A taste of the high life

LAUREN TAYLOR SEEKS OUT REGENCY-INSPIRED STAYS TO CELEBRATE BRIDGERTON SERIES FOUR ON NETFLIX THIS MONTH

- LAUREN TAYLOR

WITH three smash-hit seasons of the Regency-era drama Bridgerton under its belt, Netflix will release the fourth on January 29.

The show - based on books by Julia Quinn - tells the stories of the eight Bridgerton siblings as they search for love in London's high society during the early 1800s, while an anonymous gossip columnist narrates their every move.

With Lady Whistledown finally unveiled, the new season focuses on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and his romance with Miss Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), a twist on the classic fairy-tale Cinderella.

The members of “the Ton” dance in grand ballrooms, promenade in manicured gardens and host tea in the most elegant of homes. So, if you want to embrace your inner Lady Danbury or Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, check out these exclusive stays.

Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire

Travelling down the grand tree-clad driveway to approach Glenapp Castle, you'll feel like you could easily be in stepping back in time to the 1880s Bridgerton era.

Built in 1870 - later in the century than the Bridgerton books and series are set, yet with all the Regency charm - it was a home for several high-society owners before being restored to its former glory in 1994 by hoteliers.

Now a 21-bedroom five-star Relais & Chateaux hotel, it’s hidden in a 110-acre private estate along the dramatic Firth of Clyde - and, if you really want to live like the Ton, it’s home to Scotland’s largest castle penthouse suite.

There’s a real sense of grandeur and a bygone era here with manicured gardens and glasshouses perfect for promenading in your finest attire, or put on your country gear and take to the Unesco biosphere of the remote surrounding area.