December 10th, 2009
Relive the glory of a 1950s and 1960s American road trip with the latest exhibition “Icons of the Highway” from the National Trust. Starting January 9, 2010, the Fox Talbot Museum at Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire (also the location for the filming of Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice, and The Other Boleyn Girl) will display images by Dorset-based photographers Tony and Eva Worobiec depicting an era of leisure time in post-war middle class America.
Members of the Royal Photographic Society and lovers of all things contemporary-artsy, the couple has bound these snapshots and others in the book, Icons of the Highway; A Celebration of Small-Town America.
Plan a trip across the pond for a window into classic Americana: motels touting electric neon signs for weary travelers, flamboyant over-sized automobiles, aluminum Air-Stream caravans, colorful burger shacks, bustling 24-hour diners, and rich red brocaded cinemas of old Hollywood glamour.
Members of the National Trust’s U.S. affiliate – The Royal Oak Foundation – enjoy free admission to the exhibit and the rest of the museum. Visitors can also branch out to explore the surrounding Lacock Abbey and village – or overnight in the newly-opened holiday cottage at the heart of the sleepy town.
Make sure to dig into your slice of American nostalgia before the exhibit ends on June 27, 2010.
November 10th, 2009
The perfect recipe for a chilly winter’s night? Spending hours snuggled up by a crackling fire playing a good old-fashioned board game.
Just in time, the UK’s National Trust has launched its very own Monopoly set, becoming the first charity version of the game to be created. Exclusively available in the US through The Royal Oak Foundation, it is on sale now to further brighten the coming festive season. National Trust properties have replaced the locales on the standard US version of the board, which includes familiar names such as “Pennsylvania Avenue” and “Park Place.”
Reserve your National Trust Monopoly game for $100, 50 percent of which is a tax-deductible donation to The Royal Oak Foundation for their work with the National Trust.
Here are a few highlights from the new board:
- Lyme Park in Cheshire –featured in the BBC’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, with Colin Firth emerging from the lake as Mr. Darcy – replaces Boardwalk.
- Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire – one of Britain’s greatest and most complete Elizabethan houses built by the formidable Bess of Hardwick – replaces Park Place.
Players can purchase National Trust countryside sites that include the iconic Snowdonia (Pennsylvania Avenue) and the glorious gardens of Stourhead (Indiana Avenue). The game also substitutes 20 Forthlin Road, the childhood home of Sir Paul McCartney, for Mediterranean Avenue, and the Birmingham Back to Backs, the atmospheric 19th century courtyard of workers’ homes, for Baltic Avenue.
Twenty-six National Trust places from across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are featured in the board game; they include beaches, a light house, a mill from the Industrial Revolution, and Sir Winston Churchill’s family home.
Where there are houses and hotels in the original game, National Trust Monopoly has players building visitor centers and holiday cottages; the grouping of National Trust locations, including countryside, beaches, grand mansions, industrial works, and beautiful gardens, reflects the range of properties within the Trust’s care.
Proceeds of the game go directly to preserving the real versions of the special places on the board – so even the most ruthless Monopoly property developers will still be doing their parts for conservation.
The game features National Trust-specific Community Chest and Chance cards including scenarios like Health and Safety Inspection. Pay £50, Coastal Path Repairs. Pay £100, and Fundraising Appeal Does Well. Collect £150.
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 200 important historic houses and gardens, 40 castles, 76 nature reserves, and six World Heritage Sites owned by the National Trust. 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. As a U.S. not-for-profit organization, membership dues and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
October 1st, 2009
Didn’t have time for a summer vacation? Book a getaway for the fall or winter and take advantage of last-minute booking deals for the remainder of 2009. With the air getting chillier and the heat not yet turned on in New York City buildings, we think it’s a great time to explore Nantucket, Beaver Creek, or London (where the heat is on!), head south to the Riviera Maya and Turks & Caicos, or even east to Thailand. (more…)
September 24th, 2009
©NTL/Andrew Butler
Attention art enthusiasts: the latest exhibit from the National Trust could pose quite the treasure hunt. The Trust’s 17th century Nunnington Hall property in North Yorkshire will showcase works from 18 different contemporary art gurus in its Past Present exhibit this season. But here’s the catch: you’ll have to search for these artistic treasures!
Keep your eyes peeled upon entering each of the Hall’s rooms – original pieces of Nunnington furniture, ceramics, textiles, or accessories are substituted with one of these modern-day masterpieces. Don’t miss out on unique works from leading artists Tracey Emin, Yoko Ono, Sarah Lucas, and Lucy Skaer among others.
Members of The Royal Oak Foundation, the U.S. affiliate of the National Trust of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, can enjoy free access to Nunnington Hall as well as the entirety of the Trust’s properties year round. Challenge yourself to explore all of the 300 historic houses and gardens, 700 miles of coastline, and 620,000 acres of countryside, for only $55 per person or $90 per family.
Make sure to head on over to Nunnington and peruse the following Past Present highlights from now to November 1st.
The Dining Room – ‘Willy’ (2000), by Sarah Lucas
Sarah Lucas has glued Marlboro Lights cigarettes onto the surface of a plastic garden gnome, producing a combination of innocent ornament, sexual title, and harmful tobacco to convey a dark humor. This piece is shown within the setting of the rich, dark-green-paneled room that served as Colonel Fife’s smoking room in the 1920s.
The Drawing Room – ‘All White Chess Set’ (1962-1970), by Yoko Ono
Conceived as a pacifist statement, particularly taken in context of the Vietnam War, Yoko Ono’s chess piece opponents sit on each side of an all-white board, making the warring factions indistinguishable from one another. The homely Drawing Room at Nunnington was where Margaret Fife and her family would relax and play games.
Mrs. Fife’s Bedroom – ‘The Simple Truth’, (1995), by Tracey Emin
In wool, cotton and felt, Tracey Emin created a bedcover which was originally not intended as a work for display but to serve as a bedspread in her hotel room. At the time it was made it reflected her feelings about America, mining the archive of her life story. It is displayed on the antique four-poster bed in what was used as Nunnington’s principal bedroom.
The Paneled Bedroom – ‘Leonora’ (The Tyrant), (2006), by Lucy Skaer
An oak table inlaid with mother of pearl in the image of a pair of grasping hands, is displayed in Nunnington’s ‘haunted’ bedroom, which contains an adjacent oratory that was used for prayers. Lucy Skaer’s work explores time, mortality, photographic imagery, history and chaos and is part of a series of pieces focused on Surrealist artist Leonora Carrington and the name of a Tarot card.
The Large Exhibition Room – ‘Family Tree 1’ (1995), by Victoria Hall
Exploring the theme of memory through family photographs, a fishing line depicts photographs and text as a substitute for names and dates in a family tree. When lit, the images are projected onto the wall behind. They are not about any one particular family but rather provide a formula that could be applied to any family.
September 15th, 2009
Not looking forward to packing the beach gear or the skis this holiday season?
These unconventional end-of-year getaways will scratch the travel itch. Rounded up here are cozy and kid-friendly locales for families, unique spots for adventurers and enriching destinations for those craving cultural stimuli.
Family Festivities
WHAT: Getaway to a Country Cottage
WHERE: National Trust Holiday Cottages – UK
WHY: Because a trip to the English countryside with a family membership in the Royal Oak Foundation to see old castles and gardens (for free!) could just be the best present for the Harry Potter-loving kids (or parents).
DETAILS, DETAILS: With over 360 cottages from which to choose, here are a few:
- Emley Farmhouse in Surrey sleeps up to 10 and has a traditional country kitchen, perfect for that big Christmas dinner. A three night stay starts at $740.35, a seven night stay, $1416.75.
- 89 Church Lawn in Wiltshire sleeps up to seven and has exclusive access to the National Trust’s stunning winter gardens. You can even go fishing in the beautiful lake. A three night stay starts at $590, a seven night stay, $1065.50.
- Abermydyr in Wales sits on the banks of the River Aeron and sleeps up to six. Brings the kids here for the Christmas food and craft fair at Llanerchaeron, a Trust protected gentry estate. A three night stay starts at $493.50, a seven night stay, $957.30.
WHAT: Swiss Family Reunion
WHERE: The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa – Interlaken, Switzerland
WHY: Christmas dinners, a Children’s Party for New Year’s Eve, and Dad treating Mom to a Festive Foam Bath with winter aromas and champagne all conspire for festive fun.
DETAILS, DETAILS: Splash Hour at the pool, the Zurich Zoo and the St. Beatus caves will thrill the kids, and fitness classes, Turkish baths, and professional childcare will restore their parents’ sanity. Rates start at $877 per night for double occupancy.
Adventurers Only
WHAT: Arabian Eco-experience
WHERE: Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa – Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE
WHY: It feeds the craving for sun while heeding the call of the wild.
DETAILS, DETAILS: Home to one of Abu Dhabi’s largest Arabian wildlife conservancies, guests can go hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, take a game drive, or learn archery. Double occupancy rates start at $537 per night; book at least 30 days in advance to receive a 15% discount.
WHAT: Modern Day Pilgrimage
WHERE: Uma Paro – Bhutan
WHY: Because hiking to a Buddhist monastery sure beats waiting in line at a department store with frantic holiday shoppers.
DETAILS, DETAILS: One of its many active adventures includes a trek to Tiger’s Nest monastery, located in the sheer cliffs 2,700 feet above Paro Valley and a peaceful orchard picnic with spectacular views. For the month of December, double occupancy rates start at $330 per night.
WHAT: Chance to Step Foot on Antarctica
WHERE: Crystal Cruise’s Symphony departs from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Valparaiso, Chile.
WHY: Due to an upcoming ban on cruise ships in the Antarctic Ocean, this will be Crystal’s final voyage to the area.
DETAILS, DETAILS: In addition to visiting amazing locales in South America, six thrill-seekers will take the rare overland trip to Antarctica to see remote villages, a petrified forest, and a penguin breeding ground. Rates start at $8,995, double occupancy.
Cultural Cravings
WHAT: Revelation in the Red City
WHERE: Royal Mansour Marrakech – Morocco
WHY: It will be impossible to miss the carolers when exploring Djemma El-fna, a square in the historical district of town known for having the best musicians, dancers and storytellers.
DETAILS, DETAILS: When in this city of cultural fusions be sure to visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the largest souk (traditional market) in Morocco to bargain for spices or clothing or tea pots. Riads start at €1,500 a night.
WHAT: Balinese New Beginning
WHERE: Uma Ubud – Bali
WHY: What better way to start the year then with the New Year package’s complimentary massage on the first day of 2010.
DETAILS, DETAILS: Guests will see the village decorated with traditional bamboo poles and banana leaves and enjoy a Balinese-inspired New Year’s Eve dinner, followed by a cocktail party with DJ at the pool bar. Rates start at $260 per night, double occupancy.
WHAT: A Resolution Well-Kept
WHERE: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai, Thailand
WHY: Utilizing those new Thai cooking skills back home will keep the post-holiday gloom at bay.
DETAILS, DETAILS: The cooking lessons are just the beginning of the cultural immersion; at the Elephant Camp (part of the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre), a 30-minute lesson will teach adventurers to drive an elephant. Rates start at $520, double occupancy.
August 27th, 2009
Waddesdon Manor is sure to attract the Hoxton hipsters with the addition of a new modern art gallery at the trad manse outside London. (more…)
August 17th, 2009
Rattling pipes, creaky floorboards, and strange noises in general – these can all be part of staying somewhere other than one’s own bed. However, here’s a collection of places where there’s an actual reason for the sounds – ghosts! Get into the Halloween spirit this October with a stay in or visit to some of these haunted hotels and houses. Boo!
Jared Coffin House – Nantucket, MA
Check into Room 223 to bunk in with the ghost of a Whaling Captain (an experience you arguably can’t get at the nearby Whaling Museum!). Guests of Room 609 meanwhile have had nighttime visits from the apparition of a little girl. Other ghosts are known to roam the halls and rooms of the historic property in the heart of Nantucket town. Not a believer? Just ask the Innkeeper who has had a few “run-ins” with said spirits, including being pushed from behind while working the front desk – alone!
Homes and Buildings of the UK National Trust (Visit for Free as a Member of The Royal Oak Foundation)
Crown Liquor Saloon – Belfast
Sharing a ‘snug,’ (an individual wooden booth) with ghosts is not exactly the idea when meeting friends for drinks. On Great Victoria Street in the center of Belfast, tales of the haunted saloon are quite common. The Crown Liquor Saloon acted as a haven for weary Great Northern Railway travelers centuries ago, and the old watering hole still plays host to Victorian-era haunts today. One visitor recalled sitting with three ghostly men and a woman in one of the famed booths while waiting for her friends to arrive for cocktails.
Ham House – Surrey
“All Dogs Go to Heaven” may be the case for most; however, for one King Charles Spaniel, Ham House is his final resting place. The dog’s portrait hangs in the gallery, but a livelier version of the pooch can be “seen” meandering the halls. A recent investigation by the Ghost Club, a paranormal research organization based in London, concluded that there may be as many as fifteen ghouls (not to mention other ghostly dogs) dwelling in the property. The property kindly requests you leave your Fido at home.
The Old Post Office – Tintagel, Cornwall
The flickering lights in the old post office didn’t deter the custodians from their daily duties. However, it did inspire the use of the antique Spagnolli receiver, a predecessor to morse code, to make sense of the flashing lights in the converted manor house. The flashes spelled out the word “Noah” repeatedly – eerily enough, the surname of a previous resident.
Blickling Hall – Norfolk
“Oh, the lady signed for it… the lady in the Dining Room,” said two delivery men returning a painting to the estate home. The house administrator was supposedly the only person living in Blickling Hall at the time, so who could the ghost have been but that of Anne Boleyn, who called the property her childhood home. Following her inability to bear a male heir for Henry VIII, Anne was executed. Yet on the anniversary of her death each year, visitors can expect to see her ghost. The ‘Grey Lady,’ a nickname given to the apparition for her long grey dress with lace collar, has been spotted looking across the lake and riding up the drive in a coach drawn by a headless horseman.
July 15th, 2009
Picture bright fall foliage, stepping out into an orchard garden to collect and enjoy fresh fruit from the tree, or wandering the stunning landscape that surrounds a National Trust holiday cottage.
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June 17th, 2009
NTPL/David Levenson
To truly understand any locale, one must walk it. Whether you stroll, jog, hike, or simply meander, walking is the best way to soak up a new destination (not to mention it works to reduce our carbon footprint!). Through foot-guided tours, one can experience a location’s rare wildlife, spectacular views, geological marvels, and historical landmarks. So this summer ditch the car and grab some sneaks and enjoy some of the National Trust’s gorgeous walkways as a member of The Royal Oak Foundation.
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June 10th, 2009
Cost of membership to The Royal Oak Foundation? $55 per individual, $90 for a family. Martha Stewart personally serving you local hard-boiled eggs on the grounds of her impeccable, self-sufficient farm? Priceless.
A lucky group of Royal Oakers arrived at Ms. Stewart’s 153-acre farm last Thursday in Westchester County, New York for a garden tour to cap off the Foundation’s Spring 2009 Lecture and Tour series. To their surprise, Martha herself jumped onboard to lead and film the tour for an episode of The Martha Stewart Show! The icing on the cake: Martha also blogged about the exciting event, giving a thorough account of the day’s activities, complete with drop-dead gorgeous photography of her property and her special guests. The filmed segment will air next season; stay tuned and we’ll try to give a heads-up so everyone can set their DVRs!
