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It is the advertising campaign that brought together some of Britain's most iconic women, from actress Emma Thompson to campaigner Baroness Lawrence, mother of murdered teen Stephen, and singer Annie Lennox.

And now it has been revealed that public can stay at the idyllic retreat where the ladies were photographed by Annie Leibovitz for the latest M&S campaign.

Saltcote Place, in Rye, East Sussex was built in 1905 as a wedding present for Captain AAR Hennessy - the French cognac magnate - so it is fitting that it has become a popular venue for weddings.

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New images: M&S has unveiled more campaign images of the Leading Ladies (L-R) Lulu Kennedy, Alex Wek, Doreen Lawrence, Emma Thompson, Rachel Khoo, Annie Lennox and Rita Ora

The grand mansion has three suites where guests can stay overnight as part of an elaborate bed and breakfast package, which costs from £100 per person per night.

But don't call the spectacular white and red-brick building, which looks out of the surrounding Sussex countryside, a hotel. The owners Alan and Paul want the experience to be much more personal than that.

The pair aim to help guests plan the perfect weekend, even lending a secret hand to husbands so they can create romantic surprises for their partners (and take all the credit).

Home from home: The luxury 'hotel' offers three suites for romantic overnight stays and is also popular as a wedding venue

What a view: The mansion overlooks the surrounding East Sussex countryside

And it seems their attention to detail bowled over the stars of the advert, which also included
supermodel Alek Wek, singer Rita Ora, designer Lulu Kennedy, chef Rachel Khoo, and engineer Roma Agrawal.

The three leading ladies - Thompson, Lennox and Baroness Lawrence - made themselves quite at home, enjoying a natter round the kitchen table and posing for pictures with the owners.

With its grand four-poster beds, glistening chandeliers and roll-top baths, the property seemed the perfect choice for the shoot, which took place over one intensive day which ran from 6am to 10pm.

Ladies tea party: The new images were shot in the picturesque British countryside and sees the Leading Ladies showcasing the stores latest designs

Paul told MailOnline Travel: 'They were simply amazing, not one bit of damage, so respectful of our home and always so polite, which is not what we have been used to with other productions.'

While the owners were warned that they shouldn't engage with the talent' who would be far too busy working on the shoot, the opposite was true.

Paul said: 'Annie Lennox, Emma Thompson and Doreen Lawrence settled in our kitchen and made themselves at home. The three ladies were such fun; everyone was placed immediately at ease – the wonderful warm on screen persona of Emma Thompson is even better in real life.'

Guests who stay the property will be able to look through the guest book and find a message from Annie Lennox.

Romantic venue: The house was built as a wedding gift and now hosts nuptials throughout the year

Grand designs: The rich interior boasts chandeliers, thick, draped curtains, and rooms with four-poster beds and roll-top baths

The shoot, which was finally released last month, sees the ladies showcasing the store's seasonal designs as they pose in the British countryside.

'Whether it is through a selfless dedication to a cause, entrepreneurial and creative flair or pushing the boundaries of design, each woman is truly inspiring and unique in her own way,' says the high street giant of its new campaign stars.

A spokesperson for M&S said: 'Our SS14 campaign is a celebration of style and accomplishment.

Fit for a king: The suites comprise of a series of rooms, so couples can enjoy complete privacy

'These dynamic Leading Ladies represent the unique and diverse women of a modern Britain. They are united in their extraordinary achievements but confident in their differences.

'Marks & Spencer is a democratic brand which is relevant to women of all ages and strands of life; it is therefore natural for M&S to celebrate women in this way.

'M&S is extremely proud to have convened such an extraordinary group of exceptional women; this campaign is the embodiment of true British style, quality, diversity and success.'

 

Influential leading ladies speak out for the M&S campaign

(From left) Annie Lennox, Doreen Lawrence, Emma Thompson strike a pose for the new M&S advertLeading ladies: (From left) Annie Lennox, Doreen Lawrence, Emma Thompson line-up for the new M&S advert

Doreen Lawrence, the British Jamaican campaigner whose son Stephen was murdered in a racist attack in South East London in 1993, laughs on set with actress Emma Thompson

The new campaign was shot in quintessentially British settings like this coastal scene in Camber Sands