Historic hamlet and magnificent views

Latimer is of the Latimer & Ley Hill parish. More a hamlet than a village, Latimer can trace its history back to the 13th century. A triangular village green lined with 17th and 18th century cottages still gives it an old-world air. From here the lane climbs the hill to Latimer House, which overlooks one of the most celebrated stretches of the River Chess and Chess Valley Walk.

Latimer House – where walls had ears

The handsome mansion was built by 1st Baron Chesham in 1863 to replace an earlier house damaged by fire. In World War II, masquerading as supply depot No 1 Distribution Centre, the estate became a supersecret centre of intelligence gathering by M15 and M16.

The house and grounds were adapted to house prisoners of war including many high-ranking officers. The walls of the house, and its grounds, were bugged and the conversations of over 10,000 prisoners were recorded. Information gathered here proved vital to the outcome of the war. The estate was also the wartime home of the American Embassy, an early training ground for US intelligence officers and possibly also a training school for MI6.

Just a mile from the village of Sarratt, Latimer House is a candidate for the Sarratt of John Le Carré’s novels, his training school for British spies.

Latimer House and grounds are now part of De Vere’s collection of country estate hotels. Facilities include an indoor pool, gym, sauna, steam room, library and bar. The 30-acre estate also houses a choice of modern, flexible spaces for conferences, meetings, training and teambuilding.

St Mary Magdalene

The church in the grounds of Latimer House began life as a chapel of ease and gained in status over the years. A bequest from the Yale family, of Yale University, funded repairs to the 18th-century chapel. Sir George Gilbert Scott designed the extension to Lord Chesham’s 19th-century church, incorporating interior details reflecting his own love of the surrounding countryside. The church was reconsecrated by the son of William Wilberforce, a key campaigner against the slave trade.

Latimer Music Festival

In recent years, St Mary Magdalene Church has played host to the Latimer Music Festival, held in August. It’s a perfect venue for chamber music.

“The programme each year is is an eclectic and exciting mix of composers and styles. Each concert includes different combinations of instruments and artists to give the audience a rich listening experience.”

See Latimer Music Festival website

Walks

Chess Valley Walk

Footpaths link Latimer to The Chess Valley Walk, which follows the route of the River Chess between Chesham and Rickmansworth. The section here at Latimer is perhaps the most stunning with its views across ‘Great Water’, and Neptune Falls, a waterfall created downhill from Latimer House by a former owner.The waymarked walk passes through beautiful and varied scenery, rich in wildlife such as kingfishers, water voles, brown trout, orchids and dragonflies. It is possible to walk here from Chalfont and Latimer or Chorleywood stations in approximately 35 minutes, or 1.5 hours from Chesham station.

Chess Valley walk guide