Langtry Manor Hotel, Bournemouth (Dorset)

Originally built by Edward VII for his mistress Lillie Langtry in the 19th Century, now a small luxury hotel.

Summary 19th century buildings Breakfast included Free car parking (on site) No smoking Facilities Free broadband access Shared gardens Gym Swimming pool Children's cots Children's highchairs Food and Drinks Restaurant English breakfast (included) Lunch available (at additional cost) Dinner available (at additional cost) Bar

Nearby recreations Recommended walks Beach (walking distance) Pub (a short drive) Museums (walking distance) Gardens Golf course (a short drive) Tennis courts (a short drive) Recommended restaurants (walking distance) Theatre (walking distance)

Introduction

Langtry Manor Hotel was originally built as a lovenest by Edward VII for his mistress Lillie Langtry. Today the Howard family have transformed this beautiful building into a small luxury hotel.

Guest rooms are also located in Langtry Lodge, former home of Lord Derby, just 50 yards from the Manor.

The Lonely Planet Guide notes, “by far the best place to stay in Bournemouth, and the Guardian newspaper has bestowed the title of “Best Hotel in Bournemouth” on the Langtry Manor. 

Over the past three years the hotel has also twice won the “Best Small and Medium Hotel”, and been highly commended 3 times in the “Best Customer Service” category at the Bournemouth Tourism Awards.

History to the present day

In 1877 the future King Edward VII bought a plot of land in a secluded area of the East Cliff in Bournemouth for the woman he loved, Lillie Langtry.

Where others would have preferred jewellery and gowns Lillie was very practical and considered land and property to have lasting value. Bertie, as he was often called among close friends and family, told Lillie that she could design a home for the two of them. Lillie enjoyed designing the romantic royal love nest, adding many personal touches. The foundation stone bares the date 1877 and ELL (Emilie Le Breton Langtry). The King's chamber has a lofty ceiling especially designed to disperse his cigar smoke. The walls feature original paintings and their love of the theatre was reflected in the huge carved oak fireplace sporting hand painted tiles with scenes of Shakespeare plays in blue and white enamel with gold leaf. On the outside wall of the Kings room is the motto 'Dulce Domum' (Sweet Home). On the garden side of the building visitors are welcomed with 'Stet Fortuna Domus' (may fortune attend those who dwell here).

Lillie was determined to stamp her personality on the building and on entering her friends would receive a warm embrace with the greeting 'and yours my friends' meaning this is your home too. No royal retreat would be complete without a magnificent Dining Hall. Lillie hated dark wood and as in the rest of the house the wood was painted with the new white enamel.  Beneath the minstrels gallery is a self explanatory statement for all to see: 'They say What say they? Let them say'. Carved into the inglenook fireplace are the letters 'ELL' and in the stained glass window lovers' swans.

Lillie didn't want to leave anyone in doubt as to whom her benefactor was.  She even had curtain tie back hooks with the Prince's own emblem. A humorous feature of the Dining Hall is the peep hole from where His Royal Highness could view his guests before deciding whether to descend. The building work did not proceed at the pace the couple desired. The English masons were on strike and others had to be imported from Holland. Meanwhile the couple made use of the nearby home of Lord Derby (now the Langtry Lodge).

Lillie named her pride and joy the 'Red House' and she and Bertie were delighted with the home that she had made for them. Picture the scene: Lillie is waiting for the Prince and sits in anticipation, glancing frequently out of the window, with the diamond ring he gave her she lovingly scratches her initials and intertwined love hearts. This feature along with many others previously mentioned can still be seen today along with a small display entitled 'The 1877 Collection' which consists of Lillie Langtry memorabilia and relevant artefacts and pictures from 1877. A controversial feature within the building is a stained glass window dated 1881 on a staircase commemorating the birth of her daughter Jeanne Marie who was born in Paris and attended by the Prince's own Physician. Rumour has it that the child was fathered by Prince Louis of Battenberg, the Prince's nephew, who soon after rose swiftly through the ranks of the British navy. Jeanne Marie was brought up as Lillie's niece and was only told who her father was on the eve of her wedding day.

The Howard Family own, run and maintain the hotel in the style befitting a King.  It was purchased by Pamela Howard in 1977, exactly one hundred years after it was built and has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Tara Howard, the Managing Director extends a warm welcome for you to visit the Langtry Manor for a cup of tea or just a look around to see and feel the wonderful ambience of this Historic building on the East Cliff of Bournemouth.

Food and Drinks

Langtry's Restaurant stands out as something a little special due to its award winning food presented in an historic regal setting. For those who are passionate about gourmet dining, prepare to embark on an exciting experience designed to tantalize all your senses. Langtry's - previously owned and occupied by King Edward VII and his mistress Lillie Langtry - is the only fine dining establishment located within an authentic royal manor.

Langtry's serves contemporary cuisine whilst keeping its decor within the traditions of King Edward's time and preparing a menu of unique and flavourful specialities that cater to the more discerning palate of today's visitors.

Serving regional specialities of unparalleled taste, Langtry's is highly praised for its menu and also for its atmosphere. You can select from creative and tasty appetizers, mouthwatering entrées made only from the freshest ingredients, and decadent speciality desserts created exclusively for Langtry's by Christopher Corbett.

Each Saturday evening, Langtry's presents a six-course Edwardian banquet truly fit for royalty. Add to that the period dress of your serving staff (including Edwardian costumes complete with mop cap), and you will have an evening in royal style.

Other facilities

The Langtry Manor guests are offered complimentary use of Bournemouth's Nordic Leisure Club just 2 minutes walk from the hotel, set in wooded pine surroundings. The heated swimming pool is ideal for exercise and relaxation. The fitness suite has all the latest equipment for an exhilarating workout, or just relax in the sauna and steam room.

Greenfields Aromatherapy: Enjoy a massage in the privacy of your own room. You don’t have to go to Greenfields – they will come to the Manor. With a choice of massages and treatments to rejuvenate your body mind and soul.

The Langtry Manor Hotel is situated just a five minute walk from the cliff-top and a ten to twenty minute walk from the centre of town. Plenty of parking available.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Langtry Manor Hotel, 26 Derby Road, East Cliff, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3QB, United Kingdom

Address: Langtry Manor Hotel, 26 Derby Road, East Cliff, Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 3QB

Check In: 2.00pm   Check Out: 11.00am

Directions: Bournemouth is on the south coast of England in the county of Dorset, and is approximately 100 miles (160 km) from London.

From London: M25 Motorway - M3 - M27 - A31- A338 (Wessex Way), towards Bournemouth. At the first roundabout (St Paul’s) take the first exit (by Train Station). Go straight over at the next roundabout. Take first left into Knyveton Road. Langtry Manor is on the opposite corner of Derby Road by the mini roundabout.

More photos of Langtry Manor Hotel, Bournemouth

Edwardian Banquet

Smaller double room