Harpenden House
Venue Guide
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Wedding Facilities
| Venue and location The Story of ‘The Welcombe’ now known as ‘Harpenden House Hotel’ This Georgian house is mainly remembered for the period of time from 1931 until 1964, when it was used by the Dominican Sisters as a convent. It is a Grate 2 listed building. The listing of the building, dated 26/7/51. States Built as a large town house. Early 18th century, but with large mid-late 17th century chimney stack on the left-hand side. Late 19th century additions on front left and rear. The main block is red brick with peliferied headers. Gauged red brick lintels. Plain tile tipped roof. Three stories. Door of right fielded panels in moulded wood frame and with rectangular fan. Fluted Corinthian pilasters carry an enriched architrave which curves upwards at the centre. To the rear of the main block is a two-storey 18th century range with canled bay window. Large 18th century fireplace to rear wall of south ground floor room. At the beginning of the 19th century, the house was used as a ‘School for Young Ladies’. In 1850 Mr William Mansion, a wealthy businessman, moved into the house. Probably the best remembered resident at the ‘Welcombe’ was Mr Henry Hodgson. He was also a wealth businessman who, became chairman of the Midland Railway in 1873. This is the railway line that still runs past the rear of the building and is known as the Midland Mainline to St Pancras. His wife’s uncle was Sir John Bennett Lawes who founded the Rolhamsted Experimental establishment, which is situated on the opposite side of the common. Mr Hodgson’s estate stretched from Stakers Lane, now known as Station Road, to Crabtree Lane. Southdown Road was known as Wheathampstead Road until1924 when it was renamed. In 1918 Mr Hodgson died suddenly and tragically. The Welcombe was later bought by Mr Leslie Walton, former Managing Director of Vauxhall Motors, who changed the house considerably, living there throughout the 1920’s The house’s extensive grounds comprised kitchen gardens, tennis court, glass houses and numerous outbuildings. ‘The Cedars’, now known as 16 Southdown Road, was formerly the coachhouse to the Welcombe. When put up for auction in 1930, the description of the interior stated: ‘A panelled lounge hall and inner hall, a dining room, panelled drawing room, library, domestic offices, billiards room, study, ten bedrooms and dressing rooms, five servants rooms. Plus the usual accommodation for gardener and chauffeur, with substantial gardens and grounds.’ Purchased by Queens Moat House Group in 1970, the house was converted into a hotel. This involved considerable internal alterations, particularly to the 1st and 2nd floor rooms. The house continues to be used as a hotel, with large bedroom blocks being built in the early 1970’s and additions in 1986. A 25-bedroom extension was built during 1999, opening in January 2000. Planning • On the day • Guest arrival • Bride arrival • Ceremony • Function • Party •  Accommodation• • • Booking information Packages and rates | |
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