Stanlake Park Wine Estate invites visitors to discover good wine and the good life GROHE is part of its recipe for success
Located in Twyford in the county of Berkshire to the west of London, Stanlake Park has emerged as one of the country’s largest wine makers, with up to 100 tons of grapes being harvested each year from approximately 10,000 vines. Stanlake Park grows the greatest number of grape varieties in England and numerous awards have been bestowed on the red and white wines produced. Set in beautiful scenery amidst an extensive park, the estate dates back to the 12th century. The first timber framed house built on the site was replaced by the present manor in the 17th century. Apart from the breathtaking scenery, the wine estate offers its visitors a range of wine tasting experiences. A refurbishment in 2011 included the installation of high-end GROHE water fittings.
Welcome to the “Best of British”
Stanlake Park’s Elizabethan architecture blends gothic and renaissance elements with hints of Tudor style. Characteristic features include the numerous pointed windows and oriels which give the manor an almost churchlike or even cathedral feel. It was during the Tudor period in the 16th century that the estate became known as Stanlake Park. During the following centuries it served as a country residence for a succession of barons, earls and wealthy families. Its rise to prominence as Berkshire’s biggest vineyard open to the public began in 1979 when Jon Leighton had the vision to create the Thames Valley Vineyards and started by planting some 500 vines. Today the Cellar shop is open to the public seven days a week and has emerged as a popular destination for wine tastings.
Modern comfort and sustainable solutions in the kitchen
Pure enjoyment and the highest standards of quality these are also the hallmarks of the interior fittings at the Stanlake Manor House. The English oak kitchen furniture is complemented by the innovative GROHE Blue® and GROHE Red® water systems. GROHE Blue® converts kitchen taps into in-house water springs. A filter cartridge installed below the sink reduces the hardness of the tap water and refines its taste. The result is pure, fresh and chilled table water which is available at any time perfect for serving in the exclusive GROHE carafe during wine tastings. Moreover, GROHE Blue® offers a choice between still and sparkling water as well as a medium setting for lightly carbonated water. This way, GROHE Blue® avoids the need for regular deliveries of heavy crates and bottles, helping to conserve resources and saving money on a day-to-day basis. Because of its ease of use GROHE Blue® is also installed in the Cellar shop where customers can cleanse their palate in between wine tastings.
For even greater convenience, the kitchen at Stanlake Park was also fitted with a modern solution for boiling hot water straight from the tap. GROHE Red® supplies boiling water instantly at a twist of the wrist. Depending on the model chosen, up to eight litres of boiling water can be supplied in one go, allowing to brew individual cups of tea as easily as preparing quick dishes for several people.
The high-quality kitchen appointments are completed by the K7 kitchen faucet from GROHE. With its tall silhouette arching over the sink, it is perfect for open-plan kitchens and free-standing cooking islands. GROHE has designed this attractive line of fittings for heavy-duty use. The professional spray swivels 360 degrees for maximum flexibility and offers a large radius of operation in all kinds of kitchen chores. The lever of the K7 professional single-lever mixer turns 30 percent to the back and 70 percent to the front. An ergonomically placed toggle allows switching between the wide spray and the regular flow. SpeedClean technology protects the mousseur and the spray nozzles against lime deposits. While GROHE SilkMove® facilitates accurate control of both water temperature and water volume, GROHE StarLight® gives the chrome surface excellent resistance against scratching and tarnishing.
Overall, the juxtaposition of highly contemporary and innovative GROHE faucets in a context which is both historic and rural makes for a visually appealing yet highly practical result.