Beautiful hidden gem London hotel where celebrities stay and with fascinating past

Having visited countless hotels worldwide, it’s not often that one leaves me genuinely awestruck. However, that’s precisely the feeling I experienced when I stepped into Henry’s Townhouse in London. From the outside it appears fairly unassuming, but inside, it’s a beautiful and unique space with an intriguing backstory. I confess, I hadn’t heard of it before my visit, but this hidden gem certainly won’t be forgotten.

The building, located at 24 Upper Berkeley Street in London’s much-loved Marylebone neighbourhood, was once the residence of Jane Austen’s reportedly favourite brother, Henry, in the 18th Century. A failed barrister, I was told, Henry played a crucial role in bringing Jane’s works to the public following her death in 1817.

It’s believed that Jane frequently visited Henry and his wife Cassandra here, and there are even suggestions that she wrote parts of Sense and Sensibility within these walls (devoted fans might recognise references to this townhouse in the novel).

Henry’s Drawing Room, one of two cosy and cool reception rooms in the property
(Image: Henry’s Townhouse)

In the years that followed, the building fell into a state of disrepair, eventually becoming a dilapidated B&B until local businessman Steven Collins, who grew up in Marylebone, and his wife saw its potential and decided to purchase it, reports the Mirror.

Following a comprehensive restoration project, during which the interiors were meticulously revamped to appear even more opulent than they would have in Henry’s era – as, Steven informs me, the Austen family was never rich – Henry’s Townhouse opened its doors in 2020. It now has six bedrooms, two reception rooms and a pantry for breakfasts and meetings.

While individual rooms can be booked like a traditional hotel (a joy for history enthusiasts or literature fans), the venue truly excels when booked exclusively. Steven reveals it has hosted everything from hen dos and intimate weddings to serving as a London hideaway for rock stars and their crews performing at the Royal Albert Hall (though he’s too discreet to name names). It seems no request is too extravagant, with tales of magicians lining the stairs and musicians performing in the baths.

Henry’s Townhouse also makes a brilliant venue for special events
(Image: Henry’s Townhouse)

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Henry’s Townhouse

The former home of Jane Austen’s brother and now a gorgeous six-bedroom hotel or exclusive use venue.

From £595 per night

Booking.com

The rooms at Henry’s Townhouse Each of the six bedrooms at Henry’s Townhouse is named after one of Jane Austen’s relatives. They’re small yet flawlessly designed, each with unique and lavish yet incredibly stylish decor.

I had the pleasure of staying in the Cassandra room, adorned in calming powder blue hues and filled with special touches, from the shell-shaped bath draped in curtains and the gilded dressing table to the artwork on the walls and fresh flowers in bud glasses, plus a large desk should you feel inspired to pen your own masterpiece. As I lay in the comfortable bed under the grand chandelier at the end of the day, I felt like I was in an episode of 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.

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