Gallery for Grendon Guest House

The Entrance Hall

“From the entrance-hall, of which Mr. Collins pointed out, with a rapturous air, the fine proportion and the finished ornaments, they followed the
servants through an ante-chamber, to the room where
Lady Catherine, her daughter, and Mrs. Jenkinson were sitting.”

Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice.

The large entrance hall gives a clue to Grendon’s origin. It was constructed in 1913 – not quite Jane Austen’s time – by a wealthy local entrepreneur, the merchant Arthur Longland. The land was purchased from the Duke of Devonshire for “the building of a substantial dwelling house.” Such a house required a large, attractive entrance hall, not least for visitors who needed to be received with due ceremony; an impression had to be made!

Today, the hall’s atmosphere is still redolent of that time, with its superb dark wooden beams and resplendent dresser.

Guest Lounge

The guest lounge on the ground floor is available at all times

for all guests. In winter we can light a log fire for you if you’d like to spend some time there. It’s an ideal spot for conversation or a quiet read. There are games on hand too, though, if you’re in the mood. We do have a television, cunningly concealed, on hand for your favourite programme or major sports event.

Leading from the lounge is our terrace with a wonderful outlook onto the spectacular one acre garden and the hills above. Here you can sit at the table and chairs after you arrive and have a pot of tea and some biscuits gratis. Or come and sit on a summer evening, or morning after breakfast, and enjoy the peace and the birdsong.

“Relaxation means releasing all concern and tension and letting
the natural order of life flow through one’s being.”
Donald Curtis

The House’s Setting

The moorland behind the house in deep midwinter. A reminder of the fact that Grendon is open to guests throughout the year.

“It was so lovely to be able to walk behind Grendon up onto the moorland above and enjoy the stunning winter landscape; it was the icing on the cake." Mike and Sarah, London. Cold icing, but refreshing! The paths and trails into the hills are close to the house, at the end of the lane.

Grendon Working for Charity

This is me, Hilary, on the front porch with Molly, the hearing dog, owned by Tony Higbed, a Second World War veteran gunner whose service caused him to lose his hearing, and sponsored by Grendon.

She's wearing the Hearing Dog for Deaf People organisation jacket. As I’ve had impaired hearing all my life this is a charity close to my heart, and it’s gratifying to know that there’s an organisation that might be of help to me one day. We have raised over £20,000 for the society in recent years.

“A good dog never dies. He always stays. He walks besides you on crisp
autumn days when frost is on the fields and winter's drawing near.
His head is within our hand in his old way.”
Mary Carolyn Davies

Breakfast Room

Mmm, breakfast. A cool, calm space in summer (but warm in winter), in which to tuck into the bountiful breakfast fare while you contemplate the day ahead.

To win five AA stars and a breakfast award, this meal has to be great – no arguments!

“Eat breakfast like a King, lunch like a Prince and dinner like a pauper.”
Adelle Davis