TRAVEL

Japan House Craftsmanship for Christmas

The Shop at Japan House London brings artisan and hand-crafted products from Japan exclusively to Kensington High Street for the delight and enjoyment of guests. Each product has a history and is often the result of centuries of innovative development from expert craftspeople who constantly work to hone and improve their skills. This Christmas, The Shop has an even wider selection of lifestyle, apparel, food and healthy living items to offer. Jewellery fans may enjoy browsing the Jinbo Pearl range – each one formed inside a species of oyster native to Japan’s largest freshwater lake and shining with a different pink, white, purple or gold hue. For the young at heart, colourful Tsumiisi blocks by A4 made from Yoshino cedar and cypress can be stacked on top of one another any which way and can be enjoyed as a plaything for young children as well as a stylish decorative item. The Shop stocks an array of scents and diffusers from leading scent brand @aroma, which brings the scents of Japan’s forests and nature into the home creating a calming atmosphere in any room. Or for the family artist, calligraphy sets by renowned brush makers Akashiya sit alongside oil-based crayons from stationery brand Kokuyo which allow the build-up and blending of layered colours for a uniquely textured finish. Customers visiting over the Christmas period will encounter a large display of Edo-kiriko, an eye-catching style of colourful, engraved cut glass developed in Tokyo. These beautifully finished glasses make the ideal vessels for a tipple of Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky (aged 18 years), while delicate glass sake sets from Hirota Glass combined with a bottle of seasonal yuzu flavoured or sparkling sake may make a novel gift set for drink connoisseurs.

Christmas shopping at Japan House offers the chance to browse, learn about and purchase Christmas gifts that will really stand out under the Christmas tree. Surprise and delight loved ones with something out of the ordinary by visiting the new Japan House online shop and have items delivered straight to the door or come in store to talk to our friendly retail assistants for gifting advice. The Shop is open from 10:00-20:00 Monday – Saturday and 12:00-18:00 on Sundays and bank holidays. Items shown:

Jewellery from the Jimbo Pearl range Tsumiisi blocks by A4 Kokuyo Oil Based Crayons Hisago bottle by Hirota

The Beaumont

Modern Mayfair Legend from the 1920’s

We challenge our readers to find fault with the staff at The Beaumont, arguably the best (boutique) hotel in Central London. It is a joy to be pampered by skilled staff in the grandest of locations; also grand is to experience the customised beauty of The Beaumont’s wonderful rooms, a third of which are luxurious suites. The refined and understated brilliance of its various spaces - particularly palpable and visible once the sun goes down – is also a delight … and the list goes on. The culinary brilliance of The Colony Room; the smoky ambience of Le Margritte Bar; the toe-tapping high notes of the piano in the Gatsby Room … sit back and relax as the Beaumont unfurls its magic and blankets you with its infinitesimal warmth. A much nicer world awaits.

The Beaumont is one of the great London hotels of the 1920’s - except that it only started in 2014 almost one hundred years later. Inspired by the grandiloquence of those post war hotels, it is magnificent in conception and execution, symbolising the ambitions and excesses of the original American progenitors. Sequestered in a quiet corner of Mayfair and a distinguished neighbour to the West End, the hotel’s bars and restaurants have recently been lightly refurbished after the cataclysm of COVID which, of course, affected the entire hospitality industry. Quite reassuringly, it has come back bigger and better whilst still retaining its core values and merits. All the key components within The Beaumont come together with majestic smoothness. The starting point of its impressive philosophy is its renowned culture of caring for the guests and making sure their needs are met to the minutest of detail. There is the vast selection of spaces – lounges, bar, staircases, tea rooms and gorgeous restaurants to regale your senses and add to the overall experience of London as a city. Le Magritte Bar and Terrace, for instance, is the epitome of a 1920’s bar: bold and classic to the core and sufficiently shadowy to inspire the Oscar Wilde or Hemingway within you. The Great Gatsby, which the hotel refers to as ‘its beating heart’ is an ideal place for Afternoon Tea or evening cocktails, while piano bars will keep tugging at your heartstrings throughout the afternoon and into the night.

The pièce de résistance, however, is The Colony Grill. There is absolutely everything to admire about this most accomplished of New York style grills; indeed, in my humble opinion it is the best place to dine in London. For starters, order the Foie Gras Royale before it is outlawed in the United Kingdom: it is a speciality that will convert the non-converted. Fresh oysters from Jersey and the Cornish coast abound, while the choice of mains features a variety of fish specialities that will delight your pescatarian senses, plus a Suffolk Wagyu which is utterly outstanding: melt-in-the-mouth madness. After all, you are having the meal of your life, so why not get spoilt rotten? There is a passionate and skilled entourage of professionals on hand to help you make the best choices; in fact, it’s always best to leave the decision in their knowledgeable hands if you’re not a regular nor very familiar with the menu. Ask for Lionel, the most charming of Frenchmen, or his colleague Victor to guide you through the menu, whilst Giorgio will match the drinks to the chosen fare. Once all the sights and sounds of surrounding London have been absorbed, the delicious food consumed and the delectable drinks quaffed, you’ll be more than pleased to amble up to your lovely boudouir. In my case, this was The Woolwich Suite on the 4th Floor, where compendious books and comforting wooden cabinets furnished the expansive living space, while the heavenly bathroom, complete with heated floor, was equipped with choice D.R. Harris toiletries. Peering through the window towards ROOM, the suite designed by Antony Gormley, which is also a well-known public art piece, I thought to myself: Art lives in every corner of The Beaumont.

8 Balderton Street, Brown Hart Gardens, London, W1K 6TF, England. Sid Raghava

Welcoming You Back to Mayfair

Whilst it is absolutely brilliant to be walking down Portobello Road and gobbling down deliciously fresh street food on Golborne Road; socialising at Bluebird on The King’s Road and shopping on High Street Kensington, we do – occasionally - cast an envious eye on our neighbours in Mayfair (and Knightsbridge) due to their sheer superiority when it comes to world-class, luxury hotels complete with Michelin starred restaurants; cosily snug bars; the most zen of spas and the most splendid of rooms, suites and penthouses. The London InterContinental Park Lane is one such place. Rubbing its towering shoulders with the likes of The Ritz and Four Seasons, this gem of a property is an esteemed hotel, perfect for exploring the urban marvel that is London. Royal parks; museums; other brilliant hotels; restaurants; bars and clubs are all within easy reach, while Soho, Oxford Street and Piccadilly are just a walk away.

And then, of course, there is the InterContinental itself. A treasured landmark of Central London, it is home to a Theo Randall restaurant (which also serves breakfast); The Arch (an infinitely exciting bar); Number One, which doubles up as its summer terrace and Wellington Lounge, which serves delectable afternoon tea. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed being back at the InterContinental after the COVID break.

Though not quite as old as some of the other properties in the area, the London InterContinental occupies a hallowed place within the firmament of luxury hotels in the Big Smoke, having been officially opened by Valerian Wellesley, 8th Duke of Wellington in September 1975. The suites here are minimally 65 square meters and come equipped with all the spoils you’d need from a luxury hotel of this stature: divided into two categories, Mayfair and Signature, the former have recently been updated and feel particularly classy. Aside from the brilliant views of London parks, buildings and monuments, guests also enjoy complimentary access to Club InterContinental, which is located on the 7th Floor and boasts afternoon tea with a delectable array of sandwiches and freshly baked scones along with a wide selection of jams, conserves and clotted cream. For al fresco dining, even in the chill of London autumn and winter, look no further than Number One. Heated parasols will keep you warm on the terrace as you sip on tea and cocktails, while the warm, well-trained staff will take very good care of you. Favourites on the menu include Devon Crab with saffron aioli and crispy seaweed, as well as a decadent lobster club sandwich and mushroom risotto. The coconut panna cotta with a spiced pineapple was the metaphorical cherry on the top. Theo Randall is, of course, the top draw at the InterContinental, serving standard Italian fare with a seasonal twist - but there is so much more than just food and drink to be enjoyed here. We are in one of London’s most vibrant and central areas, and everything fun and exciting seems just an arm’s length away. Most importantly, it feels positively like home away from home – and that is unquestionably down to the warmth of the staff and the familiar buzz of the hotel’s public spaces. London InterContinental Hotel Park Lane, One Hamilton Place, Park Ln, London W1J 7QY www.ihg.com Sid Raghava

To the Manor Born

An escape to the Sussex countryside with Oliver’s Travels proves to be as addictive as it is indulgent.

How do you know when you have reached peak ‘pampered princess’? When you’re luxuriating in an enormous roll top copper bath on the second floor of your bedroom and vaguely fretting about how you’re going to fit another soak in this weekend, when you also need to factor in time for a swim in the heated pool, a glass of wine by the enormous Inglenook fireplace, a game of tennis on the grass court and an exploration of the surrounding Sussex countryside. Decisions, decisions … it’s all too much. I take another sip of Champagne and sink further into the bath’s scented bubbles.

Put simply, a weekend is not enough time in which to enjoy Elizabethan Manor, a glorious seven-bedroom property which was built in 1252 and is exclusively available through Oliver’s Travels, a luxury holiday rental company with over 6,000 handpicked properties worldwide. You could spend hours simply drifting from room to room, oohing over each exquisite piece of antique furniture, each carefully curated shelf and each design detail. The property has been lovingly and tastefully restored to seamlessly blend the best of period and contemporary – the high-spec kitchen, for example, is flooded with light by towering mullioned windows, while the rough-textures of stone fireplaces, raw brick and wooden beams are offset by plump sofas and sumptuous throws. When we do manage to tear ourselves away from the property and its 1.4 acres of grounds, it is worth the effort. In nearby Arundel, we explore the majestic medieval castle which has overlooked the River Arun since 1067 and rifle through floor after floor of treasure at the nearby antiques store. On a visit to Knepp Park and Estate, we are guided by award-winning wildlife photographer David Plummer on a walking safari, on which we spot timid deer and enormous white cranes – although the state of hush we adopt so as not to startle the wildlife rapidly dissipates with a later wine tasting at Tinwood Estate. The following day, we alternate between the roar and pace of Goodwood Members’ Meeting and the sedate comfort of Goodwood’s Private Members’ Club, The Kennels.

As delightful as all of this is, it’s coming back to the manor that sees us all breathing sighs of blissful contentment. Despite its impressive history (Queen Elizabeth I stayed here in 1591) there’s also a genuine sense of homeliness and comfort here: to return to its delicately scented rooms really does feel like coming home.

Small wonder that we are in no rush to go out to eat – instead, we gather around the kitchen table with wine while DineIndulge (dineindulge.co.uk) prepare a three-course meal for us, as arranged by Oliver’s Travel’s concierge service. True - food prep would scarcely be a hardship in a kitchen such as this, but to have private chefs is even more in keeping with the lifestyle to which we are rapidly – perhaps dangerously – becoming accustomed. As previously mentioned – a weekend is simply not long enough. One last soak in that ludicrously decadent bath sees me squinting at a steamed-up screen to see where – from Oliver’s Travels’ portfolio of chateaux, villas and farmhouses – I can stay next. After all, why stop at a manor? 2021 rates for Elizabethan manor are £6,396 for a three-night stay. The property sleeps 14. oliverstravels.com

Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa

As UK staycations continue to grow in popularity, so does the inquisitive nature of visitors seeking solitude and relaxation in the English countryside. Stratford-upon-Avon is a delightful historic town, famed for being the birthplace of English playwright William Shakespeare. The Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, set back along a winding country road just five miles from Stratford-upon-Avon town, is a welcome find in the heart of the Warwickshire countryside. This manor hotel - a unique 125-year-old property - is tucked away from the world and boasts expansive grounds, complete with an 11th century church and a listed, ornate topiary garden. Stepping into the hotel, you are enticed by the musk of the hotel’s roaring fires and rich 16th century oak wall paneling. A recent £5.6 million refurbishment means that guests can expect gorgeously upgraded rooms complete with rich, warm designs; welcoming guest spaces with a contemporary twist; a redesigned restaurant and bar, and a newly renovated spa and wedding venue. The hotel’s formal conference spaces have also been refreshed, with an ambient library for guests to sneak away to, much like Shakespeare himself: it is said that this is where he wrote his famous comedy ‘As You Like It’. Artwork by Pratiksha Tayal brings a contemporary elevation to each of the rooms and has replaced the traditional paintings that previously adorned the walls, creating a soft modern finish to each space. Many of the bedrooms have also been expertly upgraded, with a focus on sumptuous new furnishings that guarantee comfort and the feeling of historic decadence. Four-poster beds reach towards the bedrooms’ high ceilings, and the cosy period fireplaces oppose modern fabrics to ensure a blend of traditional and modern touches.

For adults, the Billesley Manor Spa promises a tranquil escape, where guests can enjoy a variety of Decléor treatments at the newly refurbished spa for the ultimate relaxation after a day spent exploring the hotel’s surrounding gardens and countryside. Guests can take a dip in the pool; relax in the steam and sauna room; revel in the seclusion with a private workout in the yoga hut, or make use of the spa’s gym facilities. There’s not even any need to leave the grounds of the hotel, as the versatility of the Stuart Restaurant enables guests to dine here throughout the day, whether they crave a relaxed buffet breakfast; a post-spa light lunch or an indulgent themed afternoon tea. For an exclusive gastronomic and intimate evening experience, dine at the restaurant by candle-light and enjoy locally sourced produce and free flowing wine. Drawing inspiration from the romantic English landscape, historic origins and the notable voices of past and present, this dining space leaves guests feeling at one with its history. Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa rates start from £160 per night B&B based on two people sharing, subject to availability. For more information about Billesley Manor Hotel and to book a stay, visit www.bespokehotels.com, www.billesleymanor.com Billesley, Stratford-upon-Avon B49 6NF

Chouchou Hotel Paris

Whether you’ve been away for a few weeks or for 18 months, a trip to Paris can only ever be improved by a little refresher on the local lingo. You’ll no doubt have mastered the classics already. Bonjour, bonne journée and six croissants pur beurre s’il vous plait should get your basic needs met, but a stay at Chouchou Hotel warrants a deeper dive.

What’s in a name? This new boutique hotel in the Opera district isn’t named for ‘chou’ – the rather prosaic cabbage – nor indeed its far more delicious homonym, the cream-filled pastry. Having a chouchou means having a favourite, and with its sleek interiors and lively bar scene, Chouchou Hotel is set to win hearts on the Right Bank.

Somewhat pandering to our social media obsessed times, the decor has been tailored with Instagram shares in mind, but the hotel’s approach is playful enough that to get away with it. At the entrance, a mirror- and brass-clad hallway lends itself to the kind of selfies made popular by Yayoi Kusama’s infinity rooms, as does the neon-lit lift. I give in to my narcissistic impulses and snap happily away – it’s clear designer Michel Malapert (the dab hand behind fash-pack fave brasserie Le Nemours) knows a thing or two about flattering lighting.

Up on the 5th floor, my jewel-box-blue room looks worthy of the #accidentalwesanderson hashtag (36K Insta posts and counting). Herringbone parquet, velvet pouffes, elegant beading and filament bulbs add a touch of vintage charm, while monochrome touches (a low coffee table, striped bedding) keep things sharp rather than sickly sweet. My room is compact, but the bathroom proves a pleasant surprise with a deep bath, brass-framed mirror and full-sized pH Laboratories products that leave my hair soft and tousled in that chic Parisian way. I’m flummoxed by the high-tech toilet, a heated Japanese-style contraption with a remote control, but otherwise delighted with my bolthole for the night. Chouchou has two suites should you need more space to sprawl: La Vie en Rose, a pastel dream dressed in macaron hues, and the dark and sultry L’Anamour, with its circular bath made for long soaks à deux.

The heart of the hotel is its guinguette: a convivial bar, dining and performance space where guests and locals can mingle over oysters, charcuterie platters and cocktails. The two street food stands look promising, but a Sunday closure means I don’t get to sample the intriguing galette saucisse, a crêpe-wrapped take on the hot dog. Just as well: the Galeries Lafayette department store is just around the corner, and I’ll take any excuse to spend some time in its two-floor food hall. Chouchou’s good looks may be seductive, but it’s really its location that’ll win you over: a 15-minute walk will take you to the luxe boutiques of Madeleine, the bustle of Sentier or the placid pace of the Seine. Here’s to a new firm favourite.

11 Rue du Helder, 75009 Paris https://www.chouchouhotel.com/

It’s been a few years since I last visited Andermatt and, as I step out of the train station, I’m amazed by the transformation. Tall cranes reach to the sky and a modern resort, Andermatt Reuss, has risen where there were once derelict army barracks. I’m staying here, in the brand new Radisson Blu Reussen. It sits on the attractive Piazza Gottardo, an open square surrounded by stylish apartment blocks, shops and a café. Below is an 18-hole golf course, six kilometres long, stretching up the valley. Located strategically at the crossroads of Switzerland’s northsouth and east-west passes, Andermatt has always been an important trading centre. When the St. Gotthard Pass became navigable by horse-drawn carriage in 1830, it became a fashionable spa resort with distinguished visitors, including Queen Victoria. That all came to an end in 1882: with the opening of the railway tunnel, the town was wiped off the tourist map. Markus Neff, offers inventive cuisine with local products. I wander along a mountain trail, through freshly laid snow to the attractive Lutersee, a mountain lake where you can bathe in the summer. From here it’s possible to climb up to the midstation of the Schneehüenerstock Express, where you can take the gondola down to the Oberalp Pass and return to Andermatt with the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. Sadly, I’ve run out of time, so I return the way I came.

Next day I leave my bike behind and set out on foot across the golf course following the Reuss River which runs along its edge. Soon I’m climbing steeply up the side of the valley in a series of zigzags to 2200m, the golfers below just small dots in the green. Up here, there’s nobody, and I follow the path along the contour to just above the village of Realp. The descent is easy, down through forest to the station, where I catch the train back to Andermatt.

On my final day, I leave my hotel and take the narrow-gauge Glacier Express to Chur, on my way back to the airport in Zurich. The carriages have huge panoramic windows and glass skylights. This is Europe’s slowest express, with an average speed of only 24mph, and I savour every moment of it – it’s my last glimpse of Switzerland’s stunning mountain scenery. More information: www.andermatt-swissalps.ch/en By Rupert Parker

In 1886 the army moved in and it became one of the country’s most important military bases because of its strategic position. Bunkers, storerooms and barracks were constructed inside the mountains to serve as the ultimate refuge in case of an invasion. At the end of the Cold War, all those fears vanished, and most of the soldiers moved out in the 1990’s. The departure of the military was a serious setback for the town. Enter Egyptian billionaire Samih Sawiris, with a grand vision for the area and plenty of money with which to realise it. He started by opening the five star deluxe Chedi Andermatt in 2013, an astounding building combining wood and stone with Asian flair. With 169 opulent rooms, a 6,000-bottle wine cellar and gourmet dining, including a Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant, it soon became a destination in its own right. That was just the beginning; eventually, the plan is for six hotels and 42 apartment buildings. Ten of these have already been completed and are occupied, with four more under construction and two in the planning stage. They cleverly combine traditional materials with modern construction, technology and sustainability, and the architecture successfully integrates the modern with the traditional Alpine style. The mountain infrastructure has also been redeveloped, with a gleaming gondola replacing the old ski lift to the top of the Gütsch peak. At an elevation of 1,444 metres, Andermatt’s ski season lasts from November to May and there are over 1890 hours of sun per year. It’s the largest ski area in central Switzerland with over 180km of slopes and 33 ski lifts. I am here just before the snows, making the most of the warm autumn days and excellent visibility. Mountain E-biking is popular in the Alps and I set off up the valley to the Vermigelhütte at just over 2000m. Farmers are collecting their sheep for the winter and we’re forced to stop as they try to herd the animals into their trailers. There’s already snow on the peaks and it’s an exhilarating climb up to the mountain hut, where a group of technicians, already working on the ski trails, are enjoying a late morning coffee and we tuck into warming soup and sausage. Later that day, I try out the new express gondola up to the top of the Gütsch at 2300m. As well as renovating the cable car, there are now two Michelin starred restaurants here. One is Japanese, an outpost of The Chedi; the other, run by renowned Swiss chef

Hunting with Eagles in Kyrgyzstan

The sun is dipping below the horizon as I hold out my arm in trepidation, and Ruslan carefully edges the huge bird from his wrist onto mine. The eagle’s eyes are hooded, to keep it calm, but I can sense that it is checking me out. I try to swallow my fear, always conscious of the weight of the bird on my arm. Suddenly the animal becomes three times as large as it flexes its wings: it’s time to pass it back to its owner. I’m in Kyrgyzstan, the heart of central Asia, at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road which connected China and India with the West. This is a high country, with 90% of its territory above 1500m. Pik Pobedy, the highest mountain, rises 7,439m on the border with China, and slightly smaller peaks mark the borders with Kazakhstan, in the North, and Tajikistan to the South. I started in Bishkek, the capital, known during Soviet times as Frunze, and travelled east to Issyk-Kul Lake, the second highest navigable lake in the world after Lake Titicaca. Sandwiched between two mountain ranges, the micro-climate means that it is warm and winter and cool in summer. Silk Road traders once stopped here to relax after crossing the mountain passes; it is still a popular spot for tourists.

For thousands of year people were nomads, living in Yurts which they carried on horseback. At Kyzyl-Tuu village, where they still make them, I’m given a quick lesson in how to assemble one - an essential skill when you’re moving home every day. First, they form the frame with wooden struts, made from willow; then lattice sections are inserted in the gaps. Next, the structure is topped with a circular arrangement and, finally, everything covered is in felt. It takes less than an hour if you know what you’re doing. From here, I set out on the road west. The landscape is stunning. Towering, snow-capped peaks on one side pierce the deep blue sky and contrast with the azure waters of the lake. Small shacks, roofed with corrugated iron and surrounded by neat fenced-off compounds, dot the parched terrain. Soon, I am climbing up to over 2500m, into rocky treeless terrain, before dropping down to greener pastures and small woods. I’m aiming for Arslanbob, a never-ending drive on a long dirt road, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. It lies in a fertile valley, the town planted with poplar trees and the slopes containing one of the largest walnut forests in the world: it has been here for over a thousand years and spreads over 60,000 hectares. The walnuts here are of high quality and were one of the many goods transported along the Silk Road. Now is harvest time and families are camping out in the woods to gather the nuts; small children rush up to me, thrust their treasure into my hands, and then shyly run away. In a good year the forest yields over 200 tons of nuts. My final destination is Osh, one of the oldest cities in the Kyrgyzstan, founded over 3000 years ago. In the 8th century it was important for silk production, and a major trade centre situated at a crossroads on the Silk Road. These days there are few signs of its illustrious history but a visit to the Jayma Bazaar, one of the largest in Central Asia, gives you a sense of its importance. It’s incredibly well organised, divided up into clearly defined zones; the only blip in its seamlessness are the men pushing carts who shout “Bosh Bosh!” as they make their way through the crowds. Overlooking the city is a steep rocky outcrop, where King Solomon reputedly spent the night. Although this is only legend, it’s known that a descendant of Tamerlane the Great, Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur, took refuge here in 15th century, before going on to India and founding the Moghul dynasty. The mosque he built at the top is still known as Babur’s House, although the original was destroyed by an earthquake in 1853. The views of the mountains towards Tajikistan are tremendous. Back on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, I’m waiting for a demonstration of eagle hunting. Ruslan tells me that he has been involved in this sport for over 30 years and is presently the proud owner of two eagles. He took them from their nests in the wild, before they were able to fly, and patiently established a bond, training them over a few years. These are females, bigger than the males, and they make best hunters. This tradition goes back a thousand years; the birds essential for catching food and guarding flocks. Soviet rule put an end to nomadic life and nowadays hunting with eagles is mainly for sport and entertaining tourists. Still, there’s no shortage of young apprentices to carry on the tradition. I watch as one of them, with the eagle perched on his arm, trudges to the top of a nearby rock outcrop and waits. Ruslan drops a dead rabbit at his feet and emits a high pitched whistle. The eagle rises from the peak, swoops down, grabs the carcass and starts to rip it to pieces. As she tears at the raw flesh, her owner calms it by stroking its head. This relationship will not last forever. At 15, the eagle will be released back into the wild to find a mate and hunt for another 25 or 30 years. Ruslan will then have to find another chick and start all over again. For now, though, he’s looking forward to competing in the World Nomad Games, held next year in Turkey. By Rupert Parker

Avington Park

For centuries, Avington has served as a playground to Kings and Royal Courtiers, with a rich and vibrant history. A stunning country estate, the elegant stately home and its 150 acres have recently been re-imagined – with every detail considered. This unique venue can now be exclusively yours…as your own private party palace, a country estate retreat, or the backdrop for a show-stopping wedding. Set along the banks of the River Itchen, within easy reach of Winchester and London, this Hampshire estate has it all; journey through Avington Lake on its own classic launch boat, jump on a quad bike and explore the estate, enjoy a spot of fishing or head off in one of the Avington Land Rovers for clay pigeon shooting.

With an arrival worthy of a period drama, the awe-inspiring venue features its own private bridge across the river, extensive grounds and four magnificent opulent rooms, alongside a beautiful Orangery, seating up to 200 guests. Avington features 21 luxurious suites, with carefully curated furnishings in keeping with the estate’s country setting. You and your and guests will feel like royalty as you make yourselves at home. There are even majestic Peacocks roaming the land. A prestigious country retreat, Avington is famous for hosting besotted kings who snuck their mistresses away. Once owned by King Charles II, with many of the original features from this time remaining, Avington was a notorious party palace, in which the royal court attended. The love of huge parties continues some centuries later, whether it’s a wedding or private event, party like a royal at Avington! Inside the splendid stately house, the décor has been beautifully curated, bridging heritage and modernity. With remarkable original works of art and stand-out historical features, Avington will surprise and delight. Despite its impressive grandeur, every detail has been considered to offer a relaxed and lived-in feel. There are elegant furnishings, hand painted wallpapers, White Company aromatics in the bathrooms and fresh flowers throughout. Portraits of Charles II and his family hang on the walls and the show-stopping ballroom ceiling, painted by Antonio Verio who was tasked with replicating his ceiling masterpiece in the Palace of Versailles, gives a notably regal and exquisite feel. The estate is yours - with a range of characterful rooms, for meetings, intimate dinners, dancing, celebrations and more, alongside expansive grounds to enjoy and explore. From 15 to 200 guests, the venue is perfect for private events, family get-togethers, corporate getaways, weddings, parties and exclusive-use stays. Drinks receptions can be held in the expansive grounds or King Charles Hall, with its hand painted walls by the famous Claremont, making a grand first impression as guests take their first steps into Avington. The Crown Jewel of the house, the Versailles Ballroom, is flooded with natural light and views across the rolling parkland, making a breathtaking space for celebrations. yourselves at home. The Orangery is a whimsical and enchanting space, where the outside floods in. With walls bursting with jasmine, lemon and lime trees and views across the estate, this offers the perfect setting for a celebration for up to 200. The Library offers a unique backdrop to retreat to for evening drinks, or dance the night away, as your guests soak up the character of this charming home.

Visit www.avingtonpark.co.uk for more information.

Charming Century House Cotswolds

Few holiday cottages are as picturesque as this one, nestled in the historic town of Moreton-in-Marsh in the heart of the Cotswolds. It’s the perfect place for a romantic weekend escape from the city where you can take countryside strolls, enjoy quaint pubs and relax in front of a log burner fire with a good bottle or two of wine.

This idyllic retreat has three pretty bedrooms, two bathrooms, spacious living areas and kitchen with all the mod cons. If the weather is kind you can make the most of the garden and sun terrace and enjoy a BBQ. The Cottage is self-catering and we highly recommend a ten minute drive to famous Daylesford Farm. Here you’ll find an amazing farm shop with an incredible range of beautifully presented artisan fare. You can enjoy a fantastic lunch here too - and a spa Once you’ve explored the Cotswolds you can venture to Stratford-Upon-Avon just 17 miles away, or Cheltenham just a 40 minute drive. For Tudor history fans, Sudeley Castle is worth a visit and just a short journey away. Moreton in Marsh has a wealth of places to shop and dine in. There’s handy parking outside too.

The cottage has been sympathetically refurbished throughout and retains so much of its country character. It’s a dog friendly property and you’ll enjoy a welcome hamper on arrival. For more information and to book visit: https://www.cotswoldcottagegems.co.uk/century-house. For information on Daylesford (pictured below) visit: https://www.daylesford.com/locations/daylesford-farm/