Brocket Hall is one of England’s finest stately homes, spread over 543-acres of Hertfordshire countryside. With two championship golf courses, a AA Rosette restaurant and luxury accommodation, guests can expect a quintessentially British experience conveniently located on the outskirts of London.
The house which stands today dates back to 1746 and was designed by one of the leading architects of that age, Sir James Paine. Named in his memory, the iconic Paine Bridge is a stunning feature over Broadwater Lake which runs through the Estate.
Over the years, a vast amount of celebrities, politicians and members of the Royal Family have visited or lived at Brocket Hall, including Queen Victoria, Lord Palmerston, Lord Melbourne and Lord Byron.
Several helicopter pads, great transport links The perfect location for private parties, golf days, fine dining, corporate events and weddings, the Brocket Hall Estate can cater to any scale and style of event and spacious on-site parking makes the property easily accessible, especially from London which is just 22 miles away.
It no wonder that the estate is almost as well-known for its appearance on films and television such as Rocketman, The Crown, Spiderman and Pride & Prejudice as it is for its golf.
Indeed Brocket Hall boasts two of England’s most picturesque courses set in acres of ancient parkland, both appropriately named after the two notable Prime Ministers, Palmerston and Melbourne, who once resided at the Estate. Both are quintessentially British by design, but at the same time offer a completely different challenge for golfers of all abilities.
The par 72 Melbourne Course designed by former Ryder Cup golfers Clive Clark and Peter Alliss was opened in 1992 whilst the more technically-demanding Palmerston Course created by Donald Steel alongside Martin Ebert who managed the design detail and construction, was fully open in 2000.
With its stunning views over the property’s glorious stately home and lake which is straddled by a magnificent bridge, the Melbourne guarantees visitors a highly-enjoyable and memorable day. It crosses the River Lea on four occasions as it follows the natural contours of the estate grounds before finishing in front of the Hall after a short ferry ride to the 18th green.
In contrast the par 73 Palmerston suits golfers looking for a more strategic, challenging round of golf. Unlike the Melbourne, this tree-lined track does not feature the river at all. Instead it meanders around the Capability Brown-inspired woodland of rare hornbeam, Scots and Corsican Pine, monkey puzzle and 500-year-old oak trees that create some spectacular hazards alongside the fiendishly-placed bunkers and large undulating greens that ensure a true test of golf.
The golf club is in a massively advantageous position to other Hertfordshire courses as its two courses are generally open 365 days per year.
The history of the Brocket Hall is both complex and enchanting. The neo-classical stately home, established in 1760 and now available for exclusive hire, looks out over the Melbourne Course. A magnificent ornamental lake and the iconic Paine Bridge in the distance form an integral part of the layout whilst the rest of the estate grounds and buildings are a delight to wander around.
On a recent stay in Melbourne Lodge, the estate’s former coach house, we were impressed by the exquisite and tastefully decorated bedroom, the well-appointed bathroom and the stunning views overlooking the beautiful countryside of Hertfordshire.
Dining at the acclaimed fine-dining restaurant, Auberge du Lac Restaurant, was an experience in itself. The attention to detail, charming service was matched by the quality and presentation the cuisine, created by head chef, John Barber.
This all round experience ensured the couples visit was one to remember and will certainly return.
How to Book
Tee Time bookings for 18 holes can be made online via the link below. Our green fees vary between season and time of day, with one of our championship courses available each day for visitor golf. Tee times are available 7-days in advance and are subject to availability.
