LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

Celebrity Traitors recently hit our screens and De Vere Latimer Estate in the heart of Buckinghamshire is perfect for a spy-inspired stay, without the murder..

A grand manor house overlooking the Chilterns, with a rich British history and opulent original interiors, De Vere Latimer Estate is the perfect spot to escape to.

A screen worthy stay, the property plays an integral part of British history, as it captured and spied on high-ranking war prisoners, German U-boat submarine crews and Luftwaffe pilots during WWII throughout its underground cellars.

The story of Latimer House at the heart of De Vere Latimer Estate took an extraordinary direction during World War II when it was commandeered by the Ministry of Defence to be used as a top secret centre for military intelligence – and a prison for German prisoners of War. The operations carried out during this time were so highly classified, much of the information has only just come to light: and some of it is yet to be revealed.

This very special offer gives you the opportunity to stay in one of the rooms once occupied by spies. With the original tunnels still in tact today, guests can call on their spy-like skills as any good Traitor would.

For instance, you can stay in The Mews Guest room, The Waterhouse Guest room, North Wing superior, Mansion House Deluxe or Mansion House suites. The rooms all feature luxurious Penhaligon toiletries

The limited edition spy house package transports guests back in time through an exclusive tour and themed afternoon tea which spotlights wartime favourites such as homemade Victoria sponge and raspberry Battenburg, as well as Pink Gin – the favourite drink of WWII spies.

Here’s what you’ll get…

• A stay in a mansion house room, likely to have been once occupied by a member of MI6 – or even a high-ranking prisoner
• A delicious afternoon tea for two in the Huntley Bar & Library: the room used by the WW2 ‘Spymasters’ to entertain and ‘befriend’ their German inmates*
• A taster bottle of Latimer pink gin: distilled using botanicals from the gardens at De Vere Latimer Estate
• A ‘ration’ box in your room, containing a selection of British and American treats, popular during the Second World War
• A copy of ‘The Walls Have Ears’ by Dr Helen Fry, a fascinating account of the top-secret work carried out at Latimer House during WW2

Upon departure, guests will also receive a De Vere Latimer Estate ration box including a history book, miniature bottle of honey and access to an exclusive short film ‘What Lies Beneath’, created in collaboration with British historian, lecturer and biographer, Dr Helen Fry.

Book here.