The Woodlands Park Hotel is such a lovely old house with such an elegant stair which just cries out to be photographed. So I decided it would be rude not to.
Here's a brief history of Woodlands Park. It was designed by Rowland Plumbe in 1885 for Mr F.C. Bryant, the son of the founder of the match company, "Bryant and May". It incorporated some modern innovations which included making it one of the first country houses with electric light. The house became a centre for Edwardian Society with regular weekend house parties. Guests include the Prince of Wales (who became King Edward VII), Lillie Langtry and Oscar Wilde.
In 1897, a Mr W Benson (a Bond Street Jeweller) bought the house and then sold it to Lieutenant Eustratio Ralli in 1911. The Ralli Family left the house after the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
During the Second World War it was converted into a home for the elderly which continued until 1975. Following extensive alterations it re-opened as a hotel in April 1981.
Information from
www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/woodlandspark/welcome/inspirat...