11 minute read

Magical Stays for Winter

from Dream Escape Magazine | Winter 2021

from Dream Escape Magazine | Winter 2021, page 82

Ten of the best Whisky Experie...

Due to our personal connections, Dream Escape can arrange special visits to some of our most well-preserved and impressive magical homes and properties across the UK and Ireland, some of which are off limits to the general public.

Temple Guiting Manor, England

A Dream Escape favourite, Temple Guiting Manor is a true Cotswold gem offering both authenticity and luxury. The elegant stone building has been lovingly restored by owner Steven Collins to create a home from home but with all the available services of a boutique hotel. Temple Guiting Manor also run a Cotswolds pantry located within the village’s old post office. The two-floor restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, drinks and cakes. The manor and restaurant are sister properties to Henry's Townhouse in London, the former home of Jane Austen’s favourite brother Henry.

Glenapp Castle, Scotland

Easily one of the most beautiful hotels in Britain, Glenapp Castle Hotel is a grand castle – surrounded by 12,000 acres of Lord Inchcape’s Glenapp Estate. It's situated on the South West Coastal 300 route, the perfect base for winter rambles exploring the Galloway Tourist Route (from National Trust). There is an exciting and unique variety of hotel experiences, such as mountain biking, archery, private falconry displays, stargazing, golf, whisky tastings, and even ‘forest bathing’. Dream Escape guests also enjoy private sea safaris aboard the Glenapp Castle exploring the stunning clear waters, remote beaches, and amazing birdlife they are blessed with on their doorstep. The castle itself, built in 1870, is a strikingly beautiful example of the Scottish baronial style of architecture. Designed by the celebrated Scottish architect David Bryce for Mr James Hunter, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ayreshire, the castle’s mellow sandstone battlements are topped by soaring turrets and towers, earning Glenapp a rightful place as one of the most romantic castles in Scotland. Take a stroll from the wonderful Italian garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll to the historic Victorian glasshouse then relax in the penthouse apartment, which rivals some of the finest private suites in the world.

Lucknam Park, England

Only six miles from the tourist magnet of Bath, and similarly spectacular in appearance, sits a heritage gem in the form of the 500-acre Wiltshire estate of Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa. Its historic significance and visual perfection has been recognised and protected for future generations by its ‘listed’ status. The relatively understated, original house was built in 1720 with the local honey-coloured stone for a family of prominent Bristol wool-merchants. It has since passed through the hands of many wealthy owners, each of which has contributed additions and improvements to the park and its buildings. Dream Escape recommends horse riding in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside here as a must. Other experiences include wildlife spotting, clay pigeon shooting, or even duck herding. Rejuvenate in the spa, enjoy rare and exotic trees of the Millennium Arboretum, as well as a fabulous selection of the world’s finest whiskies and brandies.

The Culloden, Northern Ireland

This magnificent hotel and spa is just six miles from Belfast and features stunning views over Belfast Lough and across County Antrim. The Culloden Estate stands in 12 acres of beautiful secluded gardens and woodland and offers fine festive dining in Vespers, one of the finest restaurants in Northern Ireland. Expect cakes and carols, roaring log fires, Christmas lights and live music performances.

Gliffaes, Wales

Discover Gliffaes off the beaten track, tucked away in the Brecon Beacons National Park, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Black Mountains. Set in 33 acres of stunning grounds and mature woodlands, Gliffaes has its own stretch of the River Usk and a 19th-century arboretum. Stay and experience fly-fishing with a private guide as you try and catch a wild Usk ‘brownie’ (trout).

Bovey Castle, England

Bovey Castle is set within 275 acres of beautiful countryside and rolling valleys within Dartmoor National Park. It was originally built by the WH Smith dynasty in 1907 in striking neo-Elizabethan architecture. Keen golfers will delight in the 18-hole championship golf course, designed by J F Abercromby, as well as cider and sloe gin making, clay pigeon shooting, archery, fly fishing and off-road driving.

Cliveden House Hotel, England

There have been houses at Cliveden since 1666, when the Duke of Buckingham, a favourite of Charles II, had a love-nest created for his mistress, the Countess of Shrewsbury. Subsequently, the property passed through the hands of various royal and noble families, including Frederick, Prince of Wales and father of George III, the Earl of Orkney, the Duke of Sutherland and the Duke of Westminster. Destroyed twice by fire in the 19th century, the house was finally rebuilt in 1852 and expanded before William Waldorf Astor bought Cliveden in 1893. The Astor family were the final private residents, leaving in 1968, not long after the famous political scandal, the ‘Profumo Affair’, brought Cliveden into national prominence. Overlooking the upper reaches of the Thames, Cliveden is breathtaking, from the ‘Fountain of Love’, a 19th-century love-token for his wife by the first Lord Astor, to the 40-metre-tall Italianate clock tower and the magnificent expression of hospitality, in all its forms. You just know when you arrive that this hotel is very special.

Bodysgallen Hall, Wales

Picture a winding drive climbing through 200 acres of wooded parkland.Tall chimneys appear through the trees, hinting at the charm and splendour of this ancient country house. Inside, the rambling stone-built building is straight out of a novel, with oak staircases and alcoves hinting at the mysteries and conversations of its long history. The panelled Hall and Drawing Room with large fireplaces are evidence of theopulent legacy of a distinguished past. Twisting stairs lead to bedrooms with spectacular views of Conwy Castle, and the sea with the mountains of Snowdonia beyond. With feet on terra firma, meander throughthe large gardens and enjoy the 17th-century parterre, lily pond, rose garden, follies and the ladies walk, all the very essence of romance.

Dromoland Castle, Ireland

Located close to the Cliffs of Moher and on the Wild Atlantic Way, Dromoland Castle is the ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland. From the imposing baronial façade to the startling interiors, the castle has been welcoming guests since the 16th century.With lavish decor, indulgent dining, fabulous views and magnificent bedrooms, behind the warm Irish welcome every guest is treated like royalty. Stroll the 450-acre estate, tee off on the world-class golf course, take afternoon tea by a roaring fire and relax in the intimate spa.

Aldourie Castle, Scotland

This exclusive-use enchanting castle and 500-acre Scottish Highlands Estate is the only habitable castle on Loch Ness. Dating back to 1626, Aldourie sleeps 28 guests in 15 characterful bedrooms, including tower rooms atop stone spiral staircases. Dream Escape can organise anything from exploring the beautiful formal gardens to salmon and trout fishing on the loch, golf at nearby courses to boat trips from the private marina on the estate. Enjoy dolphin spotting at Chanonry Point, private whisky tasting tours at the local distilleries, archery, segways, falconry displays, wildlife spotting within the expansive woodland, and clay pigeon shooting.

Heckfield Place, England

Set in 400 acres of bucolic Hampshire countryside, Heckfield Place was home to the Lefevre family for most of the 19th century, one of the most notable residents being Charles Shaw-Lefevre, Viscount Eversley, speaker of the House of Commons. Under Eversley’s head gardener, William Wildsmith, the estate gained an arboretum and ornamental lake, and became renowned for its exotic hothouse fruits. Today, undisclosed millions have been spent on the enovations, and the refined and elegant result is still just as tightly interwoven with the landscape as ever. Mature woodland cocoons the estate, walled gardens are fragrant with roses and lavender, and a market garden and biodynamic farm supplies the hotel’s exquisite restaurants.

The Grove of Narbeth, Wales

Nestling in the heart of the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside, surrounded by manicured lawns, flower borders, meadows and mature trees, The Grove offers a luxury escape. Gaze out of the windows for scenic views of the Preseli mountains, or explore the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park, its sandy beaches, little harbours and unrivalled coastal walks. The Grove is the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy the best of Welsh cuisine, and a truly memorable stay in one of the most stunning parts of Wales.

Glin Castle, Ireland

Situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, this authentic exclusive-use Irish castle is still a family home, having been lived in by the FitzGerald family, hereditary Knights of Glin, for over 800 years. Glin Castle stands proudly in the middle of its 400-acre wooded demesne on the banks of the Shannon. The toy-fortress-like quality is echoed by three sets of battlemented Gothic folly lodges. There are many activities Dream Escape can arrange, such as rough shooting and fishing on the Feale river at Listowel, playing a round of golf at Ballybunion, cycle trips to the Kerry coast and Irish whiskey tasting.

Crom Castle, Northern Ireland

Crom Castle is a 19th-century fairy-tale castle built circa 1840 and designed by the famous architect Edward Blore who was responsible for parts of Buckingham Palace. It sits in 1900 acres of beautiful protected parkland in an extremely romantic setting overlooking Lough Erne. Steeped in history and playing host to aristocrats, diplomats, dignitaries and members of the royal family, Crom Castle is a stunning and welcoming building, with its imposing towers and battlements making their mark on this historic pile of stone. Enjoy a hosted Gala Dinner with Lord Erne, a private tour of Crichton Tower on Gad Island and Castle Coole, fishing for brown trout with an expert ghillie, and much more.

Inveraray Castle, Scotland

The fairy-tale home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll enjoys a glorious setting, situated on the shores of Loch Fyne. This magnificent castle was the chosen location for the Downton Abbey Christmas 2012 episode, and located on the estate are four gorgeous private houses available to Dream Escape guests. Enjoy beautiful gardens in 50,000 acres of estate grounds, with some of the finest hill and woodland stalking available in Scotland. In 1562, Mary Queen of Scots visited the estate as a guest of Archibald, 5th Earl of Argyll and shot deer in Glen Shira.

CAN'T STAY? THEN VISIT FOR THE DAY

Here are a few more of our favourite magical properties to visit and enjoy as part of your enchanting dream escape this winter.

Highclere Castle, England

Set amid 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland is Highclere Castle. It has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1679, however more recently it has risen in recognition due to the awardwinning drama series Downton Abbey.

Hever Castle, England

Hever Castle is the medieval moated home of the Guthries, a Yorkshire family, and was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, one of King Henry VIII’s less-fortunate wives. It has been beautifully restored without losing its 13th-century charm. As a Dream Escape visitor, enjoy a private tour of the castle with entry through some of the doors not usually open to the public, including those to Lord Astor’s bathroom (which is accessed via a secret panel) and Lady Irene Astor’s pink bathroom, as well as exclusive 'out-of-hours' access to the gardens.

Waddesdon Manor, England

The award-winning Christmas extravaganza at Waddesdon, the Rothschild House & Gardens in Buckinghamshire, is back this winter (13 November 2021–3 January 2022) with a brand-new route that will light up the formal parterre for the very first time.

Find out more

All the accommodation we use is hand-picked carefully to match the needs of our clients. We have very strong personal relationships with each and every property, all of which are visited by our team regularly. You can therefore chat to anyone in the team for their personal recommendations with confidence or email:

⬥ enquiries@dreamescape.co.uk

→ dreamescape.co.uk

This article is from:

Dream Escape Magazine | Winter 2021

by Contista Media