When you visit the theatre capital of the world you should aim to stay at a residence that aptly sets the stage for your time in Stratford upon Avon. Apartment 6 at Windsor Court will give you the kind of VIP accommodation befitting a star at one of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s productions.
Windsor Court offers a welcome luxury self-catering alternative to the usual hotel based holiday. The Windsor Court apartments make up the innards of a grand town house situated in an accessible location for exploring the city and once parked in the space provided with the apartment, you can access all the major sites by foot easily including the run of theatres nearby, without the need to drive again for the duration of your stay.
The experience of staying at this address is designed to reflect Stratford upon Avon’s theatrical heritage as it is adorned with props that would be at home in any star’s dressing room. A silver trumpet, a pair of Venetian masquerade eye masks and a top hat, for instance, sit on the fireplace mantelpiece in the spacious main reception. The walls of the hallway are covered with framed images of dramatic moments in local Shakespearian plays with stars you will recognize at first glance, and posters for plays such as Romeo and Juliet and King Lear.
The décor is bold but tasteful. There are giant vases sprouting enormous floral explosions of colour standing in some of the corners, and a proud stone bust of Apollo greets you on entry to the apartment. The apartment has been finished to a high quality and that much is instantly obvious on arrival but the mark of true quality is always seen in the finer detail. The towels for example are Egyptian cotton, the knives in the knife-rack are sharp, there’s a real sponge in the bathroom, and the toiletries are of a deluxe hotel standard – even the toilet seats have the luxury ‘soft’ lid close!
On your first glance at the modern fully fitted kitchen you will notice a nice personal touch from the owner of the apartment, a tray of complimentary high quality ‘farmhouse-style produce’. The gift of breakfast goodies includes muesli that is to die for, decantered milk and orange juice, croissants, fresh raspberries and other such treats. The champagne glasses and gleaming silver ice bucket are also ready when you decamp into the main living area on your first look-in, setting a decadent mood for your stay.
The layout of the flat has the entrance hallway directly facing two bedrooms, the main with a double bed and an en suite shower, and the second with two single beds (ideal for children – it comes complete with ‘home-from-home’ Ralf Lauren teddy bears). To the right as you enter, you have the main living / dining room, the kitchen and the bathroom. The main living space is entered via double doors, and has two comfy brown leather sofas with an array of plump cozy cushions to sink into during the evening. A large antique mirror gleams over the family sized dining table and against the wall is a sideboard for plates and table mats storage which has a large touch activated light perched on each end. Indeed, it is the state-of-the-art technology that is one of the big draws to this room, exemplified in the entertainment systems which could happily be labeled as ‘the ultimate’ gadgets.
First, there is the Sony widescreen TV and Blue ray player. The TV is set up through the internet to access not only the usual freeview TV channels but a host of films, including a library of classics found on the Love Film option. You can even access the CCTV outside the building and check on your car should you feel the need! Secondly, and this is the star of the apartment’s ‘extras’, is the expensive Sonos music system which inspires gadget envy in anyone who loves their music and doesn’t own one. With touch-screen technology, you can access albums and chart tunes from Napster and play them through the main room or the bedroom with the portable handheld control device. This one is a clear favourite for all iphone and ipad lovers and it is both easy and dazzling when you use it.
Apart from the clear comfort and quality of the apartment itself, you have the added benefit of being able to use the heated swimming pool and gym situated in the basement level of the building. You don’t have to leave the building itself to gain access as there is a lift on the first floor where you are situated that takes you directly down there. With all this included in your stay, it seems hard to imagine staying anywhere else if you are looking for a central venue!
In summary, Windsor Court provides you with a luxurious environment, whether you are a couple on a romantic break or a family wanting to stay away in comfort and style. It is thoroughly recommended as it gives you a flavour of the best of Stratford upon Avon before you even set foot outside the building.
