Author Archives: Castles of the Realm

Arley Hall & Gardens is a place of enormous character, charm and interest. Visitors are frequently struck by the warm and intimate atmosphere and the feeling that Arley is a much-cherished family home. The Gardens, which are amongst the finest in Britain, are outstanding for their vitality, variety and historical interest and are particularly celebrated … Continue reading »

  Britain’s country house hotels took off post-war, when increasing numbers of city workers sought the tranquillity of the countryside for short breaks. As the concept grew ever more popular, growing numbers of private homes were converted into hotels. But with hundreds to choose from today, how do you know where to start? We think these … Continue reading »

By Abigail ButcherSpecial to the Star Thu., May 12, 2016 WILTSHIRE, ENGLAND-Just nine kilometres from the historic city of Bath, set in the rolling Cotswolds, Lucknam Park — a 17th-century, mansion-turned-country-house hotel — oozes the best of British style, elegance, service and cuisine. Oh, and an outstanding spa. PRICE: From $490 (Canadian) per night for … Continue reading »

A country house in West Sussex, an hour and a half by train south of London, is about to hit the market for £6 million ($11 million). Designed by Edwin Lutyens, arguably the most famous father of Arts and Crafts architecture (you’ve seen one of his ubiquitous garden benches, even if you don’t know his … Continue reading »

A country house in West Sussex, an hour and a half by train from London, is about to hit the market for £6 million ($8.6 million). Designed by Edwin Lutyens, arguably the most famous father of Arts and Crafts architecture (you’ve seen one of his benches, even if you don’t know his name), the manor house known as Little Thakeham … Continue reading »

However, 15 years after the affair, the then Bishop of Wales, Alwyn Rice Jones, made contact out of the blue, and invited him back into the fold. “Returning to the church was something I agonised about,” he says. “You can’t put it right, but you can demonstrate that there is remorse, that you are sorry, … Continue reading »

Published: 04:01 EST, 17 May 2016 | Updated: 04:30 EST, 17 May 2016 Australia’s most beautiful and original houses have opened their doors to the public as they compete against each other for the title of House of the Year. From a collapsing Victorian weatherboard cottage transformed into a modern family home, to a converted … Continue reading »

New country houses that successfully depart from a recognised vernacular are a tough challenge for even the most accomplished architect. Geoff Heath-Taylor assembles some award-winning examples built over the past five years. Flint House Winner of the RIBA House of the Year award 2015, the Flint House, commissioned by Lord Rothschild for his estate at … Continue reading »

Published: 09:48 EST, 12 May 2016 | Updated: 12:23 EST, 12 May 2016 Robbie Williams is thought to still be selling the Compton Bassett, Wiltshire home he put on the market in July 2010. Almost six years on, the father-of-two appears to be having trouble shifting it because it is situated beside a landfill site … Continue reading »

Stapleford Park is a country house in Stapleford, near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire Stapleford Park is a country house in Stapleford, near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire Stapleford Park is a country house in Stapleford, near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire Stapleford Park is a country house in Stapleford, near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire Stapleford Park is … Continue reading »