A Weekend at Estelle Manor with Whitney Olschwanger
We sent LA-based stylist and personal shopper Whitney Olschwanger to Estelle Manor, the 85-acre Oxfordshire retreat and countryside counterpart to Mayfair's Maison Estelle. The Manor House emerges through an oak-lined driveway, its reception hall warmly ushering guests in for tea, or something stronger, before the estate unfolds into a Roman-inspired 3,000 square metre spa with a tepidarium bathing hall and five pools, and a walled garden restaurant filled with heritage fruit and veg, fabric lanterns, and an open fire.
With over 15 years shaping wardrobes for independent brands, boutiques, and creatives across Los Angeles, Whitney brought her signature eye, equal parts precision and play, and a longstanding love of the UK and Europe to a weekend built around slowness, discovery, and a first look at Merlette on the shelves of The Muse.
What does your unwinding ritual look like when you arrive for a weekend away?
The first thing I always do is take a walk around the property and really take it all in. I’ll grab a cappuccino, usually with coconut milk (or an iced one if it’s summer!), and if my room isn’t ready yet, I’ll find a quiet spot by the pool with a magazine and just let myself slow down.
How did the manor’s beauty and grandeur influence your looks for the weekend?
One of the things I love about Estelle Manor is that you can be as dressed up or as relaxed as you want. Between mornings by the pool, walks around the grounds, pickleball, beautiful dinners, and the spa, there are so many different moments to dress for.
What was your favorite hidden corner or spot you discovered on the grounds?
I loved the wildflower garden. I could've spent hours walking through and seeing all of the gorgeous flowers in all of the stunning pastel shades. It felt like such a magical moment.
What’s your relationship with texture and fabric when you’re dressing for relaxation?
Fabric is one of the first things I think a lot about. For this trip, I packed pieces that felt effortless—a sleeveless dress that could easily transition from day to evening, relaxed linen separates, a caftan for the pool, and accessories that could instantly elevate any look without feeling overdone.
You already knew and loved The Muse — what was it like discovering Merlette there for the first time?
It honestly made me so happy. I always love seeing brands I have personal relationships with in places I genuinely enjoy visiting, and The Muse is one of my favorite hotel boutiques. Seeing Merlette there felt like such a natural fit.
Was there a piece from the Merlette edit that felt most “you” this weekend, and why that one?
The green dress was definitely my favorite. It felt incredibly feminine and perfectly suited to the surroundings.I styled it with a silk flower I picked up from a store in Paris and with the flowers blooming outside all over the grounds it felt like the perfect touch!
If you had to describe the pace of this weekend in one image or gesture, what would it be?
Calm, reflective, and centered around wellness. It felt like taking a deep breath—moving slowly, enjoying beautiful surroundings, and giving myself permission to simply be present.
What are you taking away from the weekend, whether a feeling, habit, or styling idea?
More than anything, I’m taking away a renewed sense of gratitude. Weekends like this remind me to slow down, appreciate the beauty around me, and bring that feeling back into everyday life.
Any advice for someone seeking their own quieter escape, on where to look—or what to leave behind?
For me, the perfect escape is about packing pieces that make getting dressed feel effortless. As a personal shopper, the way I pack is always incredibly intentional. I think through every part of the trip—from slow mornings at the spa and afternoons by the pool to countryside walks, relaxed lunches, and elegant dinners. I want both myself and my clients to have beautiful options for every moment without overpacking.
