Historic Hotels, B&Bs, Country Houses, Apartments in Europe

The Aigli

Guest House in City of Lefkada,

Greece

7.8

Good

From $56

$

Historic Guest House Questionnaire

Year erected: 1800

What is the history of the property?
"Aigli” means glamour, light, fame, magnificence. This can explain the reason why a number of nymphs of the Greek mythology were mentioned with this name. Among these legendary creatures, the most well-known were:

Goddess: Asklipios' fourth daughter

Nymph: one of Esperides

Nymph: one of Naiades

Nymph: sister of Faethonas

Thiseas' fiance, because of whom he left Ariadni in Naxos island all alone.

The name “Aigli” was also attributed to an asteroid discovered in 1868 (96 Aigli).

The building of Aigli wine and gourmet luxury retreat dates back to 1800 and is one of the most classic buildings of Lefkada island.

Aigli welcomes you to a unique sensory experience and taste the wine and about wine. You can share with your loved ones, your passion for wine and good times, all accompanied by excellent food, cheese and cold cuts made by outstanding producers in our region. With its many Greek wine regions our menu represents the diversity of the Greek vineyards. Updated frequently, it always has a selection of a hundred wines: red, dry and sweet whites, roses, champagnes and sparkling wines. To help you discover the fun way for an original wine and appetizer our Sommelier invites you to its workshops Wine Discovery. Designed to meet the need of calm, friendliness and love of beautiful things, Aigli’s wine and gourmet luxury retreat consists of several carefully arranged suites. Guests come to relax in a cozy space cool in the summer or near a fireplace in winter in our conservatory. Little jewels in the heart of Lefkada, the discrete garden and courtyard of Aigli is a haven of peace.

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
Inspired by the centenary tradition of Lefkada’s famous vineyards and artisan fortified wines, Aigli tells you a story about soil, pebbles, rain, sunshine and shadows all in perfect balance, just like an exceptional wine. A blend of international mastery and local knowledge are well expressed in the building architecture by Notis Katopodis and Giorgos Kavadas, creatively “bottled” by the English interior designer Michael Kay Cooper. Inside, like in a bottle of wine, you will experience the richness of a deep purple, velvety wine, full of body, strong in character, where flavors and subtle notes are to be discovered by you slowly as if you were drinking it. Aigli is located at the heart of the town a few steps away from monuments, museums, shops, restaurants, gardens, seashore, yacht and cruise ship port.

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
The Aigli’s building is situated in historical center of the old town of Lefkada full of ancient churches, monuments, libraries and museums.

Has restoration work taken place?
The historical building of the AIGLI has been totally renovated in 2002.

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
The unique arches of the building that are constructed from Venice artisans.

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
Our VIP clientele consists from English lords, foreign diplomats till members of the Greek government.

Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
Aigli’s history is closely related with the summer of 1807, when Ali Pasas attacks Lefkada. Given the situation, Kapodistrias ask for Katsantonis assistance. With around two hundred men, Katsantonis heads towards Agia Mavra which used to be the name of Lefkada during that period. Arriving in Lefkada, the revolutionists were welcomed with honour by Kapodistrias.

For quite a long time and until the decision of the council which would decide on the next steps of the war, a number of the revolution leaders were hosted in the building of Aigli retreat.

The council of the revolutionists in Lefkada, which was held at “Magemeno” area, was a great success for Katsantonis who became the leader of all the revolution fighters.

At the end of the council, Kapodistrias proposed a toast and wished for the liberation of the entire region.

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
The Aigli is officially recognized as a heritage building with historical importance by the Greek state.

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Mansion

Villa

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
Get wonderfully lost at Aigli’s fairy tale through time, space, taste, rum and wine...

Hotel Villa Carlotta

Hotel in Taormina,

Italy

8.9

Excellent

From $367

$

Historic Hotel

Built in 1860 as an aristocratic residence, by a noble Sicilian family, with the construction of local clad stone, surrounded by the beautiful gardens, swimming pool and well-preserved Roman ruins like Byzantine catacombs and a Roman road.

Questionnaire

Year erected: 1860

What is the history of the property?
It was originally a private aristocratic residence converted into a hotel in 1930.

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
It is a medieval palace made with white clad stones.

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
Greek Theatre

Has restoration work taken place?
In 2007

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
There are roman catacombs in the property

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
Recognised as a heritage building

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Castle

Palace

Mansion

Estalagem do Vale

Hotel in Sao Vicente,

Portugal

7.9

Good

From $92

$

Historic Hotel

Summary of reviews related to the 'Historic' categoryWelcome to Estalagem do Vale, a hotel steeped in history and charm. Located in a historic building with stunning views, this hotel offers unique accommodations that transport you back in time. The rooms are furnished with old and charming furniture, creating a cozy and authentic ambience. Despite being an older hotel, it has everything you need and it used to be a luxury and wellness hotel in the past. Guests have praised the hotel's rustic and original style and its historical importance for lovers of local culture. So, if you're looking for a unique experience that combines history, charm and stunning views, Estalagem do Vale is the perfect place for you!
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Questionnaire

Year erected: 1854

What is the history of the property?
It started out as a manor house hotel over 150 years ago. It was a school for many years and was even used as a hospital when the local community needed such a facility!

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
Colonial style

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
No

Has restoration work taken place?
Yes, in 2004 full restoration when it was transformed into a hotel.

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
Painted ceilings, double superior rooms' decoration, pieces of when it was a school, etc.

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
No

Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
No

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
Yes, was considered by São Vicente municipality as historical building.

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Mansion

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
All public spaces are surrounded by the building's own history (pictures, texts, pieces).

Alegre - Bussaco Boutique Hotel

Hotel in Luso,

Portugal

8.7

Very Good

From $60

$

Historic Hotel Questionnaire

Year erected: 1853

What is the history of the property?
Build originally as a holiday palace for the Count of Graciosa. It has started to work as hotel in 1889 and, as far as we know, it is the second oldest hotel in operation in Portugal.

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
Victorian

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
Yes, the town of Luso and Bussaco, has other historic villas and palaces.

Has restoration work taken place?
Last restoration work had taken place in 2011.

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
The hotel has several details and art pieces.

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
Paul Bergamin, a Swiss Hotelier that later launched the Palace Hotel of Bussaco, first managed this hotel in 1889.

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
No

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Mansion

Villa

Hotel Monasterium PoortAckere Ghent

Hotel in Ghent,

Belgium

8.2

Very Good

From $129

$

Historic Hotel Questionnaire

Year erected: 1873

What is the history of the property?
Like many towns in the Middle Ages, Ghent was enclosed by several canals. These were meant to protect the town from the dangers that threatened its inhabitants. Near the gate (“poort” in Dutch) leading into town, there was a field (“akker” in Dutch) : the Poortackere. In this field a complex for beguines was built, which was also called Poortackere by the people of Ghent. In one of the walls of the building there is an 18th century stone which reveals that the beguine house was founded in 1278. Not long after this, a chapel and a churchyard were added. Poortackere mainly housed older and sick beguines.

When during the French revolution all cloisters, churches, and beguine complexes were seized by the town councils, the council of Ghent confiscated Poortackere. In 1863 the site was sold to the Count Joseph De Hemptinne, a notorious Maecenas of the Neogothic Movement. With his permission, a congregation was housed here. At first there were plans to restore the old buildings, but in the end a new, neogothic cloister was built. Most buildings of Poortackere date from that period. A new chapel, two inside gardens, and an orphanage became part of the complex.

After World War II the site was successively an orphanage, a house for young women, and a student residence. In 1998 there were still 6 nuns living here, but due to the extravagant maintenance costs the buildings were sold. Thanks to private initiative, the site has been transformed into a hotel, guest rooms, seminar centre and a restaurant. As a result, everybody can now enjoy its architecture and its unique atmosphere.

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
neo gothic

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
yes

Has restoration work taken place?
yes

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
yes

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
no

Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
no

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
yes

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Monastery

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
Former monastery converted to a hotel with a beautiful church.

Hempstead House Hotel & Restaurant

Country House in Sittingbourne,

United Kingdom

8.9

Excellent

From $173

$

Historic Country House Questionnaire

Year erected: 1850

What is the history of the property?
It was the estate house for the surrounding farmland and was built and owned by the Lake family who have now emigrated to New Zealand but have provided a lot of history about the house and the family all of which is available at the hotel.

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
Early Victorian

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
No but it is in the village of Bapchild which is where the pilgrims baptised their children on the pilgrimage from London to Dover.

Has restoration work taken place?
Yes. We have extended the house over the years to provide 35 bedrooms, a 60 c0ver restaurant, a 150 seater function suite and a spa.

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
The old stable building which was built in 1845 is now a large entrance and bar. It contains the original breathing tower for the horses.

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
The Lake family

Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
No

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
No

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Farmhouse

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
Beautiful original rooms with high ceilings and some original features.

Hotel Deutscher Kaiser

Hotel in Nurnberg,

Germany

8.9

Excellent

From $152

$

Historic Hotel

Summary of reviews related to the 'Historic' categoryHotel Deutscher Kaiser is a beautiful historical property located in the heart of the old town. The hotel has a historical feel and is housed in a charming, antique building that exudes history from every corner. Its elegant, unique and stately atmosphere makes it a jewel with a view. The antique furniture and carpets on display across the property, as well as the old thick walls that hold the windows are evidence of the rich history of the hotel. Guests will be impressed by the original decoration and the historical feel of the place. The staff is friendly and welcoming, reflecting the charm and character of the historic building. The hotel is a museum displaying a particular ambiance of the late 19th century and the decorations aim to remind guests of the era gone by. The location is central and close to the main train station, making it easy for visitors to access the city's historical landmarks. Small touches such as the tables that are always covered with white sheets make the hotel more inviting and a small library serves as the breakfast room, reminding guests of the hotel's rich history. Overall, Hotel Deutscher Kaiser is an enjoyable and comfortable historic hotel that is perfect for a delightful visit to an interesting historic German city.
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Questionnaire

Year erected: 1889

What is the history of the property?
The former Hotel „Wentz“ had been bought by the Hotelier Paul Eisele in 1893 and is since property of the family Eisele- Mulzer. Today’s owner is the grand-grand niece of Paul Eisele, Nanà Marie-Luise Mulzer, and her son Axel Rötzer-Reil is currently managing the hotel.

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
The hotel had been build in historicism by Konradin Walther assisted by Peter Behrens, Germany’s most significant representative of Art Nouveau

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
Saint Lorenz Church, Klara Church, Nassauer Haus, city walls, Mauthalle, Katharinenkloster, etc.

Has restoration work taken place?
1989, and then from 2000 until today

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
Stairway, Madonna by Adam Kraft (1455-1509)

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
Famous and best-selling German author Karl May (in 1904), a variety of artists such as movie directors, actors, authors, musicians, pop groups ( e.g. Kraftwerk), and significant political figures such as the former federal president of Germany.

Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
16th EU-ASEAN Ministerial meeting, FilmFestival Germany-Turkey, International Human Rights FilmFestival.

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
The building Hotel Deutscher Kaiser is part of the nations heritage list and is protected by German law.

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Hotel

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
Hotel Deutscher Kaiser used to belong to masons, which is why it is named after the Bavarian emperor Louis IV (German: Ludwig; 1282 - 1347) who was King of the Romans from 1314, King of Italy from 1327, and Holy Roman Emperor from 1328.

No representatives of the third Reich have ever held speeches from the hotel’s balconies. Any information stating otherwise is incorrect.

Château La Thuilière

Bed & Breakfast in Saint-Front-de-Pradoux,

France

9.4

Excellent

From $194

$

Historic Bed & Breakfast Questionnaire

Year erected: 1889

What is the history of the property?
Construite par Mr Petit comme cadeau de mariage pour son epouse.

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
Style Tudor

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
Proche de St Emilion, Bergerac, Périgueux.

Has restoration work taken place?
Confort moderne dans une cadre au charme historique

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
Cheminées dans toutes le pièces. Vitraux. Passages secrets

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
Chefs étoilés. cousine de la Reine Elisabeth 2

Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
Concours hippique. Mariage.

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
non

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Castle

Hotel Nou Sant Antoni

Hotel in Ciutadella,

Spain

8.9

Excellent

From $86

$

Historic Hotel Questionnaire

Year erected: Medieval times

What is the history of the property?
It belonged to one of the noble families of Ciutadella de Menorca

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
1805

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
Yes, the Cathedral and other historical palaces

Has restoration work taken place?
Yes

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
The inner courtyard has its own history

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
Yes but out of privacy and respect, I can't comment on it

Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
Wedding of a noble family

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
Yes

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Palace

Casale Poggio del Tiglio

Country House in Viagrande,

Italy

7.9

Good

From $78

$

Historic Country House Questionnaire

Year erected: 1841

What is the history of the property?
antico casale proprietà dei baroni Fondacaro. Oggi dei principi di San Giuliano. dimora storica.

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
1800

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
no

Has restoration work taken place?
si nel 2012

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
si certo

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
Garibaldi

Mussolini

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
sovrintendenza ai Beni Culturali

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Mansion

Farmhouse

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
arredo in stile 800

Adlerhof

Bed & Breakfast in Salzburg,

Austria

7.9

Good

From $97

$

Historic Bed & Breakfast Questionnaire

Year erected: 1899/1900

What is the history of the property?
Major city growth and development of railroads made it necessary to expand the city of Salzburg by the end of 19th century. The former swamp-area outside the city walls was dried during that time, the train station of Salzburg was built and around it, a whole new quarter, all built in 1900 style, was developed. The Adlerhof is one of those buildings and - at least in Salzburg - a rare example of this building style.

During WWII the main train station was heavily bombed and altough the station itself was not destroyed, most buildings around it were. The Adlerhof building, miraculously was not harmed, so it stayed in the same style. The building hosted a cafe during the whole time of its existence, so what is now used as the breakfast room is the original 1900 cafe-location (very beautiful!)

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
Fin de siècle - 1899 / 1900

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
Near the Adlerhof is the main train station of Salzburg - which was also built by the end of 19th century by a scholar of Gustave Eiffel (it is a very beautiful example of 1900 train station architecture!). The historic city core of Salzburg (baroque style buildings) is just about 15 - 20 walking minutes away.

Has restoration work taken place?
Yes. Breakfast room (old 1900 café) was undergoing restauration works in 2020

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
Beautiful stucco works outside of the building and inside as well

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
no particular guests, but after WWII the former café in the site was said to be mainly used by the American G.I.s who were stationed in Salzburg to secure the area.

Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
no special events

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
it is landmark protected building (no changes of the facade and parts of the interior are allowed; demolition of the building is forbidden)

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Town House and Café

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
Our house is very different from the usual architecture and history, which made the rest of Salzburg so famous. Rather it is a part of modern Austrian history that is resembled here in our house - but the more ancient parts of Salzburg are just a short walk away ;)

Hotel Pałac Krotoszyce Basen&Spa

Hotel in Krotoszyce,

Poland

8.3

Very Good

From $67

$

Historic Hotel Questionnaire

Year erected: 1600

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Palace

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
The Palace in Krotoszyce is an estate from XVIIth century with farm buildings and historic park (6ha).

The palace is located in the Kaczawa Valley. A convenient location of the palace is our asset - a few kilometers from Legnica and A4 highway, near the expressway S3. In less than an hour you will safely and comfortably reach Wrocław. It is also close to the capitals of our neighbors - Prague and Berlin. We suggest visiting not well known but very calm and charming Kaczawa Foothills and Mountains.

The palace in Krotoszyce was built in 1600, probably by Hans Heinrich Sebladus, and served primarily as a defensive castle with a moat. After Sebaldus’ death subsequent owners repaired and altered the building until 1686, when Florian Gottlob von Thielau gave it the shape of neo-baroque palace. A date in heraldic cartouche above the entrance is the evidence of it. Despite the reconstruction in the mid-nineteenth century and the renovation in 1964, the palace hasn’t lost its shape.

Until 1949 the building was under Soviet administration. When they left, it passed into the hands of the Państwowe Gospodarstwo Rolne (State Agricultural Farm), and after its collapse it was taken over by the Agencja Własności Rolnych (Agricultural Property Agency), that was looking for an investor who would save the monument from falling into disrepair. The current investor, Przedsiębiorstwo Transportowo - Budowlane Sp. z o.o. (Transport and Construction Company LLC) from Złotoryja, carries out renovations of the palace, trying to restore its original appearance.

The hotel itself is situated in the original manor buildings of the Palace Krotoszyce, Parkowa St. 3. It’s a complex of banquet and conference facilities which offers 133 beds in nice and tastefully decorated rooms with a 3-star hotel standard. We offer 1, 2 and 3-person rooms.

L'Atelier di Pierflavio Gallina

Country House in La Morra,

Italy

9.2

Excellent

From $110

$

Historic Country House

The property is a 19th-century building, remodeled according to its original design.

Questionnaire

Year erected: 1850

What is the history of the property?
Nel 2000 Pierflavio e Giuliana Gallina hanno acquistato una grande casa della seconda metà del 1800, circondata da prati, noccioleti e vigne, a poca distanza da La Morra, una delle “capitali” del Barolo, nel cuore delle Langhe.

In un mare infinito di colline che, unite a quelle del Roero e del Monferrato, danno forma e vita a un territorio unico al mondo, entrato da poco a far parte del Patrimonio dell’Umanità dell’Unesco.

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
Seconda metà del 1800

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
No

Has restoration work taken place?
Nel 2005 hanno inaugurato, in una parte della dimora, un servizio di rooms and breakfast, riservando la parte alta dell’edificio all’Atelier dove Pierflavio realizza le sue opere artistiche che poi espone in molte città italiane e straniere.

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
No

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
Ospiti importanti che hanno soggiornato all'ATELIER:

- Giovanni CARANDENTE (per due volte Direttore della Biennale di Venezia)

- Alberto ANGELA e il suo staff della RAI (per le riprese della prima edizione di MERAVIGLIE)

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
No

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Mansion

Villa

Valerius Boutique Hotel

Hotel in Wormer,

Netherlands

8.8

Excellent

From $117

$

Historic Hotel

Built in 1905, this building was once a church as evident from its interior.

Questionnaire

Year erected: 1905

What is the history of the property?
De building started off as a church, then it became a discotheque in the 80s, in the 90 it turned in to snooker center and Sind July 2020 it became a Boutique Hotel.

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
Building is former church

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
no

Has restoration work taken place?
yes, it has been modernised on the inside

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
Yes, high orginal ceiling. Curch windows with stained glass

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
no

Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
no

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
no

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

church

St Margaret's Hotel

Bed & Breakfast in Oxford,

United Kingdom

8.4

Very Good

From $139

$

Historic Bed & Breakfast Questionnaire

What is the history of the property?
Between 1879 and 1886

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
Victorian Style Building

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
It is located opposite the main entrance to St Hugh's College, Oxford University.

Has restoration work taken place?
None that I am aware

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
In the main staircase, there is a stained glass window depicting small birds. The front door and porch have stained glass as well. Each room has sash windows, high ceilings and dado and picture rails.

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
None that are known

Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
None that are known

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
No

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Victorian Building

Antico Feudo San Giorgio

Farm Stay in Polizzi Generosa,

Italy

8.7

Very Good

From $96

$

Historic Farm Stay Questionnaire

Year erected: 1906

What is the history of the property?
Our ancestors bought the property and built the house, which was conceived as a farm place.

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
Our house has the shape of the typical Sicilian farm, with a very large courtyard and all around it all the stables and farm warehouses.

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
The property is completely immersed in the Sicilian countryside and it is surrounded by fields and trees.

Has restoration work taken place?
Before opening to the public it was necessary to restore all ancient spaces which were changed in guesthouses and common areas.

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
No, there aren't.

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
No, there aren't.

Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
No, there aren't.

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
No, it hasn't.

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Farmhouse

Residenza Napoleone III

Bed & Breakfast in Rome,

Italy

9.8

Excellent

From $896

$

Historic Bed & Breakfast Questionnaire

What is the history of the property?
The Residenza Napoleone III is located in the historical Palazzo Ruspoli. The Palazzo was bought in 1583, by Orazio Rucellai, a member of the noble Florentine family that had made Rome the center of its financial policies in the train of Cardinal Piero Rucellai, thanks to the two Medici popes, Leo X and Clement VII. In 1627, two years after his brother Luigi’s death, Ferdinando Rucellai sold the great mansion to the Caetani of Sermoneta for 51,500 florins.

This old family, which boasted prelates, men of arms, and diplomats among its members, In 1713 the nobility of the Palazzo was again enhanced when it was rented by the Ruspoli family, who were of Florentine origin but had been in Rome since the fourteenth century.

They were the marquises of Cerveteri, and, from 1709, princes, starting with Francesco Maria (1672-1731).

The Ruspoli were financially secure when they bought the property, concluding the sale in 1776 and starting improvements on it immediately thereafter.

It was with the Ruspoli family that the most refined and triumphant period of its history would take place. The palace still belongs to them.

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
XVI century

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
Yes, because the property is located in the historical centre of Rome.

Has restoration work taken place?
Yes

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
Painted ceilings

Marble busts

Colonnade

The main feature of the Ruspoli Palace was its great staircase.

Each of its four flights was made up of thirty monolithic marble steps that rose from the portico on the side facing Largo Goldoni.

It was popularly considered one of the “four marvels” of Rome, along with the Borghese Cembalo, the Farnese Dado, and the portal of the Sciarra Colonna.

It was built in 1640 by the Caetani family, the third owners of the building which at that time already had its own history.

The original structure dates back to 1556 when Francesco Iacobilli had it built on the area at the corner of Via del Corso, Via della Fontanella Borghese, Via del Leoncino and Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina.

The architect was probably Nanni di Baccio Bigio.

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
Napoleon III and his mother the Queen of Holland Hortense de Beaurnhais.

The musician Haendel.

Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
The property was mentioned in the novel "The Count of Montecristo" by Alexandre Dumas and by Goethe during his Italian journey.

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
Yes

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Palace

Cascades Gardens

Bed & Breakfast in Matlock,

United Kingdom

9.0

Excellent

From $176

$

Historic Bed & Breakfast Questionnaire

Year erected: 1800

What is the history of the property?
The Cascades was a corn mill from 1800 alongside a limestone quarry and lead mine. The Bonsall brook runs through the grounds and onto Arkwrights textile mill in Cromford (1769).

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
Rebuilt as a charming Victorian house in 1894 it is surrounded by Cascades Gardens a 4 acre garden that is now open to the public. Garden developed from a limestone quarry, cliff and woodlands, with mill pond, mill race and waterfalls from 1800

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
Bonsall village has two 17th century pubs and many old cottages including a Jacobean manor house.

Has restoration work taken place?
The Cascades and many building in the village have been restored in the last 25 years

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
servants quarters and old basement kitchens.

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
No

Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
No

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
No

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Corn Mill

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
The waterfalls in the winter are spectacular.

Garden development inspired by Japanese gardens in Kyoto.

Le Manoir de L'Étang

Hotel in Mougins,

France

8.5

Very Good

From $134

$

Historic Hotel Questionnaire

Year erected: 1870

What is the history of the property?
The Manor House was built by an English Lord in the late 19th century and restored in 1950 by a well known French architect, Maurice Gridaine, who made it into his secondary house for 50 years.

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
The Manor is a traditional Provencal Mas built in stone with terracotta roof tiles.

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
The Manor is situated in a 12 acre private park overlooking a lotus covered lake, the largest collection in Europe. The medieval village of Mougins is only a couple of kilometres away.

Has restoration work taken place?
Yes, in the 1950's and then again early 2000.

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
There is a blue painted ceiling in the reception.

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
As mentioned Maurice Gridaine was the owner for 40 years. He built the original Palais de Festival in Cannes. Over the years many film stars have passed through.

Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
Several French movies were filmed at le Manoir in the 1970's, including "Sans Mobile Apparent" with Jean Louis Trintignant.

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
The site is classified

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Mansion

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
The authenticity of the historical buildings has been maintained through several restorations. The gardens include hundreds of centenary trees, including a 500 year old Oak Tree.

Komiza Provita Guesthouse

Apartments in Komiza,

Croatia

9.0

Excellent

From $54

$

Historic Apartment Questionnaire

Year erected: 1800

What is the history of the property?
Originally our property used to be a family house of local fishermen, and in 2000 we bought the house, left the outer walls as they were, and the interior of the house was completely refurnished.

What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
The house is built in traditional way with stone walls.

Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
The property is located in an old town, surrounded by other old traditional stone houses.

Has restoration work taken place?
Ye, it has and it has been finished.

Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
No, there are not.

Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
No, there are not.

Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
No, there are not.

Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
Not at the moment.

Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:

Town house

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
3 story traditional stone house with roof top terrace and vicinity of the center, the main beach, local restaurants and bars and other amenities.

Historic Hotels in Europe