If every time you leave for a vacation you are worried about your ability to communicate with locals, or if you are thinking about the future of your children and strongly believe that knowing one of the most spoken languages in the world is among the priorities of the new generation, Belair Cottages will open the door to a new culture, and to a different way of learning … while on holiday!
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Belair Cottages in Dulwich
Belair Cottages is the residence of Joan and Trevor McClymont, their three teenage children and a lovely dog named Cookie. Joan is a qualified English teacher who is passionate about art, literature, sports and nature. For many years now, she has opened the doors of her elegant house in Dulwich to those willing to gain an understanding of English language and culture. A wing of the house has been kept independent from the main block, just for Joan’s guests. This space flows gently with the original late eighteenth-century design of the house. Belair Cottages overlooks Belair Park and the nearby Belair House, a Georgian mansion built in 1785 following the Palladian style, which was very fashionable at the time. Joan’s current residence was once the stable of the noble Belair House; there is an ancient water pump in the courtyard that testifies to the previous role of the accommodation. Going through a series of arches, you enter an open space that is often visually connected to the external landscape.The brightness of the rooms and a wide glass wall welcomes visitors into a modern and homey environment. A large kitchen is the heart of the house, and you can relax in the living room or enjoy a spacious dining room. This is the social area of the house; a tennis table will encourage you to have a go, but do not forget that you are in London to learn English! A unique glass corridor that embraces the courtyard leads to two cosy double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. On the other side of the courtyard there is a self-contained studio flat for an even more private stay, with the bathroom and kitchenette occupying a corner of the large room. The studio flat may easily accommodate three people. Prices vary depending on which room you choose.
With your family, friends, lover or on your own
If you are planning to go to London to visit Europe’s largest city and learn English at the same time, the Belair Cottages is a perfect accommodation. The Belair Cottages is suitable for a family, friends, partner, or solo trip, just take the time to decide and choose the best option for you. Joan offers – not included in the accommodation price – one-on-one English lessons and guided tours of London’s landmarks at the guests’ request. But if your cultural holiday is not enough, there are many other activities that Joan will advise you to try, such as horse riding, jogging, boxing, golf, cricket and tennis, all possible within a short distance from the house. Why not try a flower arranging hands-on course, a visit to Covent Garden flower market and local English gardens to learn the names of British flowers and improve your practical skills. Who said that a cultural journey cannot also be fun?
Dulwich and surroundings
Dulwich is an area in southern London just 12 minutes by train from London Victoria Station, and 40 minutes to Gatwick Airport. The nearest train station to Belair Cottages is West Dulwich. Joan’s house is located a short distance from Dulwich Village, an area with bars and ethnic restaurants. A dinner at Rocca Restaurant is a must if you like Italian food, but if your cultural immersion also includes the culinary arts, The Crown and Greyhound Pub serves delicious British dishes. Dulwich Park and Dulwich Picture Gallery – the oldest public art gallery in England – are two destinations not to be missed.
Fully immersed in British culture
If you think that learning while having fun is possible, and if you believe that the right approach to languages is getting in touch with the culture of a place, your stay at Belair Cottages will not simply be a new experience to add to your list, but a journey that will enrich your cultural knowledge for life.
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