February 2012
Susie shares her highlights for Spring 2012
The British costume drama, Downton Abbey, is now showing on PBS in the USA. Millions of smitten Americans tune in every Sunday to watch this Emmy award-winning series.
Like its famous ancestor 'Upstairs, Downstairs', Downton features the lives 'Above Stairs' and 'Below Stairs' with all the intrigue, gossip and silent suffering that filled the lives of aristrocrats in the Edwardian time. The story of the relationship between servants and their masters is still a fascinating one.
To relive the dramatic setting for this show, why not come with us to Highclere Castle in Berkshire? Absolutely one of my favourite places in the UK, Highclere is owned and run by the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. Only just over one hour's drive from London, this is an easy daytime visit. Your choice whether you visit during the public opening or book a private visit. Either way, you will not be disappointed.
The present Countess has written an interesting book 'Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey' portraying the life of the 5th Earl of Carnavon's wife who lived at Highclere from 1895 to 1923. It was she who opened her home during WWI to the wounded, transforming it into a hospital; history therefore repeating itself in the Downton Abbey story.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee
We are having a bumper year and I, personally, am very excited about the celebrations planned for the The Queen's Diamond Jubilee in June. The Queen will lead a stunning armada of around 1,000 boats on the Thames in the Diamond Jubilee Pageant. The Royal Family will travel in a newly created Royal Barge - William & Kate will be among them.
The only other British monarch to celebrate 60 years on the throne was Queen Victoria in 1897. The River Thames will be brought to life, joyously filled with boats and resounding with clanging bells, tooting horns and sounding whistles. It will certainly be a day to remember!
Susie's Recipe for Spring 2012:
Scones with Jam & Clotted Cream
If you can get hold of some real Cornish or Devon Clotted Cream and some home-made Strawberry or Raspberry Jam, you now need to bake some Scones.
Here is my favourite recipe -
Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream
Thanks to Delia Smith who created it.
Come and visit us soon and we'll get you some real Clotted Cream!
Warmest wishes
Susie
Susie reflects on some of her highlights of 2011:
I will be adding more to this page over the Festive Period, but for now, I wanted to share with you a beautiful book that a dear friend has made, celebrating the Royal Wedding of William & Kate, earlier this year.
Reflections of the Royal Wedding - A stunning collection of photos, souvenirs and memorabilia from that magical day in April 2011.
Susie has been doing this for twenty five years, so she knows a thing or two! Here she shares a few of her secrets as to what makes the perfect vacation, celebration, event or visit to the UK.
- London is 'a series of villages'. Don't always walk on our main streets, turn a corner and discover a village pub, corner shop, local school - soak up the atmosphere! Great areas for village life: Chelsea, Kensington, Pimlico, Belgravia.
- My favourite 'Royal Residence' is Clarence House - you could move in tomorrow!
- My favourite garden is at Highgrove. The Prince is continually changing and reinventing his space - well worth the visit.
- Our Irish drivers sing to their guests - and there may be a few leprachauns to complete the ride!
- To pick up the latest Royal gossip, take Tea with one of our Royal experts.
- Yoga tips - for those of you who practice Yoga, ask us for the nearest classes to keep fit and healthy when you reach our shores...
- All you keen Theatre-goers - order your drinks for the interval at the Bar before you take your seats - they'll be waiting for you when the show breaks for intermission.
- For peace and quiet, and 'getting away from it all' let us plan an island retreat on Scotland's West Coast - great months are May & June, September & October. Around the time of the Summer Solstice, you only experience two hours of darkness a night!! You'll be blown away by the fresh air and stunning views...
- Susie recently spotted George Clooney at a luxury hotel in Ascot - with his Italian girlfriend - we can't guarantee it, but our guests do report they have spotted similar celebrities and even members of the Royal Family. So always travel NoteWorthy Style....