Shirwell Park

Have you ever visited a National Trust or English Heritage stately home and wondered what it would be like to stay overnight? As you pass through the formal dining room behind the velvet ropes, admiring the long, formally set table, the trompe d'oeil ceiling, the massive fireplace, the gold leaf decoration, and the assorted paintings and other artworks? As you pass through the master's bedroom, with a chandelier and even more artworks? As you descend the main staircase, with even more artworks and hunting trophies? If so, don't wonder any longer. Instead, visit Shirwell Park. The adventure begins as you pass through the twin gatehouses and proceed down the long drive to a classic Georgian House, passing through an impressive English garden first designed by Capabiility Brown. You park the car on the forecourt and enter a dark stone entrance hall, where Gary, the butler, is waiting. He shows you through through the formal dining room and also the morning room, with a roaring log fire and still more art. After seeing your room (and being suitably impressed), you return to the morning room and are met by the manager and cook, Debbie, who brings a lovely cream tea, with homemade scones and cake.(Must be pre-booked, but highly recommended for arrival!) When the rain pauses for a while (this is, after all, England), take a walk through the estate and visit the large walled rose garden. There you will find statures, benches, arbors, and formally arranged roses. And you will likely be aloe, as the garden is there for the owners of the house and the tenants of the 4 rooms offered for visitors. You haver certainly seen such gardens at NT and EH properties – but perhaps there, you have shared them with 20 other visitors... If you pre-order dinner, it will be served in the dining room, where the table is now graced by a silver soup service and full place settings. (Go for the 3-course dinner!) You also will take breakfast in this room, which is then set only slightly less formally. Debbie and Gary are happy to provide advice on sightseeing in the area, other dining possibilities, etc. They are also well informed on the history of the house, which is fascinating but would be even more meaningful to British visitors. If staying over in a stately home is also your fantasy, then fantasize no longer! I was enchanted by my stay at Shirwell Park, and recommend it highly! Read less

DavidS