In 1681 King Charles II presented his mistress Nell Gwyn with yet another grand gift, a country property near Nottingham. Until 1940 it remained in the possession of her direct descendants. It is now the Bestwood Lodge Hotel. Because the male protagonist of my novel inherited it, I've long wanted to see the place.
The original Elizabethan/Jacobean lodge burned in the 19th century and was rebuilt in a baronial Victorian style.
Nell Gwyn's portrait hangs in the lounge.
We arrived at midday, in time to enjoy the Sunday carvery, with roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.
We sipped drinks in the bar while waiting for our table.
After lunch I pose in the back garden. The house is enormous.
Bestwood Park is popular for walking...
...and riding.
View of the forest's leafless trees.
And trees with clinging ivy.
My husband rings the car service to pick us up.
The park lodge
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