Denzil’s escape to the sun – Abu Dhabi

Posted on February 21, 2012 by annabel

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - Abu DhabiFor a few days Denzil escaped the Scottish winter to enjoy the cool of the Arabian version of winter, a mere 30 degrees in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

I am not sure whether it is possible to prepare oneself for what has been achieved within the past 30-40 years by these two Emirates but it is certainly quite something to behold.  In fact, I cannot completely claim first hand experience of Dubai as we drove there and back in a sand storm and other than seeing shadowy silhouettes of massive buildings never really had a chance to see them.  However, whilst in Dubai we did have a very enjoyable and utterly ‘British’ lunch at Rivington Grill which is positioned right next to the Burj Kalifa and wow, that is a tall building!  Of course, we would be just delighted to provide the ‘expat’ community with a wonderful venue through LTR to escape the real Arabian heat of June to September …

To find out more about the individually tailored holidays in the UK and Ireland organised by LTR please call Denzil on + 44 (0) 1835 824 642 or email DENZIL@LTR.CO.UK

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Conde Nast Traveler Summit 2012

Posted on February 16, 2012 by annabel

Hollywood sign on the hills in Los AngelesWhat a treat to leave snowy Heathrow and arrive in the blue skies and heat of LA.  Once through the airport, which is a nightmare, I sped down the freeway to the very charming www.terranea.com at Rancho Palos Verdes, which hugs the coast opposite Catalina Island.  Shorts straight on, which was slightly frightening for the other residents with my white knees on prominent display, but a lovely walk round the estate in the late afternoon heat.  My room had gorgeous views over Nelsons with their beach bar to the sea beyond. 

Saturday night was an early supper with an old travel friend and early to bed, as I had a date, along with some other colleagues, with Captain Gary on board the www.psaltyadventures.com for a 3 hour trip to see some whales and to roam the waters of Catalina Island.  We picked up the boat at San Pedro and were soon out of the harbour and in amongst the seals and dolphins.  Sadly, no whales spotted but a fun morning out and some fresh air was much needed after the 12 hour flight across.  We then went straight into a 4 hour meeting with other villa rental specialists which was fascinating and a pretty unique opportunity to sit down with 25 other rental experts and hear their thoughts.

The registration for the show was seamless and the opening night ceremony a fun chance to catch up with colleagues.  The next two days were a blur of networking, appointments, lunches, discussions panels and evening receptions, where we all got a chance to chat to a lot of industry peers, meet members of the Conde Nast team and generally ‘bond’.  It was a great show and I think we all felt very lucky to be involved with CNT and to be on their ‘officially recommended’ radar.  A final day in LA with some appointments and a quick gawp at a few of the amazing Bel Air mansions and it was time to fly home again for another bout of jet lag and climate readjustment.  Still well worth the trip!

Please email or call Andrew Loyd on ANDREW@LTR.CO.UK or + 44 (0) 1835 824 642 for more information about the LTR private mansions to hire or visit www.ltr.co.uk

Andrew Loyd is a 2011 Conde Nast Traveler Villa Rental Specialist

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Stay in a luxury stately home for a week for less than you could in a 5 star hotel …

Posted on February 1, 2012 by annabel

Ackergill Tower - luxury highland scottish castle, exclusive use hire - drawing roomLTR offers luxury, tailormade bespoke holidays in some of the UK’s finest private homes.   Have a look at the magnificent stately homes, country houses, english mansions, irish castles and scottish towers that can be integral to a bespoke family holiday.  With the unrivalled knowledge of one of our specialist travel consultants, LTR can help you to find the house of your dreams to enjoy with the rest of your family.  Leave everything in our capable hands and we will organise your holiday from start to finish. 

What is remarkable is that all this is achievable for less than you would spend in a 5 star hotel.  Look no further and contact LTR on DENZIL@LTR.CO.UK or + 44 (0) 1835 824642,

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Mrs Beeton – ‘How to Cook’ by Isabella Beeton and Gerard Baker

Posted on January 27, 2012 by annabel

Gerard Baker re-writes Isabella Beeton's classic collection of recipes for the 21st Century kitchenOne of LTR’s favourite chefs Gerard Baker has sympathetically re-written for the 21st Century kitchen Mrs Beeton’s classic collection of recipes ‘How to cook’, to celebrate the original book’s 150th anniversary.  The 220 British recipes have been subtly updated and combined with sound, modern advice on how to source good food, plus detailed information on ingredients and equipment, and illustrations of all the techniques required.

Isabella Mary Beeton was born in London in 1836, where she grew up in a household of 21 children.  It took Isabella four years to compile her masterwork, publishing ‘Mrs Beeton’s book of household management’ in 1861.  It contained an enormous amount of information to help people live, as Mrs Beeton said, “economically, tastefully and well”.  Her straightforward style was hugely influential and has remained so to this day. 

Aside from cooking for private house parties, Gerard Baker is a food writer, broadcaster and food historian.  He has been a contributor to numerous newspapers and magazines and also to the BBC’s national news networks and programmes for over 12 years.

For more information please contact Andrew Loyd on ANDREW@LTR.CO.UK or + 44 (0) 1835 824 642.

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Exclusive access to New York fashion

Posted on January 24, 2012 by annabel

The Carlyle Hotel presents 'Inside Haute', an extraordinary three day fashion experienceNew York, NY - Most fashion lovers will never have the opportunity to step inside the personal ateliers of the world’s premier designers, let alone lunch with Donna Karan, sip tea with Jadja Swarovski, and cocktails with Zac Posen.  But this February during New York City’s Fall 2012 Fashion Week, there’s a unique chance:  As part of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts’ mission to give their guests access to exclusive opportunities not otherwise available, The Carlyle presents ‘Inside Haute,’ an extraordinary three-day fashion experience curated by fashion insider Kathleen Beckett who has covered the world of fashion for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour and Elle.  Throughout a series of lunches, cocktails, dinners and fashion shows Kathleen uses her private connections to take guests on an unprecedented tour of the inside world of New York City fashion.  Traditionally available to only celebrities and those in-the-know, twenty lucky Carlyle guests will see, touch and feel the world’s newest collections, hear the stories of preeminent designers, and discuss design inspirations with the key individuals shaping the fashion industry today.

Available February 15-18, 2012, The ‘Inside Haute’ Package includes:

  • Invitation to Joanna Mastroianni show at Lincoln Center with backstage access to meet the designer
  • Invitation to J. Mendel show at Lincoln Center with backstage access to meet designer Gilles Mendel
  • Welcome cocktails and dinner with Alan Flusser and Kokin at The Carlyle Hotel
  • Lunch with Donna Karan at the Stephan Weiss Studio at Urban Zen
  • Champagne with Sophie Theallet at her atelier
  • Tea with Nadja Swarovski at the Swarovski private offices
  • Lunch in the Member’s Dining Room and a private behind-the-scenes tour at The Metropolitan Museum
  • Cocktails with Zac Posen at his design studio
  • Individual chauffeured car service

$6,000 per  person for the three-day experience, including access to all events, breakfast daily, all meals and individual chauffeured car service.

For more information and to reserve, contact ANDREW@LTR.CO.UK or + 44 (0) 1835 824 642.

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London 2012 Olympic Games – Exclusive luxury Olympic accommodation in London and Essex

Posted on January 20, 2012 by annabel

Exclusive luxury accommodation available to rent in London and Essex - London 2012 OlympicsThe London 2012 Olympic Games is racing closer every day.  The excitement is building and we at LTR are thrilled to be offering exclusive private houses and mansions in London and Essex to rent for exclusive use for the London 2012 Olympics.  These properties have never been available to rent before.

Whether you would like to stay for a week in a luxury Central London house and enjoy the buzz and atmosphere of the capital city or whether you would prefer to enjoy the seclusion and privacy of one of our exclusive Essex homes with extensive grounds, swimming pools and tennis courts, we at LTR will be able to help you.  All our Essex luxury houses are only 1 hour from the main Olympic venue at Stratford Park.

For further information on the exclusive luxury accommodation that we are offering for the London 2012 Olympics, please contact Andrew Loyd on + 44 (0) 1835 824 642 or ANDREW@LTR.CO.UK

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Loyd and Townsend Rose has a butler at the helm – Press Release

Posted on January 17, 2012 by annabel

Latest press release - top luxury UK travel company offers unbeatable service and attention to detailThe immaculate attention to detail that goes into each and every LTR castle or stately home holiday comes largely as a result of Andrew Loyd’s training and work experience prior to setting up LTR with Jonathan Townsend-Rose.  As with so many truly great companies those at the helm have arrived via an unconventional route with some fascinating stories to tell.

In 1983 Andrew Loyd started his life in hospitality as a room service waiter at The Connaught where he served the likes of Dolly Parton, Jimmy Stewart and Alec Guinness their poached eggs on toast.  Read more >>

Please contact Andrew Loyd for a bespoke, tailormade holiday – andrew@ltr.co.uk or + 44 (0) 1835 824 642.

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Valentine’s Day – “Let’s run away for a romantic weekend …”!

Posted on January 11, 2012 by annabel

Valentine's Day - romantic weekend in a luxury country mansion“Let’s run away for a romantic weekend …”!  At least that is what should be crossing your mind as Valentine’s Day approaches.

Whilst the ‘day’ itself does not fall on a weekend this year it provides a perfect excuse to get away together for a short break and of course we, at LTR, are here to assist in whatever way we can.  Ackergill Tower right up on Scotland’s northern coastline, or Kilcoe Castle situated on the southwest coast of Ireland or Battens House nestling in the Hampshire countryside.  Despite the first two being remote, both are easily reached from regional airports nearby and all offer that special ‘something’ and a warm and cosy welcome.

Please contact me on denzil@ltr.co.uk or + 44 (0) 1835 824642 and I will be delighted to advise you.

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A very Happy New Year to everyone

Posted on January 5, 2012 by annabel

Luxury country house on West Coast of Scotland available to rent for exclusive use - Roshven HouseIt is six months since I joined LTR and in that time I have visited some quite exquisite properties, met their passionate owners and listened to the LTR team discuss how to construct just the best experience for a particular client.  In everything I have heard the knowledge and understanding from both sides of this equation is extraordinary.

During my Irish trip with Jonathan I was bowled over by the lovingly restored and magnificent Ballyfin, available now for exclusive use hire.  However, I find I am drawn to perhaps our quirkier properties, such as Kilcoe Castle which overlooks the wonderfully named Bay of Roaringwater, or the Great Hall at Ferniehirst Castle which has ‘party’ written all over it and is full of history, or the perfect bolthole in the form of the boathouse at Roshven House.  Whatever takes your fancy, I find LTR seems to be able to offer a solution and we await your enquiry.

Meanwhile, I would wish everyone a sincere thanks for your support over the past years and my very best wishes for the year to come, above all, may it be a happy one!

Denzil Skinner, Managing Director – denzil@ltr.co.uk or +44 (0) 1835 824 642.

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Christmas Party at Boxted Hall

Posted on December 20, 2011 by annabel

Luxurious English Country Mansion available to rent for exclusive use - study“Boxted Hall was absolutely captivating – the best Christmas Party ever.  Toby and Jennie were so lovely and so accommodating too!  My Chairman and Creative Director have said it was one of their favourite venues for Xmas party and haven’t stopped saying “thank you” since they got back!  That has certainly earned me a bank of brownie points!

You have also been a marvel and really saved the day!

I would strongly recommend anyone to experience the delights of Boxted Hall.  Pictures just don’t do it justice.  And the proprietors are the most hospitable and obliging people I have ever met.  In addition, I have circulated your details across our group because if you have Boxted Hall on your books, then I’m sure you have other stunning locations for gatherings and photo shoots.

I hope to do further business with you in the future.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!”

If you would like to find out about some of the wonderful Corporate Entertainment that we can put together for you and your company please call Ken on 01835 824 642 or email ken@ltr.co.uk and he would be happy to help you.

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