Well, now’s your chance, as the von Essen Group of hotels went into bankruptcy earlier this week and has had to put a number of its properties up for sale. Not saying that they’re going to go at fire sale prices, but do take a look at what’s on offer.
First up, the historic Cliveden House. Cliveden, once home to Nancy Astor and mired in the Profumo scandal in the 1960s, recently unveiled the world’s most expensive afternoon tea – £550 for two people. Queen Victoria, a frequent guest, was not amused in 1893 when the house was bought by William Waldorf Astor, America’s richest citizen. It soon became a social hub, with guests ranging from Charlie Chaplin to Winston Churchill, President Roosevelt to George Bernard Shaw. Harold Macmillan, another regular guest, when told that the house was eventually to become a hotel, remarked “My dear boy, it always has been”
Next up for your approval, one of my favourite places, The Royal Crescent in Bath. Royal Crescent, Bath: Staying at the Royal Crescent in Bath has been compared to stepping into the pages of a Jane Austen novel. Its architecture has remained unchanged since the 18th century when it was built as part of the Royal Crescent by John Wood the Younger
And here’s the lovely Ston Easton, a simple little place in the country. Ston Easton Park luxury hotel, Midsomer Norton Somerset: Dates back to the mid-18th century and is set within gardens created by landscape gardener Humphry Repton. They include an ice house, a ruined grotto fountain, a sham castle, a plunge pool and Palladian bridges over the river.
Without a doubt, one of the more architecturally interesting buildings on offer is Ickworth. Ickworth Hall Hotel, the former home of the Marquis of Bristol, near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Just a small sample of what you can pick up at the upcoming property auction.
With these spectacular possibilities, it would be hard to choose. If only . . .
ReplyDeleteSecurity Word: taxes I guess that is a harsh reality!
threee years ago I was in Bath and drove past the Cresent. It's breathtaking to see. I'm sure staying there would be quite an experience.
ReplyDeleteI could make do with that "simple little place in the country".
lol
I love the Royal Crescent too -oh, to own it!
ReplyDeleteDo we have to buy the whole lot? I think the Royal Crescent is lovely. Mrs. E. and I marveled at it one day.
ReplyDeleteI imagine it might make a fine wedding gift for a certain Royal...
Wow! These places are amazing! What a dream to restore and love an old palace!
ReplyDeleteExtraordinary to have so much up on the block. Let's hope each finds a good owner...
ReplyDelete