This Essex mansion makes the perfect DIY spa retreat with friends
When my group of friends mentioned wanting to meet up early in 2024, I was first on the WhatsApp group to reply YES. That was the easy part. The hard part was then finding somewhere that matched everyone’s busy schedules and requirements.
Far-flung exotic destinations were immediately ruled out (too long, too pricey), then Euro escapes (less long, but still too pricey), until our 12-strong group of time-short, bargain-hunting mid-lifers finally agreed on the UK. But where? And what to do?
We knew we needed somewhere that could easily accommodate at least a dozen guests, was easy to reach, fairly luxurious, private (so we could be as loud/emotional as we like) and, this was the crucial part, would provide a side of health and fitness, so we’d return home feeling relaxed and rested rather than like we’d been hard on it at a festival for 48 hours.
An online search led us to The white House through Kate & Tom's, a six-bedroom Georgian mansion set in 52 acres of Essex parkland near Halstead, which appeared to tick all the boxes and more. We booked a one-night break in February and hoped it would live up to a myriad of expectations.
The White House? Sounds presidential…
Believe me, Joe Biden would be more than happy to stay here. It’s absolutely enormous and the website pictures don’t do it justice in terms of size and beauty.
Charismatic owner Antoine Dixon-Bellet was outside to greet us and provide a quick tour, during which time we gleaned his life story - the dad-of-two started out on £15,000 per year and is now a multi-millionaire property and media entrepreneur in his 40s, which left us a) wondering what we’d been doing with our lives and b) keen to invest in some (any) property, pronto.
With a grin he was gone and we were left clutching the keys to what is surely one of the best private country houses to hire in the south east, complete with east and west wings, flood-lit tennis court and stables. What could go wrong?
So spill the beans, what’s it like inside?
Incredible. From the moment we stepped through the (very large) front door things went a little bit Saltburn (minus the murder/drugs/plot twists). We’d inhabited a world where grand pianos, chandeliers, full-sized snooker tables, manicured lawns and a ballroom (yes, an actual ballroom) were the norm.
And we immediately felt at home. Everyone ran around excitedly choosing rooms, checking out the kitchen and initially, getting lost - by the time I’d discovered the ‘spare’ downstairs bedroom-come-library, I’d forgotten how to get back to the sanctity of the kitchen. Luckily the sound of laughter led me safely back to the snacks.
Forget Essex stereotypes when it comes to decor, this palatial pad has been exquisitely and sympathetically restored in keeping with its history (originally known as Greenstead Hall, it dates back to 1875) and the result looks more like something from a House & Garden shoot than TOWIE, think blue-panelled dining room with a polished oak table seating 14 and a surprisingly cosy lounge (or should that be drawing room?) with detailed coving.
The bedrooms are sumptuous too. I slept in Versailles, which is as lavish as it sounds, starring an enormous bed and heavy full-length curtains that blocked out the light brilliantly during my rare lie-in on Sunday morning. My ensuite bathroom was painted a sexy dark blue and had a standalone tub, and I even had a private roof terrace.
Ok it’s luxe, but how exactly is this a spa weekend?
Ok this is the best bit. Follow a corridor off the kitchen and you arrive at *drum roll* an indoor heated pool, sauna, hot tub and fully-fitted gym (think treadmill, rowing machine, weights, yoga mats and medicine balls). Jaw-drop. You read that correctly, The White House has its own in-built wellbeing centre, which is bigger and better than some spa areas I’ve seen in hotels.
Without hesitation, we changed into swimwear and made use of all the facilities. I found swimming side-by-side, sharing gossip in a sauna and chatting in a hot tub way more intimate than catching up with my friends on a boozy night out in an expensive restaurant or club, and the fact it was private meant we could be as raucous as we liked without having to use hushed spa voices.
A highlight of the weekend was a late-night snooker match (possibly the longest in history due to lack of skills) and a midnight dip, though this time we made use of the plastic cups thoughtfully provided pool-side and toasted our lavish night away from kids/partners/worries with a glass of bubbly (you can't do that at Champneys).
Most magical of all though was a late morning yoga session in the magnificent ballroom on Sunday. My friend Jo’s a qualified teacher and took us through a gentle sequence of stretches and breathwork as sun streamed in through the elegant windows and a wonderful sense of calm settled on us - an ideal way to feel just before departing back to our busy lives. If you don’t have a yogi in your midst, the owner is happy for you to arrange for an instructor to visit the house (it would also make a great yoga retreat, watch this space!).
And what about food?
The White House is self-catering, but as you’d expect somewhere this grand, there are plenty of options that don’t involve you lifting a finger, including private chefs and a full catering package with butler.
Tempting as it was to be waited on hand and foot, we opted for a simple (and cheaper) Mediterranean take out from The Shish in nearby Halstead. Our grand dining table was soon filled with a feast of lamb shish, sea bass (served with salad and rice), chicken koftie, falafel, halloumi and a side of gossip.
Handily, the kitchen’s wonderfully equipped, including an Aga and more saucepans and homeware than you could ever need, so heating up and serving everything wasn’t a problem.
And if you’re staying longer than a night, there are plenty of decent dining options locally, including Maison Talbooth riverside Restaurant in Dedham and Michelin-starred Flitch of Bacon.
Anything else?
Plenty, actually. A stroll around the grounds revealed a lake and wedding barn - yep, you can tie the knot here which makes sense as there's acres of space and the house and grounds would make an epic background for wedding photos.
I’d love to hire this place in the summer, when you could fling open the doors and make the most of the massive terrace with dining table and barbecue. Apparently there’s even a croquet lawn. Sigh.
The verdict
It felt like no expense had been spared on any aspect of the house. The finish was immaculate and everything looked fresh and new, despite the property dating back to the 1800s (some of my gang even thought it was a new build!). Whether you're looking for a place to celebrate a significant anniversary or birthday with family and friends, a summer holiday staycation or a unique place to get married, you won't be disappointed.
There were 12 in our party, which comfortably filled the six bedrooms (a mix of doubles and twins), but if you need even more space a further 10 beds can be used including zed-beds, sofa beds plus four in a neighbouring cottage, taking the maximum capacity to a grand total of 22. Impressive.
How can I hire it?
Priced from £3,000 per night, that's £250pp based on 12 people sharing.
More big house ideas...
Six amazing Saltburn-inspired big house getaways
A relaxing mate-cation in a Dorset mansion
Try a sound retreat at Down Hall in the Essex countryside
You Might Also Like
