June 21st, 2010
© NTPL / Andrea Jones
Think all stately English country houses are decked out in lace and toile? Think again. In its heyday in the mid-18th century, The Vyne in Hampshire owned by John Chute was a spectacular home full of modern furniture and art. Over time, the home no longer reflected the cutting edge sensibilities of its former occupant. All of that’s now changed thanks to The National Trust and Mark Brazier-Jones. Brazier-Jones is the colorful interior designer for the likes of Sir Elton John and Courtney Love. Upholding Chute’s flair for décor, Brazier-Jones is filling the house with crystal-encrusted tables and hot pink animal hide chaise-lounges. “John Chute certainly wasn’t afraid to stamp his own personality on The Vyne,” said the designer. “In fact, he was pretty daring and adventurous for his time, and if he were a client of mine today I’m sure we would get on famously.”
This mixture of historic and contemporary at The Vyne is in keeping with the vision of The National Trust to view a house as a living and evolving space. Visit the bedazzled abode now through August 1 for FREE as a member of the Royal Oak Foundation (The National Trust’s U.S. affiliate). Membership, just $55 to join, grants access to all of The National Trust properties around England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
June 11th, 2010
© NTPL / Nick Meers
England’s National Trust is taking a cue from its footballers. This season, before heading down to South Africa, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United gave their home turf a serious beating. With slide tackles and free kicks, one would think the field would be torn to bits, but due to some crafty engineering, the turf held its own. With special drainage systems in place and a blend of grasses and soils, this manufactured lawn has worked wonders for Man U. Not sure how the South African field will measure up for the epic England vs. U.S. game this Saturday. (The two teams haven’t faced off at the World Cup in 60 years!)
Hidcote, one of the most famous and visited gardens in the Nation Trust’s gaggle of historic properties, is trying out the resilient soccer turf. Replacing the mud-prone clay soil with a special blend of sandy soil and nylon threads and using several types of grass, such as fescues, bent, and dwarf rye, the Trust is hoping to keep the garden as green as the field at Old Trafford. The gardens are now open, so visitors can roam along the thick, healthy grass admiring the flowers, or practice their bicycle kicks. Whether botanist or football hooligan, be sure to join the Royal Oak Foundation before crossing the pond. It costs just $55 to join and, as the US affiliate of the National Trust, grants FREE entry into any National Trust property, including Hidcote.
June 2nd, 2010
Florence Nightingale just might be the most famous nurse of all time, but does anyone know how she earned herself the nickname of “The Lady with the Lamp”? Learn this, and more, at Claydon House in Buckinghamshire where for the first time a selection of Nightingale’s personal papers and memorabilia, including letters and journals, are on display. Members of the Royal Oak Foundation gain free entry to this exhibit, as well as countless other National Trust properties throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Nightingale is no stranger to the Claydon House, as it was formerly the home of Nightingale’s brother-in-law, Sir Harry Verney. Since May 8, aside from the various photographs and documents available for visitor’s perusal, the National Trust has recreated a sitting room in the house using photographs from Nightingale’s archives, allowing visitors to get a tangible feel for how this fearless female lived.
So why “The Lady with the Lamp?” Nightingale was given this name during the Crimean War because she often made rounds at night with a lamp in hand, tending wounded soldiers. Nightingale then later helped establish professional nursing as a career by starting the world’s first secular nursing school.
May 7th, 2010
Everyone has a favorite, and now there’s a new version of the oft-dramatized tale to throw into the mix. The upcoming Robin Hood movie, starring brooding bad boy Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett, hits theaters May 14. The filmmakers used National Trust properties throughout England to create the medieval world of Sherwood Forest. The best part – all Robin Hood buffs can check out the filming locales free of charge after joining the Royal Oak Foundation before crossing the pond. (The US affiliate of the National Trust costs just $55 to join and grants FREE entry into any National Trust property.)
Visit Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire and wander the woods used as Robin’s road to London, or walk on the sand at Freshwater West in Pembrokeshire where they conjured an epic battle on the beach. Finish the tour with a trip to Dovedale where the closing scenes were shot, and cross the River Dove on the famous stepping stones.
Check out the trailer!
More about the properties…
Ashridge Estate
© NTPL / Michael Caldwell
Wander down the great network of footpaths and bridleways and see the rich variety of wildlife. The ancient woodlands are carpeted with spring bluebells and house historical remains from the Iron Age to the Victorian era.
Freshwater West
© NTLP / Richard Ellis
This national nature reserve is a haven for rare wildlife like otters and chough and boasts walks along the coast, lakes, and woodlands. There are great beaches for families and surfers, and the area is rich in archeology from prehistoric settlement to 18th-century grandeur.
Dovedale
©NTLP
The dramatic scenery draws people to the Dovedale area. The limestone ravines, tranquil woodlands, and wildflowers have made it one of the top five visited sites in the Peak District. Don’t forget to hop across the iconic stepping stones to cross the River Dove.
April 26th, 2010
Lost in the British countryside? Not to fear, the National Trust’s free app is here! Download the app to your iPhone or iPod touch and search for the nearest Trust sites and properties, 10, 20, 30, and 40 miles away. Or view a full list of properties from A to Z.
The app can also assist travelers with basic information about the places, including opening times, car parking, and prices (although members of The Royal Oak Foundation – the U.S. affiliate of the National Trust of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland – get in free!)
Join Royal Oak before you go for just $55.
Tap into the latest, hippest travel trend! The new app has already leaped into the top five free travel apps category. Download it from the iTunes app store here.
April 16th, 2010
The internet is abuzz with clips and pictures from the upcoming Sex and the City 2 and we’ve found a sneak peak of Carrie and Big’s apartment. The chic print on the dining room chairs in the foreground is none other than a design from Lee Jofa’s Royal Oak Collection. The line of textiles gets its name from The Royal Oak Foundation, the U.S. affiliate of the U.K.’s National Trust. The Trust’s classic country houses served as inspiration for the designs. Royal Oak helps support the conservation of historic houses all over England, and patterns range from Jacobean to Art Deco to classic British plaids.
Want to emulate Carrie’s style? The pattern on the chairs is called Belgravia. Snag it before the movie comes out and make everyone envious of your avant-garde style. Available in wallpaper, too!
April 8th, 2010
While cataloguing the library at Wimpole Hall, a lucky employee found a rare first copy of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved, Jungle Book. Kipling had dedicated his famous children’s book to his youngest daughter, Josephine, who died of pneumonia five years after it was published at the age of six. The inscription reads, “This book belonged to Josephine Kipling for whom it was written by her father, May 1894”. Kipling did not sign the inscription, but based on many archives, it is thought to be his handwriting. It is now on display at the house, adding to the allure of its Georgian interiors and lush gardens. Visitors can take a peek at the first edition of the book that told us the stories of Bagheera and Shere Khan, Mowgli and Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, and spawned the Disney classic film.
March 5th, 2010
Bodysgallen Hall (left) and Hartwell House
In anticipation of greener, warmer months, Historic House Hotels has organized its second year of guided garden tours. The 300-year-old, participating properties include Bodysgallen Hall & Spa in northern Wales and Hartwell House & Spa just outside of London. The historic homes were a gift to The National Trust in 2008. As such, members of the Trust’s U.S. affiliate, The Royal Oak Foundation, receive special concessions at the houses.
Enjoy spectacular views of Snowdonia and Conwy Castle during a three-night stay at the 17th-century Bodysgallen Hall, nestled amidst 200-acres of wooded parkland in northern Wales. From May 18-21, guests can participate in visits to nine beautiful gardens, including the world-famous Bodnant garden and the exotic plant nursery of international plant hunters Bleddyn and Sue Wynn-Jones.
Or channel your inner royalty with quick trip from Central London to the rural landscaped countryside of the stately Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire. Stay for three nights, June 21-24, and explore ten gardens, including the late Nancy Lancaster’s former garden near Oxford, Lord Carrington’s garden at Bledlow, plus some National Trust gardens at Cliveden and Waddesdon Manor.
Price per person sharing a double or twin bedroom is £1150 for either property. Cost includes accommodation for three nights, luncheon for three days, transport between the halls and garden destinations, dinners, breakfast, a tour of nine or ten gardens, and full use of the spa (including VAT).
The Royal Oak Foundation is the United States partner of the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Royal Oak members gain free entry to over 300 important historic houses and gardens. The Foundation supports National Trust conservation projects and offers a series of lectures and other public programs across the US on topics including British history, architecture, gardens, and the fine and decorative arts. As a U.S. not-for-profit organization, membership dues and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
February 22nd, 2010
© NTPL/Cristian Barnett and Andrew Butler; © Walt Disney Pictures
You’re late, you’re late, for a very important date! Don’t miss out on an eight-month celebration of Tim Burton’s new
Alice in Wonderland movie at
The National Trust’s
Antony House in Cornwall near Plymouth. The classic, 18th-century mansion was
THE ONLY ‘real’ site for the filming of the motion picture.
To commemorate the movie (which debuts on March 5) the National Trust is transforming Antony into the fantasy land envisioned by Lewis Carroll.
In collaboration with the Dodgy Clutch Theater Company, the National Trust has created a family-friendly extravaganza showcasing key elements of the stories of Alice. Visitors will enjoy imaginative installations set amidst the lush Antony gardens, Alice-inspired events, and extended hours.
Take a trip down the rabbit hole for the stunning gardens and vistas that inspired Tim Burton to choose Antony for the film. As always, members of The Royal Oak Foundation – the U.S. affiliate of the National Trust – get in FREE to the grounds and house (although some events may cost a small fee). Read through a selection of wonderland highlights below:
Alice and Alistair Day
When: March 6
What: Any child named Alice or the male equivalent of Alastair (American boys might be at a slight disadvantage), or anyone decked out as a character from Alice in Wonderland, will be admitted free. Can’t make it to Antony? Check out the 13 other participating sites across Devon and Cornwall.
Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties
When: March 6-7, every weekend, and Bank Holidays
What: Families will enjoy workshops, games, and dressing. Take time for tea and snacks in the tea-party marquee on Antony’s vast Cork Oak Lawn. Cost is an additional £5 per person.
Antony House Opening
When: March 16
What: Begin at the beginning and go on ‘till you come to the end: then stop. Heed the King’s expert advice and explore Antony House for a sneak peek of the rooms appearing in scenes of the film, including Alice’s bedroom.
The White Rabbit Easter Trail
When: April 2-9
What: Follow the trail of the elusive White Rabbit throughout Antony’s magnificent landscaped gardens. (Attention chocoholics the trail is hosted by Cadbury so it has to be good!) Cost is an additional £1.50 per child.
Explore Your Own Wonderland
When: May 29-June 3
What: I’ve often seen a cat without a grin; but a grin without a cat! It’s the most curious thing I ever saw in my life! Make friends with the Cheshire Cat and the rest of the Alice in Wonderland gang with a week of Alice themed children’s activities. Seek out the giant chessboard and become a queen, king, or knight in your own life-size game of chess.
Weird and Wonderful Tea Parties
When: June 27
What: Look for special tea parties being held all across Devon and Cornwall at the following participating National Trust properties: A la Ronde, Castle Drogo, Killerton, Lydford Gorge, Park Estate, and many more.
Croquet Workshops
When: July 21, 28; August 5, 19, 25
What: Learn how to play croquet on the lawn at Antony (but without a flamingo as your mallet!) Let off some steam in a Caucus Race – no rules or instructions just run at random per Lewis Carroll’s direction.
The Royal Oak Foundation is the United States affiliate of the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Royal Oak members gain free entry to over 300 important historic houses and gardens. The Foundation supports National Trust conservation projects and offers a series of lectures and other public programs in U.S. cities on topics including British history, architecture, gardens, the fine and decorative arts – as well as other programs in the UK.
December 30th, 2009
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