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The love story

In 1944, Laurence and Vivien Olivier visited Notley Abbey in the hopes of finding their marital home after sadly losing their home to a bomb raid.  Laurence was instantly taken by its majestic presence, but Vivien had her doubts (and so did many of their friends). How would it be possible to make the place liveable? It would cost a fortune to renovate it; there were hardly any modern amenities. As friend David Niven said, “It looked absolutely hopeless”. But Laurence could not be swayed, and they purchased the abbey shortly before the end of the war.

Whilst Vivien may have had her doubts at first, as her health caused her more and more problems, she found comfort in Notley Abbey and made her new home into sanctuary, one that they would fall in love with and spend almost two decades enjoying.

The Oliviers enjoyed the stunning gardens, planting massive amounts of rose bushes and a widow’s walk along the drive, leaving a signature on the grounds that still exists today.

“Of all the houses I’ve lived in over the years, Notley is my favourite. It was enchanting, and it enchanted me. At Notley I had an affair with the past. For me it had mesmeric power; I could easily drown in its atmosphere. I could not leave it alone, I was a child lost in its history. Perhaps I loved it too much, if that is possible.”

– Laurence Olivier

Famous visitors

Over this time, the abbey hosted some of the greatest parties of the era, with many famous visitors in attendance, including Marilyn Monroe, Arthur Miller, Bette Davis, Tennessee Williams, Katharine Hepburn, Kirk Douglas, Jean Simmons, Burt Lancaster, Dame Maggie Smith, Sir Noël Coward, Judy Garland, and Marlene Dietrich. If only these old walls could talk…

Dating back further, in September 1529, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed at Notley for three days. Records in the National Archives confirm the royal visit.

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THE BEDROOMS

The bedrooms are named after some famous faces that have stayed at the abbey, for example Marilyn Monroe and Henry VIII.

THE REFECTORY

The back wall in the Monks’ Refectory dates back to the 13th Century.

THE HOUSE

The main part of the house wasn’t built until the 15th century

Come and see us

We’re looking forward to showing you around. Let us know when you’re coming, and we’ll have a glass of something sparkling ready for you…

Yes, please!