marlfield house

An elaborate glass entrance porch housing an antique reception desk has been added to the formerly rather plain Regency stone facade, and this leads through to an inner hall, bright with fresh flowers. From here a graceful staircase curls steeply upwards, hung with portraits , and lit at each level by progressively larger glittering Waterford crystal chandeliers, all linked to one central chain . On the right is a huge and gracious drawing room, with a well-stocked mahogany bar in one corner. The restaurant is justly famous. At the back of the house, it is a spectacular conservatory , filled with green plants and flower-filled hanging baskets. an inner mirrored section reflects painted forest scenes, and is snug in winter: an outer section opens to the garden for summer dining. The vies is of well-tended green lawns, huge trees rose beds, neat gravel paths, bright herbaceous borders, and a clipped hedge behind which are vast vegetable gardens, the pride of owners Raymond and Mary Bowe.