About Us

Elegant, elaborate and linked to a pair of trend-setting fashionistas, Donnington has a fabulously rich history. The estate’s been home to a Regency socialite, a luxury-loving heiress and Japanese investors. Their stories are intertwined with the Donnington you see today.

It began back in 1763 when wealthy historian James Pettit Andrews asked amateur architect John Chute to build a mansion in “Strawberry Hill Gothic” style. This type of mock Gothic architecture was named after the most famous building of its style: Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham. That building was the brainchild of Andrews’ friend, Horace Walpole, a writer of gothic novels - dark and dramatic forerunners of classics such as Dracula and Frankenstein.

The next owner, come 1783, was William Brummell, former Private Secretary to Prime Minister, Lord North. Brummell expanded and landscaped the 850 acre-estate. But it was his son, George, who’s much better known. Dubbed ”Beau” Brummell, he became a Regency style icon who wowed wealthy society. Beau created a revolutionary impact on mens fashion - even introducing the suit and neck tie to menswear. Donnington’s superb eatery, Beau’s Restaurant, is named after him.

Discover Donnington with our hand-drawn map below. From our bridged entrance and Beau's Restaurant to our driving range, you can see where you'll be staying and the space you can explore during your stay.