If you have been following along on Ribbon, you know good and well how deeply charmed I am with all things Great Britain. The sophistication of British life swooned me from an early age, and my dream of visiting this splendid country came true when I was 40 years old. From its picturesque streets to magnificent cathedrals, I could visit once a year and never grow tired of England!
My home garden is even inspired by a traditional English garden. When I read that a few of you were interested in reading about more European destinations, I was simply delighted. This topic is right up my alley!
Featured in British Style, a Victoria Classics special issue, are enchanting estates and glorious gardens, as well as the Llangoed Hall, a magnificent Welsh hotel. This well-appointed castle pays homage to an iconic British decorator’s refined touch.
The property was purchased in 1987 by Sir Bernard Ashley as a tribute to his late wife, Laura Ashley. Laura was a legendary fabric designer who had always dreamt of transforming this once crumbling castle into a hotel. And that is just what the circa 1632 mansion came to be!
After Bernard’s death, the country-house hotel was re-launched under new management in 2013. Craftsmen from the Royal Warrant Holders Association, an elite society of laborers who serve the monarchy, completed the latest round of renovations. The former managing director of the hotel, Calum Milne, said, “If it’s good enough for the queen, then it’s good enough for my guests.” Imagine that!
To find out more, click here to visit Llangoed Hall’s website.
Have you ever been to England? If so, what was your favorite part of the trip?
