Let’s geek out on architecture for a few moments, shall we? When I travel, I am at least as motivated to capture shots of fascinating architecture as much as fantastic gardens. And on THIS portion of the trip, I was utterly stunned.
Our fantastic CarexTours guides thankfully had us staying here at the Ettington Park Hotel near Stratford-Upon-Avon in Warwickshire for two nights last spring because I think I would have thrown a fit otherwise. This grand building deserved the attention. I only wish I could see it again in summer.
We arrived in the late afternoon on a typical spring day in the UK, gray, sprinkling, chilly and windy. But, we were rewarded with such incredible drama from this Grand Dame we didn’t even notice.
The entry hall was ready for us with bikes, umbrellas and even Welly’s to borrow!
Once we were all given our rooms it was time to do a bit of exploring while dinner was being prepped. This was our private dining room where I felt SO under dressed!
Our incredible dining room even had hidden passageways of course!
The main salon just off a tiny little bar area was exquisite, my colors!!!
The view from our dining room was looking toward the remains of this once private chapel for the family who originally built this incredible property.
The hotel and recently undergone a major renovation and they did a wonderful job bringing this folly back to life. Wouldn’t it be fun to be there during an event?
My own room was AMAZING. Though I didn’t shoot pics of it because it was quite modern in contrast. My bathroom was GIANT!
Though it was still quite brisk, you could feel spring and I bet this garden get more beautiful by the day!
The color of the wisteria blooms was incredible against the warm golds of the local stone used to build this enormous building.
Hotel guests having fun goofing with this photographer while waiting for dinner service to begin!
Everywhere you looked, the details imparted by artisans of bygone era’s were sumptuous and truly a sight to behold. The hotel told us that they believe it’s haunted as staff regaled us with stories of ghostly sightings in the halls.
Can you imagine the time and level of attention to detail that each doorway took to make?
It was truly a reflection of wealth, power, and devotion to the church and state.
Visiting the ruins of the former chapel was in and of itself spiritual. Maybe it was just me, but in the quiet, all by myself, it was like you could physically feel the history all around you. I could have photographed it for days.
There was a tremendous amount of history here. This was a space where children were laid to rest.
I realize these are a bit challenging to read, but if you can, take the time to try, it will be so worth it!
Incredible details like this were everywhere inside the dark chapel area. There was a closed off portion still quite intact that a few people got a tour of, I wasn’t on the ball enough to get that tour, but I got to see other parts of the property that no one else paid attention to so it balanced out!
One of my favorite shots because you can see the hotel through the one portion of broken glass.
More details from the chapel!
Epic Cedar of Lebanon standing guard near the chapel as we look back toward the hotel and a ray of sun!
The gorgeous mature trees gave such a feeling of intimacy on this property.
Heading away from the hotel to the back of the property, we were told there were even Roman ruins here at one point too. This path I followed took me past the employee living quarters and the old tennis court behind this wall. Forget me Nots abound!
Honeysuckle takes its victim. 🙂
On top of one of the maintenance buildings….can you imagine how incredible this must have been at one time? The copper alone must have been quite something!
Then you turn to see THIS! Glowing fields of rape seed were incredibly dreamy.
These horses seemed to have a GREAT life!!!
Heading back to the hotel before dark, one last look at the scene. Sigh……
Night time fell and she lit up like a fairytale castle. Off to bed and the next incredible place we visited! Stay tuned!
If you liked this post, go to THIS link and see about taking a tour with CarexTours for yourself. I was incredibly impressed and felt it was a truly life changing experience!
Until next post, CHEERS!
THE Personal Garden Coach 
Beautiful!