| The precise age of Bonningtons is not known, however 1st records originate from the early 1600s, so it is likely that the house predates this by a few years indicating a very late 16th century or early 17th century property. It is now a grade II listed building with a number of key listed features.
Records are not precise but at some stage the property was acquired by the Houblon''s Hallingbury estate. Bonningtons itself was reportedly the home of the estate manager. The estate itself also included Hatfield Forest. It was Jacob Houblon that created the current lake to be found in the centre of the forest, some time around 1740.
Jacobs son further enhanced the estate and forest around 1770 with the consultation of the famous landscaper Capability Brown adding further exotic trees and some areas opened up to improve the views. The lake itself was also altered at this time.
This small boutique hotel with a motoring theme has a large American-style kitchen, unique bedrooms and Morgan sports cars on site. Stansted Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
Melvyn and Sindy built The PitStop in 2009 and some of the windows were saved from the original Morgan factory.
The huge kitchen is styled as an American diner and can be accessed 24/7. At breakfast, guests can help themselves from the American-style fridge.
Bedroom themes include Art Deco, Edwardian, contemporary and exotic Indian. Each has an en suite bathroom, a TV, free internet access and a computer.
Local restaurants can be found in Little Hallingbury village. The Pitstop hotel is also convenient for the M11 motorway for access to Cambridge and London.
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Star Rating: 4