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Looking for a unique spot to stay – or celebrate – in the capital? We found a charming and luxurious hidden gem of a hotel rich in history in London’s Marylebone district
Having stayed in hundreds of hotels around the world in my time, it takes a lot for one to leave me truly wowed, but that’s exactly what I found when I stepped inside Henry’s Townhouse in London. Unassuming from the outside, inside it’s beautiful and unique, and with a fascinating story behind. I admit that I hadn’t heard of it before visiting, but I certainly won’t forget this hidden gem.
Back in the 18th Century, the building, 24 Upper Berkeley Street in London’s village-like Marylebone area, was the home of acclaimed author Jane Austen’s (reportedly favourite) brother Henry, a failed barrister, I’m told, who helped to bring Jane’s works to the public after her death in 1817. It’s said that Jane visited her brother and his wife Cassandra here often, and was even rumoured to have penned parts of Sense and Sensibility here (fans of the novel might spot references to this townhouse in the pages).
Over the years following, the building fell into disrepair, gradually existing as a run-down B&B until local Marylebone-born-and-raised businessman Steven Collins and his wife spotted its potential and snapped it up.
Following an extensive restoration project during which the interiors were thoughtfully overhauled – to appear even grander than they actually would in Henry’s day, Steven tells me, as the Austen family wasn’t wealthy – Henry’s Townhouse opened in 2020 with six bedrooms, two reception rooms and a pantry for breakfasts and meetings. Individual rooms can be booked, as you would a traditional hotel (a must for history buffs or literary fans), but where it really shines is as a single-use venue, which, Steven says, has been used for everything from hen parties and small weddings to London boltholes for rock stars and their entourages playing at the Royal Albert Hall (he if of course too discreet to drop names). It appears nothing is too much of an ask to arrange, as I hear stories of magicians lining the stairs and musicians playing in the baths.
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The former home of Jane Austen’s brother and now a gorgeous six-bedroom hotel or exclusive use venue.
The rooms at Henry’s Townhouse
The six bedrooms at Henry’s Townhouse are all named after Jane Austen’s relatives, small but perfectly designed, and individually decorated in sumptuous yet stylish designs. I stayed in the Cassandra room, decked out in soothing powder blue tones and with so many special touches, from the shell-shaped bath draped in curtains and the gilded dressing table to the artwork on the walls and the fresh flowers in bud glasses, plus a big desk should inspiration take you. Lying in the comfy bed at the end of the day underneath the huge chandelier, I felt like I was in Bridgerton.
All rooms also have a complimentary minibar and posh snacks, as well as modern comforts such as a Dyson hair dryer and Votary toiletries.
What else should you know?
Due to its small size, Henry’s Townhouse doesn’t serve dinner, but breakfast in the downstairs pantry is included in your stay. You’re spoilt for choice for dining out in the local area around Marylebone’s charming high street though, and the staff are more than happy to help with recommendations and bookings.
How much does it cost to stay at Henry’s Townhouse?
Rooms at Henry’s Townhouse start from £595 including breakfast, and the property costs from £4,950 per night for exclusive use for up to 12 guests.