Take the London train to Audley End (55 minutes), and this Georgian farmhouse retreat is then just a five-minute drive. It’s on the top of a hill with farmland all around and has been in the Duke family for over 100 years.
Bedrooms all have views of the pretty gardens full of mature trees and wildlife; there are stairs down to one of the bathrooms. Wake to birdsong and hop down for breakfast next to the Aga in the family kitchen; Kate gives you a full English with local produce (veggie options too). In the evenings, pick up a book and settle by the fire in the guest drawing room.
You’re on the border of Essex, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, with heaps of history and culture to dip into; walkers can join the Icknield Way, which passes near the house. Back here explore the garden, meadow and bluebell woods, or sign up to one of Kate’s wellbeing sessions: yoga, acupuncture, meditation or massage – and bushcraft events, for children and parents, which are held down by the lake (check what’s available first).
