LONGUEVILLE MANOR
Sumptuous address in a lush Jersey valley
JERSEY'S SWISHEST HOTEL sits pretty in
lush green countryside a few miles from the cliffs and coastal paths of this inviting island and just a short hop from the Normandy coast. Guarding its own private wooded valley, the handsome stone-built manor house – parts of which date back to the 13th century – is a luxurious haven of civility, with the added lure of first-rate award-winning cuisine.
The graciously restored interior glows with carved oak panelling, rich fabrics, warm colours and fine antiques. Sprawling bedrooms combine elegant good taste with every modern comfort, while well-drilled staff provide impeccable service. Outside, a heated pool invites guests to make the most of Jersey’s sunny climate, with
poolside summer dining. Guests who would sooner keep their toes dry can feed the Mandarin ducks and black swans on the lake in the pretty grounds.
Splendid dinners are served in the Oak room, where home-grown produce and herbs grace menus combining the best of British and French cuisine.
Hit the spot
A haven of civility near St Helier
Bedtime
Shut the door to your very own turret: the Honeymoon suite awaits.
Be savvy
Dress the part – this is where Jersey's A-listers stay
Be smitten
It's the jewel in Jersey's hotel crown
Michelin starred cuisine
Chef Andrew Baird’s inspired cooking makes the most of Jersey’s rich waters, with oysters and fresh fish star-studding an exceptional menu.
The Manor’s master sommelier will guide you through the extensive wine list.
Outside, check out the
exotic animal life and watch the antics of the gorillas at the Durrell Wildlife zoo – a mini Madagascar where endangered species thrive. Then there’s Elizabeth Castle – reached by a causeway – and all that tax-free shopping.
Longueville Manor was reviewed for Room for Romance by
Amanda Kingston
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Dining in
Dining at Longueville Manor is an undeniable treat. Head chef Andrew Baird and his team have a heap of culinary awards under their belt, and menus feature much of the produce grown in the manor's walled kitchen garden. Choose a table in the Oak Room, wih its 16th century wood panelling, or the light and bright Garden room, whose French doors swing open onto a small flower garden. Start your evening at the newly refurbished cocktail bar – the bartender is a pro at mixing just about any pre-dinner drink you may fancy. Then
dig into hand dived local scallops, lamb with slow-roasted plum tomatoes, French beans and sautéed sweetbreads, and traditional tarte tatin.
Dining out
Among the smartest places on the island is Ocean restaurant at The Atlantic hotel at St Brelade. Suma's restaurant in Gorey also comes highly recommended.
Where?
The Oak Room, with its Jacobean wood panelling
What's cooking?
Foie gras and chicken liver parfait with sweet pickled figs and orange, sesame coated seared tuna with rocket salad, horseradish cream and caviar sauce, and vanilla creme brulee with Granny Smith sorbet .
Dress the part
Elegance is the keyword
Top table?Beside the wood-panelled walls
See & Do
Top visitor attractions include Jersey Zoo, set up by famous conservationist Gerald Durrell. The gorillas and orang utans here are hilarious – just like families back home with stroppy kids and grumpy dads. Much-photographed Mont Orgueil castle at Gorey is a major landmark, while the Jersey War Tunnels and German Underground Hospital are poignant reminders of the island's occupation during World War Two. For walkers, Jersey's cliffy coastal paths are unbeatable in late spring, when flowers carpet woods and hedgerows.
Shop
Hit the stores on King Street in St Helier – you'll see most of the big UK high street chain stores here, but with prices minus the VAT. Jewellery stores are plentiful, while Halkett Street is the place to snap up designer label fashion.
After dark
Popular with the surfing crowed is The Watersplash, a late-night venue on the beach at St Ouen's Bay. Chambers is a popular pub/club in St Helier with DJs and live music. For a quieter night out, have a beer at the very charming Rozel Bay Inn.
Dates
July
Slurp one of the island's best-known exports at the Jersey Oyster festival at Grouville.
August
Watch the daytime and moonlight parades at the Battle of Flowers, when it's a wall-to-wall carnival atmosphere.
GETTING THERE
Location
St Saviour, Jersey, Channel islands JE2 7WF
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains/buses
There is no rail travel on the island, though Connex buses operate around Jersey
Taxis
GBP 15 from the airport
Airport
Jersey – seven miles
Ferries
Condor Ferries operate ferries to Jersey daily from Weymouth or Poole
Rooms and suites
28 rooms and 3 suites
Special features
Rooms are designed with every comfort, right down to the cordless phones, home made shortbread, fresh flowers, fruit and scented candles. Some have roll-top baths or hot tubs.
Also...
There's an extensive DVD library, free wi-fi throughout and a tennis court.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 210 – 800
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
12 noon
Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends
Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 10am. Choices include smokes salmon and scrambled eggs.
Room service
Available 24 hours a day
Children
Very welcome
Pets
Dogs welcome
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English, Italian and French
Wedding license?
Yes. Up to 65 guests can be accommodated.
Your Contact
Pedro Bento – general manager