.
But there was more to see at the front of the house.
All the times Mum’s been, for one reason or another, the fountain at the start of the drive was never working. But this time it was!
Mum and Aunty Margaret always take their Afternoon Teas wherever they are. They wanted the full experience of being in the Cliveden Dining room where I was not allowed, so I stayed behind in our suite and waited for them.
With Cliveden’s illustrious royal history of entertaining every British monarch since King George I, in this regal year, they celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III with a delicious new afternoon tea menu with sweet delights inspired by flowers that grow in the Kings’ Royal Gardens and savoury treats that use the finest products from Sandringham’s farm, the private home to British Monarchs since 1862. I think they enjoyed every morsel and the champagne.
Later in the evening I could join them for their cocktails in the Resident’s Lounge which is the Library Bar.
Aunty Margaret and Mum toasted their friendship (of almost 40 years!) with the Cliveden 66 cocktail – named after the year it was built in 1666. The cocktail’s flavours of vodka, orange liqueur, and rose liqueur narrate the story and reflect the tastes associated with the two prominent characters – the Duke of Birmingham and his mistress, Anna Maria the wife of the Earl of Shrewsbury. 24 carat gold flakes signify the cocktail’s luxurious pedigree, and Champagne, the drink of every high society party, adds a suitably decadent finishing note.
The elegant wood panelled Library Bar overlooks the glorious Parterre and renowned for its long and esteemed history of entertaining. They sipped the cocktail on the Parterre against the setting sun.
Stunning way to end a beautiful day!
May’s comment: Years ago, I went to a Shakespeare concert on the grounds of Cliveden House and caught a glimpse of it. I would like to stay there one day, maybe for a special occasion. And I did, to celebrate the last year of my 40’s! Two years after that, I was excited to make memories with Darcy when I heard they’re dog friendly.
A few years later, we celebrated Darcy’s 9th birthday with friends at the Astor Grill. And in the same year, we had our last annual Doodle Christmas Lunch before the pandemic.
Many things have changed since. Even though we returned for a brief visit last Summer, with friends for lunch, the grounds were parched brown and it wasn’t the Cliveden we knew.
When Margaret came to town this time, we thought she might enjoy experiencing this grand English country estate, and she invited us along.
Thank you Margaret for letting us make memories with you.
We will never forget you Miss D, and Cliveden House will always be our special place.
