One of the most dreamt of wedding destinations is certainly a fairytale castle, an enchanting and especially romantic venue to seal the bond of a couple’s love. Castle weddings are not merely in storybooks; you too can waltz like a princess in a glamorous ballroom, sip champagne on a terrace overlooking vineyards, dine on the finest gastronomy in a gilded grand salon or enjoy luxurious surroundings fit for a king – and queen! Make your wedding dreams come true at one of these breathtaking castles in France, Spain, England, Ireland and the Czech Republic.
Fairytale Castle Destination Weddings
In this edition of How We Started we meet one of UltraVilla’s directors, Andrew Loyd. We travel back to 1999 to hear how he and Jonathan Townsend Rose founded Loyd & Townsend Rose and persevered through some initial challenges to cultivate one of the finest portfolios of castles, manor homes and estates in England, Scotland and Ireland.
“Returning to Scotland in 1999 after a decade in the States and no clear idea of what he was going to do with himself, Andrew Loyd was extremely fortunate to bump into Jonathan Townsend Rose who for some time had been managing a number of famous estates in the highlands of Scotland. Jonathan had spotted the necessity for some of these homes to generate additional income for their upkeep and suggested that he and Andrew join forces to do exclusive use rentals. Neither had worked in the travel industry before and the learning curve was extremely steep, especially for Andrew after so many years in the rather sheltered world of running estates for some prominent families in the U.S.
“It’s often said that if people knew the hard work and heartache involved in setting up a company that they would never bother and Loyd & Townsend Rose (LTR) certainly had a very rocky start, both with the fast changing face of the internet world, our inexperience of the travel industry and the explosion of world events that worked against us. The horrors of 9/11, foot & mouth disease, Sars and various financial jitters, meant that the company took a long time to finds its feet, however, it did allow us to fine tune our portfolio of houses and castles in addition to spending a lot of time in the States and getting to know a myriad of top travel companies. We also attended many travel trade shows and did numerous press trips to generate interest in our company and the LTR portfolio.
“Over the years LTR has spread its wings and now works with around 50 houses & castles throughout England, Scotland and Ireland. The homes vary in architectural styles and encompass everything from very contemporary lodges in the middle of nowhere to ancestral homes that are rich in history or glorious manor houses which are incredibly comfortable and very handy for major cities. Whatever our clients are seeking, we can source providing the budget is there, as LTR only works with the best of the best. This is combined with a full concierge service, 15 years of knowledge plus a professional lifetime of looking after high-end travellers. Jonathan also has a huge knowledge of Scotland & Ireland and many of the more remote spots, which are truly off the beaten path.
“Happily since we started there has been a sea of change in social attitudes from where many owners wouldn’t dream of renting out any of their homes to now where they consider either their principal residence or their holiday homes fair game for the odd exclusive use rental. All our estates come fully staffed and are rented as if in the owner is in residence in terms of contents. It is important to note that we let ‘homes’ and not ‘rental properties’ and this is the unique selling proposition that has allowed LTR to attract many of the world’s top families to their portfolio of houses and castles.
“We are a small, boutique company and we look after a limited number of clients each year but those clients receive a very special welcome on arrival and a very personal level of service throughout their stay. We are perhaps uniquely qualified to offer this level of personal attention in the UK and the client testimonies speak for themselves. We are a great believer in ‘building memories’.”
Experience the excellence of Loyd & Townsend Rose on your next holiday to the United Kingdom and Ireland by contacting them at this link.
One of the best ways to gain insight into the culture of a country is through its gastronomy, which is best done by visiting a local farmers’ market. This is especially enjoyable if you’re staying in an apartment or villa rental, where you can savor your delicious wares back at your home away from home. From the South of France to the peaks of the Swiss Alps and from the Greek islands to the British Isles, here’s our pick of some of the top markets across Europe.
Marché Saxe-Breteuil – Paris, France
Shopping at the market is still very much a custom in France and the capital city is no exception. With more than 80 outdoor markets across Paris on any given day (except Mondays) you’ll find a market in almost every neighborhood. Not all markets are the same, however, and that which pops up every Thursday and Saturday morning along Avenue de Saxe, in the chic 7th arrondissement, stands out for both its excellent stalls and its exceptional views of the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides. On display is a wide array of France’s finest produce, cheeses, charcuterie and other gastronomic products which extol l’art de vivre à la francaise.
Where to stay in Paris.
Marché d’Apt – Provence, France
Many of the towns of Provence feature lovely markets, and you’ll experience one of the most authentic in the picturesque medieval town of Apt. Labeled as a “marché d’exception,” it’s one of the top markets in all of France as well as one of the oldest, dating back to at least the 12th century. Every Saturday morning the main square and the surrounding cobblestone streets fill with up to 350 stalls abundant in provencal olives, fragrant lavender, juicy peaches, local handicrafts and much more.
Where to stay in the South of France.
Mercado Central – Valencia, Spain
The Boqueria in Barcelona and San Miguel in Madrid generally steal the spotlight when talking about Spanish markets, However, Valencia’s Mercado Central brings together the best of the country’s gastronomy without throngs of tourists. Upon entering the building, you’ll be struck with awe at the shimmering structure of iron and glass completed in 1914. Enjoy the sights and sounds as you stroll amidst towers of fresh and dried fruits, pots of piping hot paella, hanging Iberian hams and a careful selection of the freshest catches of the day caught right off the city’s coast.
Where to stay in Spain.
Mercato Testaccio – Rome, Italy
Most visitors to Rome browse the stalls of the popular Campo dei Fiori, however, for a genuine market experience in Rome, make your way to the Mercato Testaccio. Found close to Piramide subway station south of the Colosseum, the local market may now be found in a newly constructed building, but it still remains a true neighborhood market. Here you’ll find grandmothers picking out fresh ingredients for that day’s meals, see fresh pasta being made before your eyes, oggle the variety of seasonal artichokes or tomatoes, and hopefully leave with some delicious snacks for a picnic lunch down on the nearby Tiber river.
Where to stay in Rome.
Mercato della Pignasecca – Naples, Italy
Naples is all about food, so it isn’t surprising that the city has over 60 markets. The oldest is along via della Pignasecca and offers the best window into a true Napoletana mercato. Located just north of the Toledo subway station, this daily farmers’ market is popular with locals. Walk the crowded lanes to take in the colorful sights of seasonal fruits, bins upon bins of fresh fish (Naples is a port city after all), small production buffalo mozzarella and more varieties of tomatoes than you could ever imagine.
Where to stay in Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
Laiki Rhodes Town – Rhodes, Greece
Most towns across mainland Greece and the surrounding islands have a weekly or bi-weekly laiki; genuine farmers’ markets. These were first established in 1929 in an effort by the government to protect farmers, eliminating the middleman so they could sell directly to customers. If you’re holidaying in the Dodecanese or visiting the archaeological sites on Rhodes, you can find some delicious local food – and escape the crowds – at the laiki in Rhodes Town. Held every Wednesday and Saturday, you’ll be tempted by the boisterous vendors hawking homemade dolmades, straight off the boat seafood, bunches of gorgeous grapes and blocks of fabulous feta.
Where to stay in Greece.
Schrannenmarkt – Salzburg, Austria
The charming city of Salzburg hosts one of the country’s liveliest markets, the Schrannenmarkt, showcasing the finest in Austrian fresh produce, culinary specialties and traditional handicrafts. Located in the Old Town opposite St. Andräkirche church, this weekly market has been held every Thursday from 5:00am to 1:00pm since 1906 (or on Wednesday if Thursday is a holiday). As you amble through the 190 stalls, be sure to sample goods like brezen (pretzels), Bauernkrapfen, a round local pastry often topped with apricot preserves, handmade sausages and potent cheese.
Where to stay in Austria.
Farmers’ Market – Brig, Switzerland
The quaint Swiss town of Brig, nestled high in the Alps in the Canton Valais, is abuzz on Saturday mornings with its weekly farmers’ market. Take a break from skiing or hiking in the mountains to rub shoulders with the townsfolk as they shop for organic seasonal vegetables, sausage and meats and, of course, swiss cheese. If your timing is right, you may be lucky enough to also take in the annual mid-August Swiss Food Festival held in neighboring Zermatt. The resort is a food lover’s paradise with fabulous restaurants including two Michelin stars, Zermatt and 238 points in the Gault Millau guide, making it the top food destination of the Alps.
Where to stay in the Swiss Alps.
Broadway Market – London, England
Taste your way around the world at the cosmopolitan Broadway Market which takes place on Saturdays in Hackney, a beautiful and vibrant part of East London. Reach it by meandering along the lovely Regent’s Canal, minding bikes and buggies, and looking out for ducklings and terrapins as you go. Arriving at the market, pick up a coffee from the Climpson & Son’s stand to accompany your stroll and search. Bop along to the second-hand vinyl and buskers, appreciate the aromas wafting from the food stalls cooking up global cuisine, nibble on the free samples, rummage through vintage clothes, treat yourself to handcrafted jewelry from indie designers, peruse book stalls and try out organic toiletries. Once you’ve tasted the olive oils, hummus and pesto, gnocchi and sweet treats, make the tough decision on what to choose for your breakfast or lunch. Take your picnic to London Fields and devour, along with some of the best people watching you will find in the capital.
Where to stay in London.
Farmers’ Market in Castle Terrace – Edinburgh, Scotland
Few markets have such a pretty setting as the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market found on Saturdays in Castle Terrace with the impressive backdrop of the emblematic Edinburgh Castle. Opened in 2000, the market has flourished to become one of the best in the UK and is the holder of numerous accolades. It has over 50 stalls, most of which are run by farmers who produce what they sell. Tantalize your tastebuds with some artisanal chutneys, organic tayberries, craft beer or perhaps some haggis!
Where to stay in Scotland.
Milk Market – Limerick, Ireland
The bounty of the green fields of Ireland are honored at the 150+ farmers’ markets across the country. If you’re staying in the countryside you’ll probably stumble upon your village’s weekly market, or make your way to the historic city of Limerick, home to the fabulous Milk Market. Fortunately, there’s much more on offer here than dairy products as its name implies! Founded in 1852 and restored in the early 1990s, the Friday to Sunday market has exceptionally high quality products from sausages to seaweed and soda bread to shortbread cookies, and yes, there is some excellent fresh milk, cheese and creamy butter.
Where to stay in Ireland.
Our UltraVilla experts are constantly innovating, discovering exceptional new properties and filling us in on exclusive special offers on the world’s best luxury villas and apartments. From enjoying springtime in Paris and London to escaping from big city buzz in the Maldives and Montana, here’s this month’s inside scoop.
The Perfect Luxury Experience with Paris Perfect
One of our France experts, Paris Perfect, has just added a fantastic new address in one of the city’s loveliest squares: Place Dauphine. Situated at the tip of Ile de la Cité, within minutes walking distance from Notre Dame, Saint Germain, the Louvre and other main attractions, it’s the ideal location for exploring the city.
Two years of extensive renovations were carried out on the building to create a five-star luxury experience. It features a ground level studio apartment, four one-bedroom apartments and two extraordinary one-bedroom apartments that are duplexes with balconies overlooking Place Dauphine.
For a limited time they are offering guests who stay between April 12 and May 30, 2016 a 20% discount! (minimum 5 night booking required). To find out more information about Paris Perfect and to request a booking click here.
Your Own Parisian Haven with Haven in Paris
We stay on in Paris with the fabulous May deals by our experts at Haven in Paris. Springtime is one of the most magical times to visit the city. Many of their apartments are situated near one of the city’s lovely parks, like their Monceau apartment in the photo above.
This elegant two bedroom/two bathroom, a short walk from the famous Parc Monceau is the perfect pied à terre. You can take advantage of great last minute deals on this and their other fabulous Paris apartments for any bookings for the month of May.
Mountain Magic with Montana Homes’s New Grizzly Creek
Across the world and far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Montana Homes has just added a wonderful new property: Grizzly Creek Ranch. Located in a breathtaking and ultra-private wilderness location at the edge of Yellowstone National Park, Grizzly Creek Ranch is a classy and comfortable retreat for up to 30 guests. This is the first time this exquisite property has been available and there is nothing else like it in the Rocky Mountain West.
Guests have exclusive use of six homes, a fabulous dining and event hall, a recreation barn, yoga and massage cabin, and the 2,000 acre ranch. Guided hiking on the ranch, campouts for the kids and meals prepared by a private chef are included. They can arrange a variety of add-on private activities such as Yellowstone Park tours, fly fishing instruction, river rafting, and on-site yoga and massage. It is also a unique venue for weddings and other events for groups of up to 100. For further information and booking, see Mountain Homes profile here.
The Ultimate Spa in the Maldives at Amilla Fushi
If the spectacular location of Amilla Fushi in the tropical Maldives was not already relaxing enough, the luxury resort is taking wellbeing to the next level. Its Javvu Spa, launched last October, has just announced a new partnership with the Clean and Lean Bodyism. Javvu Spa’s philosophy centers on a holistic approach to wellness, focusing on movement, spirituality and spa. As such, they have carefully chosen specialist spa brand partners such as PURE Massage, QMS and iLA. The partnership with Bodyism and its original concept furthers their respective commitments to combining physical and mental approach to wellness for a happier and healthier life.
In addition to the new program partnership, the resort has created Wellness Tree Houses to enhance these wellbeing goals. Safely installed 12 meters up amongst the treetops, the private one-bedroom spa ‘nests’ have their own dedicated treatment suites, providing the utmost paradisiacal retreat. Stay tuned to our May newsletter for an exclusive invitation to discover this new offering or start dreaming today by looking at Amilla Fushi’s UltraVilla profile.
Special offer: Springtime in Chelsea with London Perfect
Experience London in bloom this spring with a great special offer for bookings in May and June on London Perfect’s Christchurch apartment. Located in the heart of Chelsea, this apartment is the optimal London base, especially for flower lovers as it’s just across the road from the famous Chelsea Flower Show.
The refined apartment is set on two levels, with beautiful decor and fine furnishings throughout. It has an elegant living room, modern eat-in kitchen, stylish separate dining room and two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. A true highlight is its Italian-style garden. A rarity in London, it’s the perfect place to take in the longer spring days and milder weather of the season. Learn more about this elegant rental and the last minute special for May and June here.