HEAD #DOWNTON TO THE MANOR HOUSE AT FANCOURT
To celebrate the new series of Downton Abbey which starts this week, why not book your own "Lord of the Manor" experience down in South Africa?
With Downton Abbey fans eagerly anticipating the start of series 4 this month, one can’t help but wonder what it must be like to be Lord of the Manor. Being served hand and foot by a downstairs staff of maids, butlers and footmen. Enjoying high tea in the afternoon and a cognac in the library after dinner. Or perhaps summoning your own“Branson” to bring round the car for a trip into the town. Having your slippers put out for you at bedtime, and a breakfast tray brought to your bedside in the morning by your private “Carson”.
Actually – this fantasy is a reality that can still be experienced at the historical “Manor House at Fancourt” in South Africa, located in the heart of the Cape’s popular Garden Route. This elegant, 150-year old homestead which has been declared a National Monument, was once the home of Henry Fancourt White, who was born in Yorkshire (ironically the very setting for Downton Abbey) and moved to South Africa with his parents as part of the British 1820 settlers – but today is one of South Africa’s most exclusive boutique hotels with just 18 decadent suites - complete with 24 hour “Downton-style” butler service to help you feel just like a post- Edwardian Aristocrat!
Guests can step back into a bygone era as they enjoy a very elegant high tea in the Garden and Tea Lounge or on the patio every afternoon - which we feel sure would impress even the Dowager herself! The Manor has a very traditional English feel to it as “Blanco House” was originally built in the style of a Cotswolds Mansion, and the Montague bar and Library, with its large leather wingback chairs and writing desk, look like a set straight out of Highclere Castle, where a very civilised complimentary whiskey or cognac can be enjoyed while you thumb through a few of the antique books. Guests can even call the chauffer (Branson-style!) to take them to a local restaurant or winery!
Located in the wooded parkland of the 613 hectare estate at the foot of the majestic Outeniqua Mountains, the sprawling grounds and beautiful well-established gardens with its sprawling lawns, massive trees and lily-pad covered ponds, look much like those in the opening shots of Downton. Guest can indulge in age-old "Lord of the Manor" type pursuits like billiards, fishing, tennis and horse riding. Other slightly more modern facilities include a world class spa with roman baths, bikes for hire, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, and 3 championship golf courses including The Links (usually voted #1 or #2 course in SA). There are also various trails marked out over the estate for running, walking or Mountain biking.
So as we, and the rest of the world (the multi award winning Downton Abbey is now officially one of the most widely watched television shows in the world), both sob (I confess) and giggle as we watch the story of Lord and Lady Grantham and the Crawley family unfold over the next few weeks – why not book your own “Upstairs experience” and head #Downton The Manor House at Fancourt.
BOOK IT:
A stay at The Manor House will cost from around £377 (R5,940) for a luxury room per night (off peak). The Manor House rates are fully inclusive of breakfast, in-room/poolside dining (from in-room menu excluding drinks) lunch, afternoon tea, evening canapés with sparkling wine and numerous VIP extras such as airport transfers, free wifi and a free fully-stocked complimentary refreshment centre (minibar) including five complimentary liquor decanters (premium whisky, brandy, vodka, gin and sherry) for use during your duration of stay. A Luxury courtesy car is available to transfers within a 10km radius.
For more information visit www.fancourt.co.za and Follow on Twitter on @FANCOURTSA or contact fancourt on +44 804 0010 or email reservations@fancourt.co.za. High res images can be downloaded: http://gallery.ethosmarketing.co.uk/gallery/Fancourt
Claire Roadley
Marketing & PR Manager
Ethos Marketing®
Unit 5, Field Place Estate, Byfleets Lane, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, RH12 3PB
Tel: 44 (0)1403 243619
claire@ethosmarketing.co.uk
http://www.ethosmarketing.co.uk
Twitter: @ethos_marketing / @claireroadley
http://www.facebook.com/EthosMarketing
Ethos Marketing is the UK Sales, Marketing and PR office for luxury hotels and game lodges in Southern and East Africa.
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