In the early 17th century, the counties which surrounded London had become increasingly popular with the noble families and Royal courtiers as they offered the space and setting in which grand estates could be built and still be within a day’s riding of the city. These grand estates provided wealthy families with the setting in which to impress guests and host many parties and weekends in which they entertained visitors regularly. One of these estates was Houghton House. Today it is a ruined mansion owned by the National Trust however in its heyday it was a grand and imposing bui;ding with far reaching views across the Bedfordshire landscape.
Built in 1615, the estate was granted to the Dowager Countess of Pembroke by King James I. The countess was a royal courtier who had served under King James as a writer, translator and literary patron. The house is built in a mix of classical and Jacobean style with the most likely architects of the day being John Thorpe and Inigo Jones. King James himself was said to have visited the countess soon after the house was completed although she did not get much of an opportunity to enjoy it as she dies of smallpox later that same year. The ownership of the house was reverted back to the King in 1627 who then granted the estate to the 1st Earl of Elgin, who, after 3 generations of living in it, sold it to the Duke of Bedford, owner of Woburn Abbey in 1738. The Duke of Bedford’s grandson considered the house to be a liability and ordered it to be dismantled in 1794. The interior finished and the roof were ripped out and sold as building material and the internal main staircase was sold to the Swan hotel in Bedford. Visitors can still see the original staircase today which is in much better condition than the house from which it came as this began its decay after the Duke died in 1802.
Lots of our clients at Intimate Massage visit and even stay in The Swan when they visit Bedford. Our clients tend to visit us as we are an outcall escort agency and our Bedford escorts do not visit the clients who are staying at the hotel. The hotel is set in a beautiful 18th century building which overlooks the River Ouse in the Bedford town centre. It is without question the most beautiful and luxurious hotel to stay in if you are in the area and if offers luxury spa treatments in its purpose built spa and wellness rooms.
Many people who visit Bedford stay in the town centre as it offers the best access to all the amazing local countryside. The Chiltern Hills, Greensand Ridge and Marston Vale are all popular locations in which visitors choose to go and the hotel offers a comfortable, luxurious and modern base from which to enjoy these excursions. As well as being centrally located within the main town centre, its position alongside the waters edge means that it is well placed to offer some unique dining experiences. The Bedford River festival is one in which guests can soak up the lively atmosphere in the summer and the sunset cruises on the Ouse offer an intimate and enjoyable dinner whilst cruising leisurely along the river. Diners can enjoy champagne and canapes whilst on board to be followed by a sumptuous dinner back at the hotel. Packages are offered where guests can also book a room for an overnight stay and once you have enjoyed your dinner then a visit to our Bedford venue would finish the evening off perfectly.