Now & Then

Construction of Mar Hall, then known as Erskine House, began in 1828, commissioned by Major General Robert Walter Stuart, 11th Lord Blantyre, and designed by renowned architect Sir Robert Smirke, who also created the British Museum. Completed in 1845, the house stands today as one of Scotland’s finest examples of Gothic architecture.

Talbooths Restaurant is immortalized in a famous John Constable painting of the Dedham Vale, capturing the timeless charm of its riverside setting and linking the restaurant to England’s celebrated artistic heritage.

Farlam Hall holds a unique place in history as the temporary home of Stephenson’s Rocket, the locomotive that helped ignite the railway revolution and change the course of modern travel.

Completed in 1836, Matfen Hall featured a carved doorway crowned by the Blackett coat of arms and a Gothic-style entrance leading into the Great Hall. These striking details remain today, standing as prominent reminders of the hall’s enduring craftsmanship and architectural heritage.

The property passed to the seventh Duke of Bedford in 1839, whose wife, Anna Maria, is widely credited with creating the British tradition of afternoon tea. Her simple afternoon ritual of tea, sandwiches, and cakes soon swept through high society, transforming a private indulgence into a cultural institution that endures today.

116 Piccadilly began its life as Hope House, a magnificent private residence built for MP Henry Hope. Rich in elegance and whispered secrets, the building’s grand past still lingers at The Athenaeum today.

Built in 1871 as a Headmaster’s residence and Grammar School, Yorebridge House served the rural communities of Bainbridge for over a century, standing as a symbol of education and aspiration in the Yorkshire Dales. Designed in classic Victorian style, its arched windows, original stonework, and high ceilings remain today—carefully restored to preserve the building’s character while embracing modern luxury.

In 1874, this Jacobean home was transformed by John Pollard Seddon, a celebrated Neogothic architect commissioned by the Lewis family. His signature style is visible in the ornate fireplaces, sweeping staircase, and elegantly proportioned rooms, all of which contribute to The Grove’s distinctive charm and welcoming comfort.

A standout in the hotel’s extensive art collection is a remarkable pencil and watercolour sketch in the Lobby, created by Queen Victoria in 1874. It depicts a stag’s head taken by her Ghillie, John Brown, offering guests a rare and personal glimpse into royal life and the hotel’s rich heritage.

Starting as a 13th-century watchtower for Conwy Castle, Bodysgallen Hall gradually evolved from a modest dwelling into a spacious and comfortable country house. In the 19th century, it was brought to new life by its devoted chatelaine, Lady Henrietta Augusta Mostyn (1830–1912), and the renowned architect John Douglas of Chester, whose vision shaped much of the hall’s enduring character.

Although an inn has stood on the site since 1607, the current Arts and Crafts–style building was completed in the late 1800s, blending historical legacy with the charm and craftsmanship of its period.

Palé Hall has long welcomed distinguished guests. In August 1889, Queen Victoria visited with Princess Beatrice and her attendant, Abdul Karim. The Robertsons granted the royal party exclusive use of the house, presenting the Queen with a walking stick made from local timber. She also planted a Turkey Oak on the grounds—a living reminder of her visit that endures to this day.

In 1888, at just 32, John Bertie Norreys Entwistle became High Sheriff of Leicestershire. With that title came the vision of a home worthy of his stature. He commissioned architect A.E. Purdie to create Kilworth House, which, completed in 1890 after three years and £39,000, stood as a grand Victorian residence designed for comfort, society, and status.

In 1890, William Henry Smith, founder of WH Smith, purchased 5,000 acres of land from the Earl of Devon for £103,000, including ancient manors, farms, woodlands, and fishing rights along the Bovey and Teign rivers. It was his son, Frederick, who commissioned the Manor House—a lavish neo-Elizabethan residence—one of the family’s many distinguished country retreats.

Between 1940 and 1945, Jersey endured five years under enemy occupation, a period that left an indelible mark on the island’s landscape and its people, shaping its history and resilience in ways that are still remembered today.

During WWII, Glenapp Castle was reputed to serve as a discreet and secure meeting place for notable figures, including Winston Churchill and General Eisenhower. Local lore suggests that top-secret discussions about the D-Day landings took place in the castle’s drawing rooms. Today, guests can wander those same corridors and imagine the strategic conversations that once shaped history.

The hotel’s Foxhunter Bar celebrates a remarkable sporting partnership. Named after the legendary Olympic showjumping horse, Foxhunter, it honours the animal that secured Britain’s only gold medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, combining history, sport, and charm in one iconic space.

The charming village of Freshford and its picturesque surroundings starred in the classic 1953 Ealing comedy The Titfield Thunderbolt. Many local residents appeared as extras, lending an authentic community spirit to the film. Its legacy endures at Homewood Hotel today: the Mallingford Mews are named after the destination town, while the private dining space, Tibby’s House, pays tribute to the GWR 1400 Class locomotive affectionately known as ‘Tibby’ that featured in the movie.

Dr Harilela’s journey into hospitality began modestly in Hong Kong, where he opened his first tailor shop before expanding into hotels, always guided by a profound belief in warm, intuitive service. His son, Dr. Aron Harilela, now chair of Harilela Hotels, fondly recalls childhood summers walking through hotel corridors, watching his father greet every staff member by name. “He treated every employee like family,” Aron says. “He believed hospitality started from within.”

Fingal Hotel began life as a Northern Lighthouse Board tender, a ship built in 1963 to navigate Scotland’s treacherous seas, delivering supplies and engineers to the lighthouses that safeguarded mariners. The vessel served faithfully for nearly four decades before retiring in 2000, later finding a remarkable new life as a unique hotel experience.

Northcote sits gracefully on the edge of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering guests a serene retreat framed by rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and the timeless charm of England’s countryside.

First opened on May 11th, 1971, The Capital is often described as a grand hotel in miniature and remains one of London’s best-kept secrets. Built in just two years from architect’s drawing to completion, it proudly claims the distinction of being the city’s very first boutique hotel.

Run by three generations of the same family since the 1970s, this former monastery has been lovingly restored—preserved, not reinvented. Guests can still sense its historic past in the stone walls, cloistered spaces, and tranquil gardens, where centuries of monastic life once unfolded, now harmoniously blending with modern comfort and hospitality.

For a 15th-century property, The Swan at Lavenham has welcomed guests from across the globe. In 1984, it hosted none other than the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton. A copy of her telegram, given to the hotel for its Wall of History, reads: “Thank you for one of the best times of my whole life (and I have an exciting life so you must know how much it meant to me).” This memorable visit remains a cherished part of the hotel’s story.

A testament to the enduring vision of a single family for over three decades, The Nare was reimagined in 1988 by Bettye Gray. Her grandson, Toby Ashworth, has since continued the legacy, ensuring the hotel retains its warmth, charm, and distinctive character across generations.

Run by the Cunliffe family since 1988, Gilpin Hotel is a story of enduring passion. Originally the home of John Cunliffe’s grandmother, the family bought it back and transformed it, blending personal history with timeless hospitality and care.

The Torridon stands as a testament to honouring heritage while embracing innovation. Owned by the Rose-Bristow family for 35 years, the hotel was originally purchased in the early 1990s by Rohaise’s parents, David and Geraldine. Today, Dan and Rohaise continue the family tradition, managing the business for the past 20 years and ensuring the hotel thrives with care, vision, and warmth.

Hebridean Princess is the only cruise ship in the world to have been granted a Royal Warrant by the late Queen Elizabeth II, following two private family holidays spent on board, marking its unique place in royal and maritime history.