Downton Abbey News 2015: Highclere Estate Opens as Hotel in Time for Valentine's Day
If you have ever wondered what it is like to stay at Downton Abbey now you may have your chance. Highclere Castle, the aristocratic residence where the hit British TV drama is filmed, will be turned into a hotel for any commoner, with enough cash to pay for a night. If you crave a night in a room from times gone by, this would be for you.
Owned by the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, the stately home built in 1793 will now admit guests, reports Conde Naste Traveler. The residence already accepted visitors, especially following the success of the costume drama set there, but now they will also admit paying guests.
Called London Lodge, the hotel is not in the house proper, what fans of the show would refer to as the "Big House," but rather a smaller building within the estate. Nonetheless, a guest or guests would experience the sensation of being back in time, with modern amenities like televisions and Wi-Fi.
Though it is called London Lodge, the estate is located in Newbury, West Berkshire, some 60 miles from the capital.
According to their website, the building that will be used as a hotel has been remodeled to its original design.
"The interior has been sympathetically restored using traditional lime plaster to the curved internal walls of the lodges and the principal rooms have large windows with bespoke oak wooden shutters, copies of the originals," they explain. "The layout for both lodges has been kept simple; to the north west, a charming sitting room arranged around a Chesneys wood burner, and fully equipped kitchen behind. Then across the lit, paved walkway to the bedroom lodge, a comfortable double bedroom, bathroom and dressing area."
At £350 or $540 per night it is pretty pricey but it could the perfect romantic getaway. Bookings can be made for Feb. 13, just in time for Valentine's Day until Easter.
Hopefully, it is not the owners who are also running the hotel. According to the Daily Mail, the couple struggles on Christmas when the staff is off. Lady Carnarvon recounts how her husband struggled to wash dishes and how everything in general fell apart.
Even modern aristocracy struggles without their servants, more like Lord Grantham than thought.
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