tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84239347748722510742024-03-13T15:13:29.729-07:00Historic Hotels of New ZealandMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-15998270576138870112022-01-29T14:27:00.004-08:002022-02-18T16:14:41.851-08:00The Hurunui Hotel, Hurunui<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz4p7x3F-MbWPHrHJNNTDJ062P1iHfx5bjmf6_SVMMg4LebSvl0ewrOFYiTAcGPtSSj7Si2lP0Kd10X0QnYgFrdJxpkgoqDDmOjn5ERxZi3NIiOXlWcbU5N-T_BMAJ8ia9HD_hCfIFoQkfrnZRYXzMhmlxKVrtfRP90pKoipPjlzJYEN3CsGqPUzzpWA=s3648" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3648" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz4p7x3F-MbWPHrHJNNTDJ062P1iHfx5bjmf6_SVMMg4LebSvl0ewrOFYiTAcGPtSSj7Si2lP0Kd10X0QnYgFrdJxpkgoqDDmOjn5ERxZi3NIiOXlWcbU5N-T_BMAJ8ia9HD_hCfIFoQkfrnZRYXzMhmlxKVrtfRP90pKoipPjlzJYEN3CsGqPUzzpWA=s320" width="320" /></a></div>This hotel holds the longest continuous liquor licence in New Zealand. The hotel feels as if it has seen it all, and definitely for a long time.<p></p><p>We stayed the night upstairs in one of the bedrooms, typical old-style with shared bathroom, but perfectly comfortable. Dinner at the pub downstairs was excellent pub fare. Worth a stop on the way through, although on a very busy road.</p><br /><p><br /></p>Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-18138490101017224262022-01-16T14:13:00.005-08:002022-02-18T16:15:20.619-08:00The Victoria Railway Hotel of Invercargill<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi46YavI_RSW2GEz0vwH4-u6Em_DQ4Sc4nfM8MDfUkndA-hD6xVSaOwMFG5hPBmKx16B2yKFwCPqXotYuYq0RrmohspecibvcqGU_O0Xgfc-k6fKpe1jnmpCWFVEi8Ltw7YBkvDiK10ND-ZNXHV3h8acQP2dryNxBRxeOEMHKPK7sWY2k2zDYcLg6X5Yg=s3648" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3648" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi46YavI_RSW2GEz0vwH4-u6Em_DQ4Sc4nfM8MDfUkndA-hD6xVSaOwMFG5hPBmKx16B2yKFwCPqXotYuYq0RrmohspecibvcqGU_O0Xgfc-k6fKpe1jnmpCWFVEi8Ltw7YBkvDiK10ND-ZNXHV3h8acQP2dryNxBRxeOEMHKPK7sWY2k2zDYcLg6X5Yg=s320" width="320" /></a></div>This stunning hotel was built in 1896 and is is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the Invercargill area that is still being used for its original purpose. The whole building has been restored, complete with dining room for guests. We enjoyed our dinner and a very comfortable night's sleep.<p></p><br /><p><br /></p>Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-82888785812820383672022-01-13T14:48:00.003-08:002022-02-18T16:15:51.798-08:00South Sea Hotel, Stewart Island<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7h4kLUNK9tJrFOCknvVWuI84n0KMfLE0V0xs9zSBoD9JuxNhdFQE79fGuA_d9K6-wK6dPrH33NgNuTrJebVJUrJ_QskPVTfLgdGDOAIWCReZ7NB-fJYD8FFnPHatt_yhPxQ1auKDEPYJrZoC1AW-qqzKgdNphKDRfx7TQanP8lmh1zi-QwmCsEOE1tQ=s2586" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2586" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7h4kLUNK9tJrFOCknvVWuI84n0KMfLE0V0xs9zSBoD9JuxNhdFQE79fGuA_d9K6-wK6dPrH33NgNuTrJebVJUrJ_QskPVTfLgdGDOAIWCReZ7NB-fJYD8FFnPHatt_yhPxQ1auKDEPYJrZoC1AW-qqzKgdNphKDRfx7TQanP8lmh1zi-QwmCsEOE1tQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Right on the waterfront in Oban, this hotel commands everyone's attention when arriving on the ferry. Originally built as a boarding house, it was converted to a hotel in the 1960's. The food is excellent, the best place to eat on Stewart Island.<br /><p></p>Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-68207887626689551502019-04-27T22:17:00.001-07:002019-04-27T22:17:28.314-07:00Larnach Castle, Dunedin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is a real treat to walk around and drink in the history at Larnach Castle. Although never a hotel, we enjoyed an excellent lunch in the ballroom.<br />
Visit date 228 March 2019Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-59997818168493111742019-03-31T22:00:00.000-07:002019-04-27T22:18:32.389-07:00Danseys Pass Hotel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The road over Danseys Pass has beautiful scenery, but is not the easiest to drive. So when the hotel appears around a bend, it is a most welcome sight. We spent a very pleasant afternoon and evening (including an excellent meal) in this lovely old hotel. We slept in the oldest part which was built in 1862. Newer additions have been built very sympathetically to the original style and the whole effect is a solid safe haven in an area of remote wilderness.<br />
Visit date: 31 March 2019Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-3226005282819407262019-03-25T21:36:00.000-07:002019-04-27T21:48:23.156-07:00Ranfurly Hotel, Ranfurly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ranfurly suffered a a series of fires in the 1930's, which resulted in a new art deco style of building in the town. The hotel is a beautiful example and a great place to stop over while doing the Otago Rail Trail. The restaurant served us with excellent meals, perfect after a long day riding.<br />
Visit date: 25 March 2019Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-7279942560977264552019-03-25T12:30:00.000-07:002019-04-27T22:09:29.935-07:00Wedderburn Tavern, Wedderburn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Wedderburn Tavern is very conveniently located close to the Cycle Trail near the summit which is about halfway through the Otago Rail Trail. We had a simple, but tasty lunch to encourage us on our way.<br />
Visit Date: 25 March 2019Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-9403241778424312962019-03-24T21:26:00.000-07:002019-04-27T21:27:33.817-07:00Blacks Hotel, Ophir<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Blacks Hotel is a reminder of the beautiful Art Deco era. Set in a very historic village, this maybe one of the newest buildings! The village is a showpiece from the gold mining days, with a historic gem of an original Post Office.<br />
Visit date: 24 March 2019Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-62618861097037967642019-03-23T21:47:00.000-07:002019-04-27T21:48:07.171-07:00Chatto Creek Tavern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Otago Cycle Trail is dotted with beautiful old pubs from the gold rush era. We found one on our first day's riding and enjoyed relaxing in their garden. The Chatto Creek Tavern was built in 1886, and is a welcome sight with it's historic building and warm welcome.<br />
Visit date: 23 March 2019Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-31878071059241323832019-02-02T18:31:00.000-08:002019-04-27T18:39:51.794-07:00Grand Windsor Hotel, Auckland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Windsor House, as the Grand Windsor Hotel was originally named, was built in 1928 and<br />
the ten story building was Auckland's first skyscraper. It started life with a tearoom on the ground floor, and restaurant on the floor above.<br />
It now operates as a hotel with restaurant on the ground floor. In 2017 it was restored to it's former Art Deco glory.<br />
Visit date: 2 February 2019Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-81228992607488872292018-12-09T12:25:00.000-08:002019-04-27T21:20:44.765-07:00The Pier Hotel, Kaikora<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Pier Hotel was built in 1885 opposite the original wharf. It is the typical wooden, two story hotel, so popular in that era. Today, the old wharf is only usable at high tide, due to the 2016 earthquake. Reminders of the earthquake are the stunning white rocks lifted from the seabed.<br />
The restaurant is justifiably popular and we only just managed to get a table. Our en-suite room was comfortable, but obviously from a different era.<br />
Visit date: 9 December 2018Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-70034284469051647272018-12-08T12:09:00.000-08:002019-02-12T12:15:07.091-08:00Brydone Hotel, Oamaru<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Set in the historic heart of Oamaru, the Brydone Hotel is quintessential Oamaru. Built of Oamaru limestone in 1881 and set among the wonderful stone buildings that have survived to make Oamaru a unique town centre.<br />
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Our room was in a newer wing, but eating in the historic hotel was a pleasure. We could imagine this town in it's heyday, with the bustling port.<br />
Visit date: 8 December 2018Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-82474035942515067892018-10-10T13:31:00.000-07:002018-10-26T13:38:48.781-07:00The Royal Hotel Featherston<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Royal Hotel Featherston, one of only two hotels in New Zealand allowed to display the Royal coat of arms, was built in the late 1890's after the original hotel burnt down in 1893.<br />
In the last two years it has undergone another transformation and been totally restored and furnished in Steam Punk style. The result is amazing and it's fantastic to see the old hotel come to life again.<br />
We stayed a night in a very comfortable room and enjoyed a delicious dinner on an extremely cold evening.<br />
Visit date: 10 October 2018Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-73753159124775517872018-09-10T13:36:00.000-07:002018-10-26T13:37:03.436-07:00The Mission Estate Winery, Napier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Mission Estate Winery was originally founded by a group of Marist Brothers who sailed for New Zealand in 1838. Their stunning seminary was built in 1880 and today is a fine dining restaurant as well as a wine cellar.<br />
We biked there on one of the many cycle trails around Napier and after a delicious lunch, enjoyed their wine tasting.<br />
Visit date: 10 September 2018Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-48063199726661681682018-04-07T15:57:00.000-07:002018-04-22T15:58:26.975-07:00Maungaturoto Hotel, Kaipara, Northland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Maungaturoto Hotel is old enough to imagine it has had an interesting history, but this hotel has had more drama than most. The expiry date on a liquor licence in 1902, meant the hotel had to transported from Auckland in less than favorable conditions. It was nearly lost at sea twice as it was brought across both the Manukau and Kaipara Harbours and the liquor licence was nailed to the door on the final day before the licence expired.<br />
We arrived at lunch time, to find an artisan bakery operated out of the hotel and were able to buy fresh from the oven Hot Cross Buns - delicious.<br />
Visit date: 7 April 2018Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-72839127579861910332018-04-06T20:11:00.000-07:002018-04-22T15:42:00.553-07:00Horeke Hotel, Hokianga Harbour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Horeke Hotel was the first hotel built in New Zealand. Built on the Hokianga Harbour, it operated to serve the labour force in New Zealand's first shipbuilding yard.<br />
Today it is a very quiet remote spot, but very conveniently located on the Coast to Coast cycleway. It's a great spot to relax over lunch and admire the harbour view or the lovely timber interior.<br />
Visit date: 6 April 2018Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-48630804427756177702018-02-18T16:07:00.000-08:002018-04-22T16:09:42.414-07:00Rangiriri Hotel, Rangiriri<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rangiriri Hotel gives the feel of stepping into an English country pub. The decor and seating booths give it a wonderful atmosphere. But as well as this, the food is excellent, definitely worth stopping at. Originally built in 1866, only 3 years after the nearby land wars site in Rangiriri and rebuilt in 1905, This hotel has seen a lot of history.<br />
Visit date: 18 February 2018Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-46114270546561516602018-01-21T15:06:00.000-08:002018-02-08T15:06:32.061-08:00Esplanade Hotel, Devonport<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJnhRHE1q-U/WnzXwEPllAI/AAAAAAAB3Nc/V_FO4uzmUnMBKjiJ5UF_bkGP4el9eXXxgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJnhRHE1q-U/WnzXwEPllAI/AAAAAAAB3Nc/V_FO4uzmUnMBKjiJ5UF_bkGP4el9eXXxgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The Esplanade Hotel, right opposite the Devonport wharf must be one of the best locations we have stayed in. Built in 1903, and set among period shops and houses, it has a gracious old world air.<br />
We spent a very comfortable night, after enjoying a meal in their restaurant. The township with waterfront, navy base, ferry ride to Auckland and the historic gun batteries at nearby North Head is a very pleasant place to spend a day or two.<br />
Visit date: 21 January 2018Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-38886109573198750902018-01-20T14:53:00.000-08:002018-02-08T14:54:28.546-08:00Mansion House, Kawau Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mansion House is the ultimate in Historic Houses in New Zealand. Originally the mine manager's house on Kawau Island, Governor Grey purchased it in 1862. It later became a hotel and became quite run-down. Today it has been restored by DOC, and is a stunning place to visit. We had a great lunch at the cafe, and although this is not actually in the house, I had to include this magnificent historic house, especially as it had once been a hotel.<br />
Visit date: 20 January 2018<br />
<br />Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-45769586831774061122018-01-11T16:36:00.000-08:002018-02-08T16:36:32.316-08:00The Sterling Hotel, Waihi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Sterling Hotel in Waihi, is one of the remaining reminders into Waihi's prosperous past. It was moved to Waihi from Hikutaia in 1895, as at that time there was only one hotel in Waihi. Today it serves pub food, totally in keeping with it's past life. <span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">11 January 2018</span>Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-70623810958725711782017-04-22T18:53:00.000-07:002017-05-11T18:53:25.476-07:00Hampden Hotel, Murchison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This 19th century hotel also dates from the gold mining era. Today it has been thrust back into more prosperous times by the closure of the coastal highway through Kaikoura. Murchison has been changed from a quiet rural backwater, into one of the larger towns on the new inland route to Christchurch. We decided the old hotel would be a good lunch stop and enjoyed an excellent pub-style lunch on their sunny patio.<br />
Visit date: 22 April 2017Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-90070974673235834992017-04-19T18:22:00.000-07:002018-02-08T16:38:06.781-08:00Walter Peak Station, Queenstown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Although the present homestead at Walter Peak was rebuilt in 1977 following an extensive fire, it was rebuilt with a very similar exterior to the original homestead built in 1902. We took the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw across the lake for a superb buffet lunch. Everything about the excursion was extremely well done - from the viewing platform inside the Earnslaw to observe the steam engine at work, to the farm tour and amazing lunch which is a real showcase of New Zealand produce.<br />
Visit date: 19 April 2017Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-24503928724930995522017-04-10T18:35:00.000-07:002017-05-11T18:39:51.215-07:00Theatre Royal Hotel, Kumara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As a total contrast to Blackball, we stopped in Kumara for lunch at the totally refurbished Theatre Royal Hotel. The hotel was built in 1876 during the Kumara gold rush, and a thirty metre theatre was added for travelling shows.<br />
When the current owners purchased the hotel in 2010, it was totally derelict. But two years later they had completed a complete refit and the hotel looks as good as new. It was definitely a great choice for an excellent lunch and a feel of stepping back to the days when this hotel was sparkling new.<br />
Visit date: 10 April 2017Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-86925004236243972112017-04-09T16:14:00.000-07:002017-05-11T16:14:28.003-07:00Formerly the Blackball Hilton Hotel, Blackball<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dX8IoC_95-U/WRTwJnj0fLI/AAAAAAABvvI/5fKwU6-NhMI_oPCgq98RIHizpujJkK8AQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dX8IoC_95-U/WRTwJnj0fLI/AAAAAAABvvI/5fKwU6-NhMI_oPCgq98RIHizpujJkK8AQCLcB/s320/IMG_8005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This historic hotel built in 1897, is more than the usual old NZ hotel. The name reflects their run in with the Hilton brand in 1992. The accommodation is typical - lots of bedrooms and two bathrooms. But as we had the adjacent bathroom to ourselves, it was no problem.<br />
Apart from the architecture, the real drawcard of the hotel is their excellent chef. The meals were fantastic - totally unexpected in such a small, out of the way town. The advice we received for little known local places to visit, was another bonus.<br />
Visit date: 9 April 2017Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423934774872251074.post-80636351933141917072017-04-08T18:03:00.000-07:002017-05-11T18:04:33.952-07:00Tophouse Hotel, St Arnaud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVMoJFJvcs0/WRUJtxQnndI/AAAAAAABvvc/ZoCKjkpiMMUS45sjaxOQ8B_zNV0_IMjugCLcB/s1600/IMG_7931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVMoJFJvcs0/WRUJtxQnndI/AAAAAAABvvc/ZoCKjkpiMMUS45sjaxOQ8B_zNV0_IMjugCLcB/s320/IMG_7931.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The hotel is a cob style building constructed in 1888. This is the most unusual style of early architecture we have encountered in New Zealand. The feel is genuinely old and full of history, even down to the bullet holes made in 1894 by the would-be lover of the governess when he shot the man she preferred and the telegraph operator.<br />
We found the hotel fascinating, but were glad we had taken one of their modern and very comfortable cottages for the night.<br />
Visit date: 8 April 2017Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266563412769631033noreply@blogger.com0