Tuesday, February 27, 2007

I bet THEY'LL leave the light on for me!

This is my hotel in the UK - The Taplow House



http://www.taplowhouse.com/
The Taplow House
A stunning Georgian retreat situated on the border between Berkshire and Buckinghamshire and a peaceful haven only 15 minutes from London Heathrow Airport and 10 minutes from Historic Windsor.

Set in 6 acres of beautiful gardens and boasting Europe's largest tulip trees Taplow House Hotel is the perfect setting for a meeting, private event, wedding or relaxing overnight stay.

History
An Elizabethan Manor was built in 1598 on a green and secluded hill just east of Maidenhead on what was thought to have been the site of an Anglo-Saxon settlement dating back at least 1,300 years. A devastating fire completely destroyed that house in 1660, the existing Georgian property was built in 1751 and it remained a private residence until 1958.

The building has a rich and varied history following its presentation by James l to Hampson, the first governor of Virginia in 1628. It was owned by Pascoe Grenfell, the MP for Great Marlow and Penrhyn in 1794 before being sold to the Marquess of Thomond in 1838. It has been put up for sale by auction twice, once in 1875 and again in 1906 where auction booklets have clearly recorded the many changes to the property over time. The 1875 auction details list several outbuildings including a thatched outer larder as well as a conical icehouse, which sadly disappeared over time.

The grounds of the Hotel hold a number of interesting trees. The Cedar of Lebanon, introduced into Great Britain in 1638 was planted in the gardens around 1880. But the trees with the most interesting story by far are the Tulip Trees. These trees were planted over 220 years ago and are reputed to be the tallest and fattest examples in Europe.

Berry's Restaurant
Overlooking the historical grounds of Taplow House and featuring a classical high ceiling, Berry’s Restaurant offers fantastic food in a traditional but relaxed atmosphere.
Renowned for its award of 2 AA stars, diners can be sure to expect quality food and personal service.

3 comments:

Molly said...

call me jealous!
love you, dad.
me

Anonymous said...

It is amazing that you will be staying at the Taplow House. When we went to England for 2 years in the mid '80's we lived a mile as the crow flies from the Taplow House, 3 miles by car as you had to get to a bridge across the Thames to get to our house. Even more strange is that we had to wait for 2 weeks for the house we were renting to become available, and so we stayed in the Taplow House. The girls were 8 and 10 and the time. Back then is was sort of a fleebag, Faulty Towers kind of place, but has been upgraded since then. I actually have a fairly new brochure on it. You are close to Windsor and the Windsor Castle as well as some nice villages, but a good 40 minute train ride from London. We have lost of info on the area. Interetsting they would put you up out there - interested to know where your client is.

GrandBob said...

This is exactly what the Blog is for, for you to share in my excitement!
Thanks,
"World travelin' GrandBob"