Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-location">THE LOCATION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall.jpg" alt="Fanhams Hall ware hertfordshire exterior
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<p><a href="https://www.exclusive.co.uk/fanhams-hall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fanhams Hall</a>, is a substantial Jacobean Mansion (cue obligatory sweeping driveway), conveniently located on the outskirts of Ware and a stone&#8217;s throw from the county town of Hertford. One of the seven hotels that make up the luxury hotel group, Exclusive Collection, it has 27 acres of grounds to explore, including woodlands, a wisteria walkway, rose garden, a manicured walled garden (perfect for those blooming gorgeous Insta snaps) and a pretty Japanese garden with a bridge and it’s very own original Japanese tea house &#8211; we even made friends with the resident Canada goslings (aww!).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-hall-walled-garden.jpg" alt="Fanhams Hall walled garden" class="wp-image-84500" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s a hotel of two halves. Firstly, there&#8217;s the original mansion house with its courtyard entrance and more period features than you can shake your Champagne glass at, including dark wood staircases, stained glass stone-mullion windows, wood-panelled walls, epic fireplaces, moulded ceilings and chequerboard floors. While many of the spaces are reserved for weddings and functions, you can take afternoon tea in the Drawing Room with lovely views of the gardens. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall-Branding-Day-169_websize.jpg" alt="Fanhams Hall Ware Hertfordshire stained glass windows" class="wp-image-84584" /></figure>



<p>Then there are the modern additions, including a bright and light-flooded atrium (which rises up to the sky over three storeys), a conservatory and pavilion (where breakfast is served), an &#8216;energy zone&#8217; with table football and coffee machines, a karaoke &#8216;klub&#8217; for hire (great fun for a hen do or pre-wedding party), and a gym – although no spa if you&#8217;re craving a post-workout sauna.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/FHH-BAR-2_websize.jpg" alt="Fanhams Hall Waqre Hertfordshire " class="wp-image-84587" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s a memorable estate and the gardens are a massive draw. In the summer months, (it was unseasonably chilly when we visited), I could imagine sitting out on the terrace or in one of the double deckchairs under the shade of the gargantuan Horse Chestnut tree, with an Aperol Spritz in hand. Do we have Lady of the manor aspirations? Abso-freaking-lutely.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="1067" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/vb5117669_Conker_1600x1067-2.jpg" alt="Conker Suite Fanham Hall Hertfordshire" class="wp-image-94366" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/vb5117669_Conker_1600x1067-2.jpg 1600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/vb5117669_Conker_1600x1067-2-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/vb5117669_Conker_1600x1067-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/vb5117669_Conker_1600x1067-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure>



<p>With 77 rooms, (many with views over the listed gardens), there&#8217;s something for everyone from petite yet comfortable ‘shoebox’ rooms, to push-the-boat out four-poster whoppers. My husband and I were in the Conker Suite. A gorgeous suite with views directly on to that enormous horse chestnut tree and the gardens beyond, through stone mullion windows. It was styled in calm and neutral hues, with a comfortable king-size bed, feature fireplace, modern bathroom (with a rain shower, TV above the bath and complementary Molton Brown toiletries), plus a mini Smeg fridge stuffed with snacks and juices, Dyson fan and a Nespresso machine for your morning cuppa. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1280" height="853" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/76913132.jpg" alt="Atrium Fanhams Hall Hertfordshire" class="wp-image-94367" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/76913132.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/76913132-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/76913132-1000x666.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<p>Dinner is a refreshingly casual affair here, so don&#8217;t expect a fine dining experience with fussy dishes that will break the bank. Pick from the all-day menu &#8211; think crowd pleasing club sandwiches and burgers, to pasta dishes and steak (there&#8217;s a kids&#8217; menu, too). Dinner and lunch are served in the atrium, where you can choose to sit at a table or in the sofa area, which surrounds a huge modern stone inglenook fireplace. Or head to the conservatory/bar, or on the terrace if the weather is playing ball. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-hall-prawns.jpg" alt="prawn dish" class="wp-image-84511" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">My husband&#8217;s prawn starter</figcaption></figure>



<p>We ate truffled wild mushroom bruschetta and chilli king prawn panzanella to start, followed by pan seared Coley and butternut squash linguini, washed down with a bottle of house red. For dessert we shared a sticky toffee pudding with honeycomb ice cream and my husband ordered an Old Fashioned to round off the meal. The atmosphere was relaxed, with a handful of other guests dining in – of course, you also have the option to pop into nearby Ware or Hertford for dinner – and we hit the sack replete and ready to catch some zzzs. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall-Exclusive-Slider-®-Amy-Murrell-2018-34.jpg" alt="Fanhams Hall Ware Hertfordshire" class="wp-image-84586" /></figure>



<p>Come morning, we headed to the pavilion for breakfast to dine with the ducks (well, almost). It&#8217;s another modern space, surrounded by glass windows, with some subtle Japanese styling, which overlooks the pretty pond and it&#8217;s resident quackers. Breakfast is buffet style with a good selection of eggs, bacon, sausages, hash browns and veggie options, plus pastries, cereals and juices. We heartily devoured our loaded plates amid the buzz of an excited wedding party fuelling up for the day&#8217;s big event, then made like our feathered friends, waddling out, happily sated. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Hertford-castle-KHL-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84517" /></figure>



<p>Conveniently close to the towns of Ware and just beyond, Hertford, Fanhams Hall is perfectly located for exploring both, as well as the surrounding countryside. We enjoyed a mooch around Hertford with its historic buildings, including the castle and grounds, and higher-than-average proportion of independent shops &#8211; try <a href="https://womens-society.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Women&#8217;s Society</a> and <a href="https://www.rubyroomlifestyle.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruby Room</a> boutiques, <a href="https://magpieamore.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magpie Amore</a> for an Aladdin&#8217;s cave of retro finds, and <a href="https://www.eyemindheart.shop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eye Mind Heart</a> for bright and quirky kids&#8217; gifts and homewares. </p>



<p>We grabbed a mid-morning coffee and cinnamon bun at <a href="https://www.bradanddills.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brad &amp; Dills</a>, near the market and spotted the famous <a href="https://www.theblueoysterbar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blue Oyster Bar and Fishmongers</a> with its knitted marine scene frontage. You&#8217;ll find <a href="https://www.hertfordmuseum.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertford Musuem</a> here too, along with the brand newly renovated waterfront Hertford Theatre (now called <a href="https://beamhertford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BEAM</a>), due to re-open in August. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/blue-oyster-bar-hertford-khl.jpg" alt="Hertford oyster bar knitted sea creatures" class="wp-image-84521" /></figure>



<p>If it&#8217;s outdoors you&#8217;re after, <a href="https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/panshanger-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panshanger Park</a> is just over 5 miles away and offers over 1,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands and grasslands to walk, run, cycle and explore. And if you have kids in tow, the Muddy Award winning Family Attraction, <a href="https://www.hertfordshirezoo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertfordshire Zoo</a> is a hop and a skip away, over in Broxbourne, with its speedway museum, safari golf, adventure playground and, of course, 500+ exotic wild animals. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/LR-Fanhams-Hall-Exclusive-Slider-®-Amy-Murrell-2018-110.jpg" alt="Tea House at Fanhams Hall Hertfordshire" class="wp-image-84588" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> If you like historic properties with period features aplenty, acres of gardens to explore, within easy reach of buzzy towns and calming countryside, Fanhams Hall will tick all the boxes. Plus it&#8217;s spot on for a wedding with loads of space for guests to stay and photo opps galore. </p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong>Spa seekers or foodies &#8211; if you&#8217;re expecting a steam room and massage with your stay you&#8217;ll be disappointed as there&#8217;s no spa at Fanhams Hall (although bring your workout kit as there is a gym). And you won&#8217;t find a fancy named chef or foodie &#8216;experience&#8217;. Dining is a more relaxed set-up, so you can ditch the LBD and stilettos, and slip into your luxe loungewear instead. </p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> There are 11 different room styles and rates: a &#8216;shoebox&#8217; room is from £99 per night, making it an affordable option for wedding guests or a bed for the night. While at the other end of the scale, you&#8217;ll find suites ranging from £219 &#8211; £279 per night (our room was £259). Dinner won&#8217;t tip the scale, with mains around the £15 &#8211; £20 mark. </p>


Muddy stays: Fanhams Hall, Hertfordshire

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