A dream trip for a dying U.S. Marine to England, Ireland, and Scotland.

A dream trip for a Firing Squad Leader

Today is a day for Flags, barbecue parties, friends, and giving thanks. I give thanks for becoming a citizen many years ago in the greatest country in the world, and my husband Roy gives thanks for being a member of the Los Altos Rotary Club who have been so good to him while he recovers from a long hospital stay, and for the work they have done for the Military Resource Center at Foothill College.

We have a dear friend who is in hospice battling cancer, retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt.George Masten in Stratham, New Hampshire. He lives alone, at 83, and is a fighter having served in both Korea and Vietnam wars. George has led the firing squad at American Legion Post 35’s Memorial Day for over 25 years and it is a blessing that people in that community are looking after him. I always tease him that my husband Roy , a retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel can only use his hat and sword, whereas George is a lean ,mean, fighting machine and can still get into his uniform. I can’t perform a miracle and bring him good health, but I can give him what I think would be a wonderful trip for him to dream about at three properties I think he would love. He would have a chauffeur driven car to take him from the airport to the hotel, and any sightseeing they suggest to him .

Each time we meet he teases me about my passion for outstanding, unusual properties around the world and since I am from Great Britain, of course I always have to talk about some of my favorites. At these three hotels he will find outstanding service, peace, beauty, comfortable accommodation, and wonderful food and drinks. When we meet, the two Marines chat about old times, but I always have to nip in the conversation now and then and tell him to browse our website – www.allhorizonstvl.com

Gravetye Manor, Sussex, England

Gravetye Manor is a seventeen room country house hotel set in 1000 acres of wooded parkland and gardens, just twelve miles from Gatwick Airport and thirty miles from Central London. It is a great start or finish to an extensive British tour. It is a 16th century Elizabethan Manor, and they have just been awarded a Michelin Star which is a great honor and the owner is tickled pink about this. Each suite and bedroom is named after tree species found on the estate. Fine antiques and furnishing and best of all, is the marvelous garden which I would love to have at my home in Los Altos. They grow all their own vegetables and fruit, and they don’t need a sprinkler system, they have an arrangement with God that a cloud drops rain twice a week at midnight so everything gets their faces washed and they get a drink. I’m dreaming…. www,gravetyemanor.co.uk

Cameron House, Loch Lomond, Scotland

This is a magnificent baronial mansion surrounded by 100 acres of woodlands on the banks of Loch Lomond, twenty minutes from Glasgow International Airport. It won the World’s Most Luxury Spa Award for 2016. You can golf at a smashing eighteen hole championship Carrick course nearby, fish in the loch, take a cruise on their own luxury motor cruiser, or take a seaplane right off the pontoon in front of the hotel. This is Scottish hospitality at its best, beautiful grounds, lovely views, and it has four wonderful dining options. The selection of wines and whiskies is outstanding. Go on our facebook page and see their video. www.cameronhouse.co.uk

Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, County Waterford, Ireland

This is seaside luxury in a traditional Irish fishing village close to Cork and Waterford on the southern coastline of Ireland. From your private balcony you can see the lobster pots and dolphins that play out on the water. The restaurant has won awards, and of course, the food is outstanding.

Each of the 39 sea view rooms and suites all overlook peaceful Ardmore Bay. They also have a cottage just steps from the hotel which can house up to six adults with additional space for children. They have a sister property in Dublin, the Cliff Town House. www.thecliffhousehotel.com

Three wonderful privately owned properties which are on my list of unusual, well managed, and offer an outstanding holiday location. Of course, our clients always get extra amenities which can amount to a considerable savings and a room upgrade, early check in and late check out and other extra are a blessing.

Today, the 4th July, my two favorite Marines cant have a martini because they are on medication, so I will toast them with a pot of tea.

My ailing U.S. Marine Corps friend can dream about being looked after in three places who would make him feel like he’s a General. Semper Fi.

Maureen Jones