Georgian Court Hotel

Immaculate Georgian country houses for sale

In Life in the English Country House (1978), architectural historian Dr Mark Girouard observed that, by 1900, ‘to be a captain of industry and the owner of a country house had become an entirely acceptable combination', adding ‘basically, the country-house world was saved by the merger'. The role of big business in ensuring the survival of England's country-house heritage is highlighted by the sale of two classic, late-Georgian examples, Tilstone Lodge in Cheshire and Bledisloe House in Gloucestershire, both of which have grown old gracefully, thanks to substantial injections of City money at crucial points in their existence.

Built by Chester architect Thomas Harrison for Admiral Tollemache between 1821 and 1826, elegant Tilstone Lodge at Tarporley, south Cheshire, has enjoyed a stress-free passage thanks to a series of rich owners from the ranks of industry, among them the Dewhurst family, Lord Leverhulme, the Bibby shipping family and, most recently, Bobby McAlpine, legendary racehorse owner, bon viveur and former chairman of Alfred McAlpine PLC.

According to Tollemache family records, the Admiral had the house designed as ‘an occasional Residence to receive tenants and for shooting and hunting', not as a grand family home. That came later, in the mid 1800s, when his son John, later 1st Lord Tollemache, commissioned Anthony Salvin to design the Gothic Peckforton Castle nearby, at which point Tilstone Lodge was handed over to his eldest son.

The moral of the story is that Peckforton Lodge is now a luxury hotel, whereas the smaller and much simpler Tilstone Lodge has survived intact as a neat country seat, set within its 115 acres of wooded grounds and surrounded by cottages, a stable yard, a former squash court, offices, a walled kitchen garden and farm buildings. All of the main reception rooms-they include a drawing room, sitting room, billiard room, study, dining room and morning room-overlook the gardens, and the splendid drawing room on the south front also has a view of the impressive 10-acre lake. With shades of yesteryear, the formal lawns lead down to the lake and incorporate a croquet lawn and a former grass tennis court with a wooden summer pavilion.

With five main bedrooms, six secondary bedrooms and six bathrooms in all, Tilstone Lodge is perfect for country entertaining in the grand manner, with famous vaulted cellars currently used to store, among other fruits of the vine, a collection of fine premiers crus on behalf of the Tarporley Hunt Club, of which Mr McAlpine is a leading light.

Rooms Just for Women at the Georgian Court Hotel in Vancouver ...

And yoga mats grace the 18 rooms dedicated to women on the 10th Orchid Floor of Vancouver’s Georgian Court Hotel. Even though I don’t often straighten my hair, read fashion magazines or do yoga, I was still enamored with these amenities and others — curling iron, emergency pair of black nylons, tampons, satin-covered and skirt hangers — in my one-bedroom Executive Suite accommodations at this conveniently located downtown hotel.

I stayed at the Georgian Court for not much more than 16 hours before hopping on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff last fall. Though my stay was short, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the property to anyone heading to Vancouver — for business, on a romantic urban trip or on a girlfriend getaway. For women, the Orchid Floor has various room configurations — including ones with double beds, so it would work if you’re hitting the big city with female friends in tow and want to bunk together. The King Room is great for couples, as are the Executive Suites, with their king-size beds and a separate living area. Rooms are tastefully decorated in warm browns and beige, mahogany furniture and comfortable bedding.

The front-desk staff super friendly and helpful; they suggested a walk down nearby Robson Street, filled with restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques for me to find a snack to eat before dinner.

Frommer's Canada

Frommer's British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies

Frommer's Vancouver & Victoria

Top 10 Vancouver & Victoria

Best Places to Stay in the Pacific Northwest, Bed & Breakfasts, Historic Inns and Other Recommended Getaways