Wednesday, November 9, 2011

BYOC (Bring Your Own Carriage) to Langdon Hall

Langdon Hall

I wish I could have arrived at Langdon Hall in a horse drawn carriage. This 25,000 square foot Cambridge, Ontario estate is a well-preserved, and functioning no less, historical gem. This grand property, now a hotel and spa, was once the summer estate of Eugene Langdon Wilks (1855-1934), son of Matthew Wilks and Eliza Astor Langdon, while he and his wife Pauline Wilks (née Kingsmill) spent their winters abroad.

Greeted in the foyer by a cheery fireplace, one of 63 wood-burning fireplaces throughout the property.
One of my favourite features of the house is the octagon balcony above one's head in the foyer.

After Pauline died in 1914 of cancer, Wilks married Marguerite Briquet and had three children.

The Red Room, what used to be the Ladies Parlor, hangs a portrait of the last Wilks descendent to reside in Langdon Hall.
The distinct feature of the Red Room is the domed ceiling, which was designed for whispers to be heard across the room.

When the house was bought by in 1987 by the current owners, William Bennett and Mary Beaton, the property was in a state of disarray. William, an architect, and Mary renovated the property over a year and half, and several new additions were added on.

The newly added Sunroom.
Exposed brick in the Sunroom.

The Billiards Room, complete with an historical map of the local counties.

Langdon Hall has hosted movie sets (Conrad Black) and magazine shoots (Style at Home's November issue, all wreath's were shot here).

Langdon Hall serves traditional tea here every Friday and Saturday afternoon. So classy, I love it.

Langdon Hall has been a member of the prestigious hotel group, Relais & Châteaux since 1991.

The very sleek-and-chic bar.
On the wall in the bar proudly hangs pictures handed down by the Wilks family.

Famous guests who have stayed here include the cast of Red (2010), while they were filming next door.

Guest Suite, one of 52 on the property
So plushy.

Langdon Hall is also home to fine dining, being awarded the Five Diamond Award from AAA/CAA

Dining Room
Lovely ceiling details, which were refurbished and brought back to all it's former glory.

When preparing his menu, Grand Chef Jonathan Gushue and his culinary staff head to the garden.


Props to my tour guide, Jessica, for taking the time out to show me around and tell me all about the wonderful history of Langdon Hall.


See more about Langdon Hall here.


I'll be joining in the fun at Type A: Anything Goes and No Minimalist Here: Open House linky parties this week.

1 comment:

  1. Rachel, Thank you for sharing this gorgeous property at the Open House party. The owners have done a fabulous renovation.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete

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