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Darlington Hall is a substantial property set in acres of the finest English countryside, affording a pale view of hills. Once the residence of Lord Darlington, it came into the ownership of an American investor who now has no requirement for an English manor house. The long driveway, bordered by beautiful mature beeches, leads to the stunning surprise of an imposing facade that once welcomed ministers of state and foreign diplomats. This residence breathes dignity and history. Rooms retain their old-world splendour, from the capacious dining hall to the servants’ quarters, the remains of a day when England loved grandeur. And grandeur there is here in plenty. The retiring butler, who served under Lord Darlington himself, will happily acquaint the new owner with the history of the house. His anecdotes are the stuff of bestselling novels. It was he who compiled the following details.
Frank McDonald
This imaginative 1926 Modernist tower on the Isle of Skye has been adapted to meet today’s complex family needs. Silvery and misty-looking, with a yellow eye, it comes with dream-like views of the bay, each window furnished with a ripple of reflected light. It even has its own boar’s skull! An ideal choice for anyone wishing to paint or just relax in streams or waves of consciousness. Finished to a high artistic standard, it is divided into three sections with sharp, introspective lines that gain strength from the white-washed rocks below. There’s plenty of room for servants and large dinner parties. It has been meticulously maintained by its owner, the kind and protective Mrs Ramsay. There is an illuminating quality here that few other lighthouses can match. Could be transformed into a boutique hotel or writers’ retreat.
John O’Byrne
An imposing riverside residence with boathouse and private mooring for several vessels. The house, of mellowed red brick, has been maintained in superb repair by a wealthy and munificent owner. In addition to all the amenities of a superior country mansion, the property features a panelled banqueting hall of impressive proportions, appropriate for celebrity entertainment. Former stables have been sympathetically converted into a suite of garages and the cobbled stable-yard provides additional parking plus special hard-standing for a caravan. Immaculate, well-stocked gardens back on to unspoilt woodland, inhabited by a fascinating variety of wild creatures, most of them amenable to approach by interested residents and generally safe with children. This property would be particularly suitable for a family who wish to take advantage of the benefits that a famous address bestows upon its owners.
Alanna Blake
One careful owner of unique semi-ecclesiastical dwelling (Grade 1 listed, already deconsecrated). The original ‘green’ space, absolutely no carbon footprint, organic materials used throughout this genuine medieval ‘cave style’ design. Superb ancient detailing still intact in secluded, unspoiled location, with ye olde waterfalles, floodes (reliable water supply), forests adjacent for decking for patio, cragges, knolles, knarres, etc. all perfect for hiking, climbing, abseiling, hurling intruders from. No parking. No planning permission needed. Excellent opportunities for transmogrification and enchantment on a DIY basis. (Apply Morgan La Fay plc.) Axe-sharpening facilities still in perfect working order. Ideal for winter breaks. Would suit wood-chopping enthusiast, duellist, decapitator, person of reclusive bent, into ‘magical thinking’ and historic recreation, intimidation and riddling. Ideal for third-ager seeking tranquillity. Directions: enquire at Hautdesert and ask for ‘Bert’.
Josh Ekroy
Enjoying a delightful sylvan setting, The House at Pooh Corner is a charming, detached single-storey country cottage located in one of the most sought-after areas in the Home Counties. Built in the finest traditions of the Arts and Crafts Movement, the property dates from the languid 1920s but also has a vibrant 21st-century feel with its thrillingly simple design and decor and its eco-friendly construction from hand-gathered native timber. Secure in its secluded situation on the edge of a mature hundred-acre beech wood, it has the additional benefit of being part of a closely knit local community. This unique dwelling would make an ideal rural retreat for a purchaser who appreciates being at one with some fantastic local fauna in a haven of timeless peace and tranquillity. Viewing by appointment. Offers in the region of £250,000.
W.J. Webster
No. 2551: Pen pals
‘Dear 338171 (May I call you 338?)’. You are invited to complete in verse or prose Noël Coward’s letter to Aircraftman Ross (aka T.E. Lawrence) and Lawrence’s reply. Maximum 16 lines or 150 words. Entries to Competition 2551 by 26 June or email jamesy@greenbee.net.
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