Once famous for the Profumo Affair, and now forever famous as the place where Meghan Markle spent her last night as a mere mortal before being elevated to Duchess of Sussex. Not far west of London, this fabulous mansion on the Thames invites you to make your own history within it’s storied walls. A champagne picnic boating meander on the Suzy Ann, a splash in the pool, or perhaps retreat to the Lady Astor suite and imagine you live like this all the time. Four Posters and fireplaces simply ooze royal romance, there’s one here with your name it. Maybe book a Rolls to arrive and depart in, you won’t be out of step.
If you want something that’s truly historical, how about the fact that this gorgeous place began its life as a manor house for the Bishop of Chichester and fortified in 1377. Old does not mean worn out and dusty, you’ll be delighted by what you find inside. Book a suite with an open fire and you can gaze outside through the mullioned windows. There are suits of armour, but you don’t need to wear one to dinner. The big plus is that it’s in West Sussex so just a short trip from London. Who knows you might just run into the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
In Caithness at the top of Scotland you will find this little piece of pure romance sitting sturdily on the edge of the sea. No room numbers here, but rather a name to your suite, and a staff that make you feel rather royally welcome. It’s kilts and haggis, oysters and champagne, beach walks and clay pigeon shooting. Be woken with a personally delivered cup of tea instead of an alarm clock. Wellies and Barbour jackets on tap. As they say when you’re leaving “Haste Ye Back”, and you most likely will, it’s something really very special.
Hop across to Ireland and set up home for the weekend in a castle that has been welcoming guests since the 16th century. 450 acres to play in and a spa to sooth your limbs. Arriving at this magical place, you will be immediately impressed by the imposing façade. Inside you will discover and experience the huge amount of money that has been lavished on making your stay pure luxury. 21st century expectations met and exceeded while artfully concealed in this historic Castle. Fine dining or hot chocolate in bed, you decide.
This is true Scottish Baronial grandeur on an epic scale in a setting of outstanding beauty. Don’t worry about the weather, it’s Scotland, you can always come in from an adventure on the sea and cosy up by a roaring fire looking at it. You could easily be at Balmoral, only the Queen may not be sharing afternoon tea with you. Falconry is the sport of Kings, so try it out. While salmon fishing on the River Stinchar, you could well imagine the late Queen Mother standing alongside you. This place is stunning and not to be missed.
You might want to check into the Duke’s bedchamber once occupied by King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in 1535 while on their honeymoon. Or perhaps if you want to take your Beauty or Beast to the top of a 77-step spiral staircase, you will find yourself in the Tower Suite replete with 24 carat gilding, and a 10-foot four poster bed. Plenty of romantic acreage so to speak. Once owned by the Duke of Buckingham, it’s now your palatial bolt hole to be right royally revelled in the not too distant kingdom of Gloucestershire.
Perhaps you want your very own castle, just the two of you and romantic seclusion. Look no further than this little gem available through the Landmark Trust to create your royal romance. Located in Monmouthshire, the surrounding woods and countryside views are superb. You can pop into Abergavenny to the market for supplies and then canter back to re-stoke the fire. You can even bring your pampered pooch with you if you like. Live like a King or Queen without breaking the bank balance, fantastic.
If you don’t have a partner to go with, give us a call and start your journey to finding that special someone to share wonderful royal experiences with!
