English Manor Design

Cliveden House is not a place you can write about only once. Previously, I explored its interiors and exteriors through the lens of English manor design. The grand staircases, portrait galleries, and architectural symmetry set the tone for a life lived at scale. However, the true spirit of Cliveden emerges in motion, when dusk falls and the estate shifts into its evening identity. The grounds come alive, lights illuminate the Italianate façade, and history feels present rather than remembered. Recently, I attended the Cliveden House designer dinner hosted by Ben Deaton, and with his permission, I am sharing an inside view of the experience. I usually photograph my own posts, but at this event I was a guest, so the images come from Abi Chadwick while I enjoyed champagne instead of my camera.

Setting the Scene: Exteriors and Interiors

The evening immediately delivered mood, history, and scale, and you simply can’t start this story without the view. As fog rolled across the parterre gardens, it settled into the folds of the Italianate terraces as if staged for dramatic effect. Meanwhile, the photographer captured the grounds in that perfect in-between light. Sculptures punctuated the lawns—some bronze, some botanical—including a moss-covered figures. As the sun set, the clock tower glowed against the fading sky, this historic timepiece still functions as the estate’s water tower. Moving inside, towering portraits of previous owners frame the grand stairwell, while a painted ceiling mural defines the great stair hall.

Cocktail Hour & Guests

The dinner officially began on the second-floor balcony. We sipped vodka sodas with lemon and champagne. And both choices felt equally appropriate while overlooking a 376-acre estate. Across the terrace, the featured guests made their entrance: Emily Astor wore a striking red dress, the granddaughter of Nancy Astor. And Jane Churchill, a well-known designer and founder of the Jane Churchill textile brand. The Astors, originally American, married into the English aristocracy and cemented their place within British society and started at Cliveden House, where Emily grew up. Jane, connected through family lineage, joined her in presenting their new cookbook Everyday Lives.

Defining the Evening

A few key figures defined the evening. First is a photo of Michael Silver and Ben Deaton. Michael, founder and CEO of Christopher Farr Cloth—the London-based textile company that brought us all together—set the tone for the week. Ben, a Kentucky-based interior designer, organized and hosted the formal dinner as the official kickoff to design week with Christopher Farr. Next is a solo shot of Ben, looking sharp in his tuxedo while standing in front of the Italianate double doors. You can even catch a glimpse of the window treatments—details only designers notice. Finally, there’s the floral designer. I forget his name, but his work spoke for itself: overflowing fall dahlias, garden roses, and British hydrangeas created a dramatic moment that felt perfect for the event. It’s always satisfying to see the creative minds behind a memorable evening.

Exacting Attention

The flowers deserve their own paragraph. Fall English blooms took center stage with burgundy hydrangeas and deep red dahlias. Coral roses arranged in an overflowing garland run down the length of the table. The florals climbed the historic fireplace and wrapped vintage furniture, adding layered texture to the stone architecture. Yellow taper candles flickered between stems, giving the feeling that the garden had moved indoors. Christopher Farr Cloth linens grounded the palette, and Ben selected every charger and napkin with exacting attention.

Cliveden House | Designer Dinner

I love Cliveden, and I wish I had more time there. However, if you’re planning a visit, one night is enough to experience the estate, walk the grounds, enjoy breakfast, and fully absorb the atmosphere. The private dinner isn’t something everyone can access, and I’m fully aware of how fortunate I was to be there with Ben, Michal, and a tight group of designer friends. And the flowers delivered. Thank you, Ben!