Friday, 2nd November

Arrive at The Castle Hotel in time for a Somerset cream tea before meeting your host for the weekend, Alexandra Messervy of The English Manner.

Join the rest of your party for drinks and canapés in a private dining room, and an Antiques Collectors’ Masterclass with our special fine arts and English antiques expert, Richard Kay. Richard will give a light hearted talk on fine art and collectibles, and you are asked to bring small artefacts of note from your home if desired, or simply a photograph for ease, for an informal chat and valuation. This will be followed by dinner, showcasing the finest of local produce from award winning chef Richard Guest, and afterwards you will have a light hearted quiz, with coffee and liqueurs.

Saturday, 3rd November

Departing after a leisurely breakfast, you will drive a short distance to Yarlington House, an impressive Georgian family home near Wincanton. A warm welcome awaits from your hosts The Count and Countess Charles de Salis. You will have morning coffee and biscuits before you tour the house with Charles de Salis leading a discussion on its artefacts and collections.

Count Charles de Salis originates from Switzerland and is a writer and historian, acknowledged to be one of the world’s leading experts on Napoleon. 18th Century art and paintings abound, as well as a glorious collection of tapestries and needlepoint (The Countess is President of the Royal School of Needlework and for those with a special interest in this subject it may be possible to give an additional MasterClass/talk).

The Countess is a keen and expert cook and revels in entertaining guests, and you will be entertained to luncheon by your hosts in their historic dining room. If the weather is fine you may perhaps stroll in the lovely gardens and grounds before departing mid afternoon.

On return to the hotel you will have time to freshen up before departing for the historic and beautiful Cothelstone Manor, where you will be greeted with champagne and canapes by your hosts, Nigel and Finny Muers-Raby.

During the Reception, you will move through to the panelled dining room for an informal lecture and discussion with Mary Stewart-Wilson, noted author of several books detailing the Royal Collection. Mary, whose husband served in the Royal Household of Her Majesty The Queen for many years, will talk on her celebrated book, Queen Mary’s Dolls House. You will have an opportunity to discuss other aspects of the Royal Collection before enjoying a sumptuous supper of local Somerset produce, provided by Combe Florey Kitchen, a division of The English Manner, before returning to The Castle Hotel.

Departure will be after breakfast on Sunday.

The all-inclusive price for this unique and memorable weekend is

£695.00 per person