 Treated to an English manor
by Nilma Dole
What better way to enjoy the
blissful country of England than experience the beauty and charm of a
typical manor. The first I ever saw was the Sundridge Park Manor in Kent
which is a 10 quid(pound) taxi ride from the Sundridge Park station.
Sundridge Park is a hidden gem in the suburbs of Bromley that is easily
accessible from Central London and the M25 making it less than seven
miles, as the crow flies, from the centre of London.
 Sundridge is situated in the north of the London borough of Bromley,
in the ward of Plaistow and Sundridge. Sundridge is south of Grove Park
in the London borough of Lewisham. On the west side of Sundridge is
Downham (which although most parts being in the London borough of
Lewisham) is for the most part in the BR postcode area.
Boasting of a rich and impressive history, the Manor has hosted
parties of the royal circles for centuries. Set on 6 acres of gardens,
the Manor is the most beautiful venue to have your wedding as it offers
the best wedding photography with its picturesque scenery and notably
delicious food.
Dating back to 1254AD, the Sundridge Park Estate even stood in its
glory during the time of the Black Prince.
You can see the intricate mosiacs and creativity of
specially-appointed architect John Nash, who worked tirelessly to create
not just a manor but a work of architectural art, influenced by Roman
architecture. The Billiard Room, Prince Regent Ballroom, John Nash
Lounge and Garden Room all benefit from original fireplaces, ornate
plaster work and great views of the gardens making it a lovely place to
relax and unwind. Intricate period features, ornate ceilings and
sparkling crystal chandeliers provide a striking backdrop of life at the
Manor.
The stunning backdrops of lush scenery is definitely first class and
the close proximity of the Sundridge Park Golf Club makes it a great way
to learn the fine art of this gentleman’s game. Nestled comfortably
among quiet residential roads, the Sundridge Park Golf Club claims to be
the World’s closest 36 hole golf club to a major metropolitan centre. So
we dabbled in a bit of golf sipping some cool Pimm’s (fruit cocktail)
but later, found out that they have archery, laser clay pigeon shooting,
circus skills, duck herding, fly casting and falconry in addition to
numerous problem-solving team activities for corporate ‘away day’.
Stepping outside to catch a breath of fresh air, saunter breezily on
the well-manicured garden designed by landscape architect Humphrey
Repton who initially recognised the potential of the estate as an
imposing family seat for the Scott family and made preliminary plans for
the building and surrounding area.
It is as though you have stepped into a time machine and you love it
so much that you don’t want to go back to the present age. Getting
married or just escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life at a
Manor certainly makes you feel like royalty.
 It’s no wonder you feel this way because the Sundridge Park Manor is
a Grade I listed venue in Bromley that was built in 1797. The tranquil
terraced gardens makes the Manor a quiet and beautiful location to give
you ease of mind.
The Manor gives the chance for 70 to sit down at the wedding meal, so
if you are one of the lucky ones, you can see your name and menu
preference labelled neatly on your position of the table to make you
feel special.
The bride and groom can look forward to a blissful wedded tying the
knot at the Sundridge Manor and you can have a different perception of
life after staying here.
After dancing till you drop after a beautiful wedding and a great
escapade, the time will come for you to get back to London when you get
to the Sundridge Park station that is located between Bromley and Grove
Park, on Plaistow Lane, Bromley, on the northern edge of the borough of
Bromley.
The station’s namesake Sundridge Park Golf Course is located about
500m north-east of the station. So experience an English Manor, even if
it’s too expensive to get married in one! |
