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News.com.au
26-05-2025
- News.com.au
King Charles turns royal retreat into $13k-a-week holiday home
King Charles has turned a royal retreat at Sandringham into a posh £6,300 ($A13,000)-a-week holiday home open to all. According to The Sun, the British monarch refurbished the three-bed Victorian house The Folly. Once the love-nest of Edward VII and his mistress Lillie Langtry, the property is said to feature royal artefacts, to be fitted out 'to the highest standard' and blending 'timeless heritage with refined, contemporary comfort', can sleep up to six. Located on the private woodland of the estate in Norfolk, holiday-makers can now follow in the footsteps of royalty by staying in the retreat. Visitors willing to fork out £6,300 ($A13,000) a week — the going rate in the school holidays — can go up the fairytale-like turret to look out over the estate. Downstairs, guests can walk through French doors from the drawing room onto the lawn, or get dinner ready in the kitchen — complete with a butler sink. Agency Oliver's Travels, which is marketing the house, states: 'With input from the Sandringham team, The Folly honours its romantic past while embracing modern comfort. 'Period features — stone hearths, arched entryways, hand-finished doors — have been lovingly preserved. 'Throughout the house, royal artefacts from the private collection add depth and authenticity.' Parts of this story first appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
King Charles turns royal Sandringham retreat into £6k-a-week holiday home open to public
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE King has turned a royal retreat at Sandringham into a posh £6,300-a-week holiday home open to all. Charles has refurbished turreted three-bed Victorian house The Folly, which was once the love-nest of Edward VII and his mistress Lillie Langtry. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 King Charles has refurbished three-bed Victorian house The Folly, into a posh holiday home Credit: Bav Media 6 The home on the Sandringham estate was once the love-nest of Edward VII and his mistress Lillie Langtry Credit: Bav Media 6 Visitors could be asked to fork out as much as £6,300 a week during the school holidays Credit: Bav Media Holidaymakers can now follow in the footsteps of royalty by staying in the retreat, located on the private woodland of the estate in Norfolk. The property, said to feature royal artefacts, to be fitted out 'to the highest standard' and blending 'timeless heritage with refined, contemporary comfort', can sleep up to six. Visitors willing to fork out £6,300 a week — the going rate in the school holidays — can go up the fairytale-like turret to look out over the estate. Downstairs, guests can walk through French doors from the drawing room on to the lawn, or get dinner ready in the kitchen — complete with a butler sink. Agency Oliver's Travels, which is marketing the house, states: 'With input from the Sandringham team, The Folly honours its romantic past while embracing modern comfort. "Period features — stone hearths, arched entryways, hand-finished doors — have been lovingly preserved. "Throughout the house, royal artefacts from the private collection add depth and authenticity.' 6 Visitors can go up the fairytale-like turret to look out over the Sandringham estate Credit: Bav Media 6 The royal retreat located on the private woodland of the estate in Norfolk Credit: Bav Media 6 The King's holiday home is located in woodland on his Sandringham estate in Norfolk Credit: Getty
The Sun
23-05-2025
- The Sun
King Charles turns royal Sandringham retreat into £6k-a-week holiday home open to public
THE King has turned a royal retreat at Sandringham into a posh £6,300-a-week holiday home open to all. Charles has refurbished turreted three-bed Victorian house The Folly, which was once the love-nest of Edward VII and his mistress Lillie Langtry. 6 6 6 Holidaymakers can now follow in the footsteps of royalty by staying in the retreat, located on the private woodland of the estate in Norfolk. The property, said to feature royal artefacts, to be fitted out 'to the highest standard' and blending 'timeless heritage with refined, contemporary comfort', can sleep up to six. Visitors willing to fork out £6,300 a week — the going rate in the school holidays — can go up the fairytale-like turret to look out over the estate. Downstairs, guests can walk through French doors from the drawing room on to the lawn, or get dinner ready in the kitchen — complete with a butler sink. Agency Oliver's Travels, which is marketing the house, states: 'With input from the Sandringham team, The Folly honours its romantic past while embracing modern comfort. "Period features — stone hearths, arched entryways, hand-finished doors — have been lovingly preserved. "Throughout the house, royal artefacts from the private collection add depth and authenticity.' 6 6 6
Telegraph
21-05-2025
- Telegraph
The secret to a luxury hotel's success? Location, location, location
If you have the money and you want a really memorable experience then there has never been more choice when it comes to fabulous luxury hotels. So the question becomes: how can you tell them apart? After all, no matter how large your bank balance may be, no one wants to waste money – especially if you are investing in some of your precious days of annual holiday. The answer is that some hotels have a little extra that lifts them above the pack of 'ordinary' luxury hotels. They are different because they belong – because they can only exist in their particular city or location; you simply cannot replicate them elsewhere. As the chairman of The Goring hotel I am, of course, biased but I believe ours is one of these very special properties. The Goring was the last great hotel built in the Edwardian era, opening in March 1910, a couple of months before the death of Edward VII. It sits on land once occupied by some rundown cottages next to Victoria Square, where fine residences were built by Queen Victoria to house her ladies-in-waiting. In truth The Goring is so eccentrically English that it can only exist where it is in the centre of London. However, there are several other examples of hotels where the genius loci manifests itself in the bricks and mortar. Hong Kong's original room with a luxurious view There are, of course, several Peninsula hotels in the world. I have been lucky enough to visit those in Bangkok, London, Chicago, Beverly Hills and New York. They are all great international hotels delivering wonderful food, great service, amazing technology and excellent hospitality. However, The Peninsula Hong Kong is the Peninsula and it sits head and shoulders above all the rest. Why? Quite simply the Peninsula Hong Kong belongs completely to that island (which might sound strange as it's actually not on the island itself). It sits in Kowloon on the mainland looking back at the iconic view of Hong Kong. Over time new properties have been built in front of its once great vantage point but there are still many rooms with that famous harbour view in the Peninsula Tower (a later addition to the original low-rise building). In many ways Hong Kong is the story here: how it came to be British; how it rose to such dizzy heights as a trading and financial powerhouse over the centuries; how it was handed back to China and has changed in the years since. But throughout all of this, the Peninsula has remained proud and relevant. Gaddi's restaurant claims to have had the first chef's table in the world. Spring Moon is the most deliciously decadent Chinese restaurant in the city and Felix, on the top floor, has the best views. The double-height lobby is crowded all day long with movers and shakers; it bursts at the seams during afternoon tea. Outside, a fleet of 'Peninsula Green' Rolls Royces wait ready to whisk guests out and about as they shop, dine or do business deals. The bedrooms were refurbished about 10 years ago with calm pale shades, and hand-painted blossom branches on the walls. A delightful touch in the Tower harbour view rooms is a brass telescope that guests can use to look across to Hong Kong Island or down at the green and cream ferries criss-crossing the harbour all day long. A hotel woven into the story of London Claridge's iconic building has stood on the corner of Brook Street and Davies Street, right in the heart of Mayfair, since the late 19th century. Recently, the Emperor of Japan stayed here on his State Visit (he always does, as his father did before him) and naturally he slept in the royal suite, just at the top of the grand staircase, which sweeps up from the famous black and white marble-chequered lobby. The suite is ravishingly beautiful: a large entrance hall leads off to the grand drawing room to the right or to a long light-filled dining room straight ahead of you. The ceiling is spectacular and is embellished with gold leaf. A huge sparkling crystal chandelier, only slightly larger than the one in the bedroom, hangs down from the grand ceiling rose in the centre of the room. Recently there has been much investment ploughed into the hotel. Extra floors were swung into position on the top of the hotel and a number of new basements were painstakingly dug out beneath the eastern side to create a spa and swimming pool. Many of the bedrooms have been completely refurbished in a chic, expensive style. Personally I feel this has taken away the grand domestic style which added to the hotel's personality and history. So I prefer those rooms, like the royal suite, which nod to the original grandeur of the place. Nevertheless, this hotel has played its part in creating the history of our great capital – it has woven itself into the story of London. It belongs here and cannot be replicated anywhere else. Why Thailand is top for hospitality The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, was voted the top hotel in the world by The Telegraph last year. I am not surprised, although when you first enter the lobby you could be forgiven for wondering what all the fuss is about. The entrance is slightly dated, with a 1950s feel, its sofas and chairs filled with very smart locals and wide-eyed tourists enjoying the grandeur. Beyond the lobby, picture windows command views of the manicured lawn to the original wooden hotel with its colonial reception room and most of the Oriental's signature suites, which are decorated in such a way as to conjure up tales of the past. In the main tower, a much later edition, the rooms have a more modern feel but they all contain traditional Thai elements that celebrate the story of this place. There are 11 dining options – yes, 11! – including Le Normandie, a top-floor restaurant offering classic French cooking, to Lord Jim's, which delivers a more contemporary international buffet. There are also Thai, Japanese and Italian restaurants, as well as the Authors' Lounge, for traditional afternoon teas. However, it's the people who work in the Mandarin Oriental who really make this place exceptional. Firstly, there are a lot of them, all focused on making your stay perfect. But there is so much more to it than that. Thai hospitality is rightly recognised as among the very best in the world. Stay in this hotel and you will understand why this reputation is so deserved. Reminiscent of a set from an Orson Wells classic If you ask a group of top hoteliers which is their favourite hotel in the world, many will tell you it's the Hotel Bel-Air. There is something utterly magical about this place. Is it the best city hotel in the world? It may well be. This hotel could only exist hidden away in the garden oasis in the Bel Air Estate in Los Angeles. Somehow it has become a heavenly oasis, set apart from the hustle and bustle of this sprawling metropolis. Upon arrival, you walk across a wooden bridge that leads to reception. You immediately lose your worries and relax. Three majestic white swans float on their little pond below, surrounded by some of the hotel's duck family. It's a true fantasy, so Hollywood and yet so real. Nothing feels false or engineered. The hotel buildings themselves are all painted a soft pink. Unlike most city hotels this is not one large building. Instead it is a collection of low bungalows with a few larger blocks towards the rear of the property. It's reminiscent of a set from an Orson Wells classic. Part of the joy of this hotel are the gardens and the delicious little courtyards dotted throughout the grounds. Set along the stream that bubbles away at the front of the property are rustic wooden benches hidden among colourful camellia bushes. When it's time to drink or dine, guests head either to the very dark hotel bar or to the restaurant just next to it. The large outdoor terrace in front of the restaurant takes full advantage of the warm Californian climate. The best three tables, in semicircular open booths, seem to hang over the gardens set below. There are always famous actors and celebrities dining here; it's a place for those in the know, for those who have arrived, and those who have made it and no longer need to prove themselves any. Beautiful furnishings, pale colours, hand-painted wallpapers and a feeling of utter luxury are the hallmarks of the Bel-Air's bedrooms. Most have outdoor courtyards or balconies. This is a hotel that could only belong in Los Angeles, just up the road from Hollywood, the place where dreams are made.
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Little-known UK seaside town with pristine sands and award-winning pier
Located on the north coast of Norfolk, this town is perfect for a traditional seaside holiday, home to a bustling pier, award-winning beach and a wealth of family-friendly events and festivals Golf enthusiasts may already know about this reputable seaside town, but it has so much more to offer than what first meets the eye. Breathtaking coastal views, beaches and a historic pier can be explored by those looking for a traditional UK seaside holiday or a perfect day trip destination. Cromer is located on the north coast of Norfolk, about 23 miles from the medieval city of Norwich. The coastal town became a resort in the early 1800s and built its reputation welcoming rich local families, including the future King Edward VII who was known to enjoy a game of golf in the area. In fact, the seaside town is still a world-class hub for avid golfers as it is home to one of the top 100 golf courses in England: the Royal Cromer Golf Club. The Club was founded in 1888 and is one of only 66 'royal' clubs in the world and has 18 holes that stretch alongside the Cromer and Overstrand cliffs. The clifftop course ensures golfers and all visitors enjoy fantastic and unique coastal views. Even the famous Oscar Wilde couldn't deny the appeal of the greens, having said: 'I find Cromer excellent for writing, but the golf even better.' But again, there is much more to this seaside resort than its golf attractions. Travellers interested in a more traditional seaside holiday will want to make a beeline for the town's historic pier. Cromer Pier is one of only five seaside piers in the UK with an active theatre and the only one that puts on a traditional end-of-the-pier variety show each summer and winter. A model of classic Victorian architecture, the 495-foot pier won 'Pier of the Year' in 2024. Open all year round, it reportedly has the best crab fishing anywhere in Norfolk and is a memorable and relaxing place to spend a day and sample local treats. In 2025, the summer variety show at the Cromer Pier Pavilion Theatre will run from June 28 to September 20. If you plan a summer visit, you may want to time your travel to coincide with another town celebration: Carnival Week. Cromer celebrates its Carnival Week in August and the festival includes the crowning of a Carnival Queen and street parade. The family-friendly event is one of the largest Carnivals in the country and the highlight of the season. This year it will run from August 16 to August 22. If you're in the mood to learn about some local history as well, head to the Cromer Museum. It is located in a row of late 19th Century Victorian fisherman's cottages and features displays on the lifeboatmen over the years, the growth of tourism and what happened to the town during wartime. There are also fascinating exhibits on the geology and archaeology of the area. If you want to learn more about the coastline specifically, you can visit the Deep History Coast Discovery Point. Here, you can learn about what the area was like thousands of years ago. There's even an app you can download to take a guided tour along the coast to uncover its history and see how it used to look. There are also ample opportunities to enjoy the local landscape up close. Travellers can walk along stretches of coastal cliffs - some as high as 230-feet. And no mention of Cromer would be complete without a description of its incredible beaches. The town is home to several impressive sands, including the award-winning West Runton Beach and Cromer Beach. Beachgoers can partake in watersports by hiring surfboards or SUPs, laze in the pristine sands. There is also a weekly market and plenty of independent shops to browse for those wanting to take home some souvenirs.
