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A fine, 'Fine Art' experience, with the opportunity to visit two private collections of great note from your base in the Cathedral City of Salisbury. The Macdonald White Hart Hotel overlooks the great cathedral.
Tuesday 10 October Arrive at your hotel for an evening drinks reception and dinner in the hotel
Wednesday 11 October Depart by executive coach for Trafalgar Park. Nelson's closest male relative was his elder brother, the Rev William Nelson who, in honour of his heroic brother, was created Earl Nelson in 1806. The nation purchased the Standlynch estate as an appropriate gift in 1814 and it was renamed 'Trafalgar' by an act of Parliament.
The current owner, Michael Wade, acquired the property in 1995, by which time it was very jaded. He has already made considerable inroads into the restoration, but there is much still to do. It is fascinating to visit an important house, such as Trafalgar Park, when it is in the process of restoration, to see what has been done and what plans there are for the future. We are privileged; this is a private house which is not open to the public. You will enjoy coffee on arrival followed by a guided tour, and finally a two-course lunch with wine in the 19C South Wing dining room.
Just next door, and with a long history of association with Trafalgar Park, is Longford Castle. Also privately owned and not open to the public, the Castle was completed in 1592 by Sir Thomas and Lady Gorges, both of whom held important positions at the court of Elizabeth I. The building is said to have been completed with wealth taken from a wrecked Spanish galleon after the Armada. Lady Gorges came from Sweden and the castle is built to a Swedish pattern, the three towers representing Father, Son and Holy Ghost. There is an astonishing collection of 18th century furniture, and a wide range of outstanding pictures including works by Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Reynolds.
Back to your hotel, from where you may choose to visit the cathedral or explore the city of Salisbury before dinner in the hotel.
Thursday 12 October Depart for a scenic drive to Corsham Court near Chippenham. A Royal Manor in the days of the Saxon Kings, and currently the home of the Methuen family, it is based on an Elizabethan house dating from 1582. The House, Park and Gardens today are principally the work of 'Capability' Brown, John Nash and Thomas Bellamy. There is a fine collection of Flemish Master paintings and statuary. You will have a private tour as we are visiting on the day the house is closed to the public. Coffee will be served on arrival before your tour.
Lunch can be found in Corsham before departing for the Court's Garden in Holt. The Court's is described as "Wiltshire's best kept secret" - essentially a 20C garden in the English Style but with a more relaxed atmosphere. From the 1920's Lady Cecilie Goff inspired by Gertrude Jekyll, perfected thrilling and dynamic planting associations which remain the inspiration and sets the high standards maintained by the young professional gardeners working there today. Although late in the year this garden has an abundance of colour and some dramatic autumn colour. Finally back to your hotel for departure
Price per person £369: No Single Supplement (limited
availability)
Non refundable deposit £75:
Includes:
- 2 nights dinner bed and breakfast
- Welcome reception
- Private visit to Trafalgar Park with coffee and a two-course lunch
- Private tour of Longford Castle
- Private tour of Corsham Court with coffee
- All Entries
- Professional guide and executive coaching
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