by James Balston | Sep 27, 2012 | Architecture, Bathrooms, Bedrooms, Hotels
Birmingham was looking rather more like Barcelona when I last visited on a glorious day in May. With an array of impressive new buildings, the city is at last beginning to shed its former grotty image, and to compete with other exciting European destinations. However,... 
by James Balston | Mar 20, 2012 | Homes
Should you happen to be a guest at this house in Holland Park, you will no doubt have been tempted to use the wonderful pool featured in Part 1. You should take into account however that while the pool is on the bottom floor, the guest bedrooms are on the top, and it... 
by James Balston | Sep 5, 2011 | Bathrooms, Bedrooms, Hotels
The gradual refurbishment at Whatley Manor Hotel continues, albeit slowly. It’s a tricky dilemma for a successful hotel. Naturally you want the rooms to look their best, but then the lost revenue and disruption have to be considered. Is it better to close... 
by James Balston | Mar 16, 2011 | Hotels
I first visited Whatley Manor on the edge of the Cotswolds, 7 or 8 years ago, on behalf of Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine. I have a lot to be thankful to that publication for, as it helped me gain access to several high profile hotels and restaurants such as... 
by James Balston | Feb 11, 2011 | Apartments, Uncategorized
I could feel her piercing stare from across the room. Surely it wasn’t her? What was she doing in the apartment I was photographing? Elizabeth Taylor, and not just any old Liz but one of Andy Warhol’s famous screenprints no less. She was the focal point of...