Latest news with #CapabilityBrown
The Herald Scotland
08-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Dorset's prettiest villages to visit according to readers
Many of these have beautiful scenery, amazing cultural experiences and historical points of interest to take in. Some may even have the benefit of a beach or woodland to explore, alongside some amazing food and drink options. With the overwhelming amount of choice, it might be tough to pin down what the prettiest village in Dorset is. Therefore, we decided to ask Daily Echo readers what they believed to be the village that best fit that description. Dorset's prettiest villages according to readers A small number of comments were left on the Facebook post asking what people believed to be Dorset's prettiest villages. As a result, there wasn't a village mentioned more than once, giving a variety of answers. One of those was Milton Abbas in central Dorset, which is around 11 miles northeast of Dorchester. It is described as a "chocolate-box cottage hideaway" that is "nestled in beautiful countryside", according to Visit Dorset. Milton Abbas is highlighted as an "archetypal English village", which is a "photographer's delight" thanks to its whitewashed cob and thatch cottages. There is also a deep historical connection to the village as the famous landscape gardener Capability Brown worked on the design of Milton Abbas with architect William Chambers. Meanwhile, one reader went a bit more generic and discussed the peninsula of Purbeck as offering many examples. They wrote: "Anything in the Purbecks, when we went to Kimmeridge, there were some beauties we passed through, real chocolate box stuff." Kimmeridge itself is described as a "charming", "quiet" and "unspoilt" spot by Visit Dorset. Set back from its bay, which has been home to intriguing fossil finds, it is also made up of "picture-perfect Purbeck stone and thatch cottages" which line the roads. Another spot brought up for its gorgeous nature is Littlebredy, which stands at the head of the Bride Valley. It has some of the "best inland scenery to be seen in the country", according to Visit Dorset. Cars are not allowed through part of the village, which creates a peaceful ambience. Notable features include the "decorative and thatched" cottages as well as the village church. A village around two miles from Corfe Castle was brought up by a reader in Kingston. It is mainly built using Purbeck stone and has a 13th-century church and inn, Virtual Swanage says. Part of its appeal is its views out towards Corfe Castle, its charming cottages and well-regarded village pub. Finally, a spot mentioned by a reader was Fontmell Magna, which can be found in the north of the county. Recommended reading: This tiny village and civil parish has a population of 640, according to the 2021 Census, and is part of the Blackmore Vale area, meaning it is surrounded by countryside. There are 45 structures within the area that have been listed by Historic England for their architectural or historical interest. While there aren't a huge number of things to do in the village, it does have a well-regarded pub in The Fontmell.
Daily Mail
07-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE US billionaire dubbed 'the most powerful man on Wall Street' denies neighbours' claims he's plundering Wiltshire's underground water to fill his nine-million-gallon lake
A US billionaire's dream of creating a grand English country estate in the tradition of 18th Century landscape designer Capability Brown is facing a backlash from neighbours convinced he is tapping into their water supply. American financier Stephen Schwarzman bought the magnificent Conholt Park in Wiltshire – described as one of the finest shooting estates in southern England – for £82million three years ago. He has funnelled millions of pounds into transforming the 2,100-acre estate's parkland by building a huge lake that will hold more than nine million gallons of water. But The Mail on Sunday can reveal that Mr Schwarzman, dubbed the most powerful man on Wall Street, is under fire from neighbours who believe he is using a borehole to extract groundwater to fill the lake. This, they allege, could lead to water shortages at their own properties because they rely on a shared aquifer. There is also anger at plans to 'enhance' the estate's pheasant shoots, with local sources claiming Mr Schwarzman is preparing for up to 500 birds to be shot a day. 'I don't like what he is doing,' one local shooting enthusiast told the MoS. 'That's not sport.' Last night a spokesman for Mr Schwarzman, 78, the boss of Blackstone, one of the world's largest private-equity funds, denied the lake is being filled by a borehole and said the estate was instead using a 'highly sophisticated water collection system' that carries rainfall into the lake. The estate will also comply with all local regulations over the organisation of bird shoots and follow recommendations by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust about bird stocks, the spokesman added. Mr Schwarzman's blueprint, approved by Wiltshire council last July, involves extending the mansion's south lawn, planting hundreds of trees and creating a 'ha-ha' (a sunken fence). Sources close to the tycoon, who is worth an estimated £32 billion and is married to Christine, a lawyer, say he loves the UK and highlight how he has donated around £200 million to the University of Oxford. But his relationship with some Wiltshire neighbours became strained after his landscaping scheme began and construction lorries allegedly started thundering along the narrow roads surrounding the estate. Relations soured further when excavators completed the construction of a lake, covering three acres. Farmers and landowners became suspicious by the sight of the lake filling up with water after it was finished in early March – despite months of dry weather. The MoS understands a neighbouring country estate has written to Conholt's managers on behalf of nearby farms demanding reassurances that groundwater is not being abstracted to fill the lake. One resident claimed the lake already appeared half full, adding: 'How could it have filled that much if it's not being filled from a borehole? It's the farmers around who are so worried as these resources are not infinite.' Another long-standing resident told the MoS: 'I've built lakes in the past during my time in agriculture and I can tell you it takes a hell of a lot of water to fill one that size. In recent months we've had pretty much no proper rain. This is why people are confused and there's mistrust.' A local farmer said: 'The worry is that if the aquifer runs dry then loads of people round here are going to have nothing coming out of the tap. We've got livestock – they'll have nothing to drink.' Last night Mr Schwarzman's spokesman said the lake is only 27 per cent full and claims that a borehole was being used to fill it were 'false'. They highlighted planning documents which detail how the lake will be filled 'through rainfall and a drainage system'. The new drainage system collects rainwater from the main house, outbuildings and paved areas, which then flows downhill into the lake, the spokesman added. 'The lake was installed under full compliance with planning regulations to ensure local residents' water supply would remain unaffected. Groundwater extraction is not being used to fill the lake.' They did concede that on a very limited number of occasions water from a borehole on the estate had entered the lake. This had been when water was used to test a new drainage system or, on one occasion when a faulty valve led to leak that lasted for a weekend. The volume of water was very limited, they said. The planning documents show Mr Schwarzman wants shooting on the estate to be 'further developed and enhanced'. A spokesman for Mr Schwarzman said the estate will be used for shooting 28 days a year 'as opposed to local commercial shoots which operate more than 70 days per year'. The spokesman added: 'The new owners of Conholt Park are committed to the restoration and preservation of a landmark estate of national heritage importance. 'Every aspect of the project is advancing with the highest regard for local planning regulations and a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and misleading.'
Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Telegraph
The 15 best day trips from London
London's unstoppable nature – its restaurants, bars and vibrant energy – are hard to resist. Yet sometimes, a brief escape is just what's needed. The city's prime location makes countryside or coastal adventures wonderfully accessible. Whether it's fish and chips on the Kent coast or a wander through a quintessential stately home, high-speed trains and scenic routes from the capital make exploring England's beauty achievable in a single day out. We've selected 15 of the best day trips from London, ideal for recharging without requiring a weekend away. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Cape Town. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, see our expert guides to London's best hotels restaurants, nightlife, shopping and things to do. Find a day trip by type: Best for culture Blenheim Palace Taste upper crust English life This grand baroque masterpiece – the birthplace of Winston Churchill – is one of Britain's finest stately homes. Marvel at gilded state rooms, explore the great lake's mirrored reflections and stroll through Capability Brown's parkland. It's also brilliant for families with an epic adventure playground to keep the kids happy. Events and exhibitions run year-round too, and, in summer, rowing boats are available for hire. Blenheim's picturesque nearby village of Woodstock also offers boutique shops and gastropubs for lunch.
FACT
30-04-2025
- FACT
Destination London: Step into a glorious Georgian gem at Montcalm Mayfair
Located near Marble Arch, it is also home to Lilli by Akira Back. The English garden has long been a symbol of national pride. From the sweeping landscapes of Capability Brown to the meticulous displays at the Chelsea Flower Show, it showcases a calm and confident elegance. The same can be said about Montcalm Mayfair, Autograph Collection, which has drawn inspiration from great gardens and greater characters, and created a five-star boutique hotel in the heart of Marble Arch, London. FACT was among the first media outlets to dine, drink, and stay at the refurbished hotel, and found it to be a glamorous gem. Marble Arch often feels more like a thoroughfare, rather than a destination. Montcalm Mayfair is within walking distance of Mayfair's fine dining restaurants, Notting Hill's famous neighbourhood and Oxford Street's shops. Situated on Wallenberg Place, the hotel offers a discreet entrance and an unexpected sense of serenity. When we arrived at Montcalm Mayfair, the smell of Penhaligon's products and flowers filled the air. The hotel, formerly known as Montcalm Marble Arch, underwent a one-year renovation. Architects Holland Harvey and interior designers Studio Est and Studio Mica are behind the refined result. The restoration preserves the building's Georgian history, and weaves the beauty of the era's gardens into its design. The space features shades of green, potted plants and flower bud-shaped chandeliers. Nadira Lalji, director at Precis Advisory Limited, explained: 'This characterful independent spirit heralds a new flagship for our small collection of hotels. A thoughtful top-to-toe renovation that shows fresh imagination thanks to our creative team, excited to share their love of stories, characters and history from its neighbourhood.' Rooms and suites Montcalm Mayfair is home to 151 rooms and three suites. We walked along the newly carpeted corridors, and the smell of fresh paint was still in the air. We checked into the studio, which spanned 18 metres square. Everything was sleek and sophisticated – a full-length mirror slid to open the wardrobe and close the bathroom, and the dark wooden bed frame had hidden drawers offering extra storage. The nod to glorious gardens continued in the room, from the artwork to books. The room boasted Penhaligon's hair and body wash, Frette bed linens and a sink-into-sleep king-size bed. The white marbles were offset by gold, and the white sheets were punctuated by terracotta pillows. Our only gripe: we were next to a fire exit, and could hear it shutting during the day. If you're after plush privacy, the Botanical Suite feels like an apartment in the heart of the city. Located on the ground floor, the suite comes with its own entrance, and designer Camille Rousseau has brought the garden theme to full floral life. Restaurants and bars If you want to make a day and night of Montcalm Mayfair, come for Lilli by Akira Back and stay for cocktails at The Bar. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast offers a variety of cuisines, including a Continental Breakfast, English Breakfast, Shakshuka, and Vegan Masala Omelette. What the buffet lacks in breadth, it makes up for with a high-quality selection of cheeses, meats and freshly baked pastries. The all-day menu spans starters, grills, mains, sides and desserts. The menu is concise yet diverse, ranging from a quintessentially British Beef Wellington to a Japanese Wasabi-Marinated Celeriac. No trip to an Akira restaurant is complete without trying its namesake, Akira Back Wagyu Pizza. The simple yet successful signature dish includes F1 striploin from Australia, topped with shiso, tomato, and truffle. The Dynamite King Shrimp was just that – dynamite. On our visit, The Library had not fully opened. We had a sneak peek inside the laid-back yet luxurious lounge. The shelves include books on London and pictures of colourful characters. Get transported back in time – à la Bridgerton – and rub shoulders with the portraits ranging from Elizabeth Montague, the founder of the Bluestocking Society, to violinist George Bridgetower. And, if you want something more up-to-date, Michael Jackson used to check into the hotel. Facilities Yātrā Signature Spa prides itself on offering a holistic wellness experience. The treatments draw from ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, and range from facials to massages. The spa features treatment rooms, a plunge pool, a Jacuzzi, a sauna, and a gym. Plus, there are yoga and meditation spaces. The Spa Manager worked her magic, treating us to a transformative Deep Tissue Massage. With an intuitive balance of strength and sensitivity, she anticipated our needs – breaking us down and putting us back together again. The treatment blended traditional techniques that melted away shoulder tension, and guided stretches that opened up the body. The Verdict Throughout the stay, the staff were smart and smiley. They went above and beyond with every request, from early check-in to late check-out and remembering preferences, including teas and tastes. After mentioning my dinner guests' birthdays in passing, they even surprised them with a cake and a candle. As they were happy to help, we could truly relax. Montcalm Mayfair puts the calm into Mayfair. GO: Visit for more information.
The Guardian
03-04-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Henman Hill to get shelter under fresh Wimbledon expansion plans
Different generations of tennis fans may disagree on its name – to traditionalists it will always be Henman Hill, millennials probably plump for Murray Mound and gen Z may know it as Raducanu Rise or even, regrettably, Jack's Stack – but all ages can agree that bringing a little shelter to Wimbledon's most famous viewing area can only be a good thing. Wimbledon's Hill – which since 1997 has allowed tennis fans with a grounds pass to watch the action on No 1 Court live atop its grassy knoll – is getting a makeover, the All England Lawn and Tennis Club (AELTC) has announced. A multimillion-pound development, due to be finished in time for the 2027 championships, will boost the Hill's capacity by 20% and improve accessibility for wheelchair users. Plans include a new pergola – and there is little Wimbledon likes more than a pergola – which will provide a space for more hanging plants to provide shade and protection from British summer rain. The pergola, which will replace the structure at the top of the Hill, will wrap around the area's 150-year-old oak tree while the AELTC hopes to make the area more environmentally sustainable by replacing tarmac paths with permeable resin. New accessible pathways to cross the slope aim to make the Hill easier to navigate for wheelchair users. 'The redevelopment of our world-famous Hill, in time for the championships 2027, will allow even more tennis fans to enjoy its unique atmosphere and vantage point,' said Deborah Jevans, the AELTC chair. 'I am particularly pleased that these plans will increase the accessibility of the Hill for our guests using wheelchairs or who have additional accessibility requirements. It is an exciting opportunity as we look towards 2027 and the 150th anniversary of the first championships.' A consultation for local residents to learn more about the plans and give feedback is planned on 10 April before a planning application is submitted to Merton council. The AELTC will hope it is a smoother process than it experienced with its plan to vastly expand its grand slam venue, which aims to add 39 courts and an 8,000-seat show court, and to restore a lake designed by Capability Brown. In January a campaign group, Save Wimbledon Park, started legal action to stop the expansion of the club, calling for a judicial review of plans to convert a swathe of the former Wimbledon Park golf course. The protest group says the development of the 29-hectare (72-acre) site – which was given planning permission in September by the mayor of London's office – is 'inappropriate'. Work on the new-look Hill will start after the 2026 championships, and is expected to be unveiled – presumably with Pimm's to toast the occasion – for the 150th anniversary of the tournament in 2027. Ruth Hopkins, general manager and head of access at the charity Level Playing Field, said: 'I am delighted that Level Playing Field has played an important role in working with the AELTC to enhance their world-famous hill to be an inclusive and accessible space for everyone attending Wimbledon. 'These plans will deliver significant improvements for all guests but particularly for those with accessibility requirements.'
