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Historic Hartwell House gifted to National Trust
HARTWELL House near Aylesbury will be protected and conserved for the nation for ever after it was gifted to the National Trust.
Under the new ownership of The National Trust, the three houses in the Historic House Hotel group, Hartwell House, Bodysgallen Hall in North Wales and Middlethorpe Hall, in York, have been declared "inalienable" and can therefore never be sold.
All three houses will continue to operate as private hotels under the existing Historic House Hotel management. Hartwell House is a Jacobean and Georgian Grade 1 list house in 90 acres of gardens and parkland. Now a 50 bedroom hotel with a celebrated restaurant and spa, it was the home and court of the exiled King of France, Louis XVIII between 1809 and 1814. Profits from the hotel will pay for the long-term care of the house and grounds.
Historic House Hotels was established thirty years ago, always with the intention of providing a secure new use for country houses at risk, and, ultimately, to become the property of The National Trust. The properties have established a reputation as first class hotels in restored houses, furnished in keeping with their history, period and locations. The gift ensures that the houses and their land are kept safe for ever, protected from inappropriate development, and that they continue to be maintained to their present high standards.
Dame Fiona Reynolds, Director-General of the National Trust, said: "This exceptionally generous gift is a tremendous vote of confidence in our ability to conserve special places – both buildings and landscapes - with integrity and authenticity."
Over a period of time, it is envisaged that arrangements will be put in place for the gardens and grounds of the hotels to be open to visitors, along with tours of the ground floor rooms. Members of the Trust will of course also be welcome as guests.
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Weather for Aylesbury
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
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