We love our connection to Harry Gordon Selfridge, founder of the world famous London department store. He rented Highcliffe Castle from the Stuart Wortley family from 1916 to 1922 for a pricey sum of £5000 per annum (that’s roughly equivalent to £56,000 today).
We have embraced his story and inspiration to bring you our best suggestions on how to shop like Selfridge this Christmas.
Although only a tenant, Selfridge enjoyed refurbishing the Castle’s interior with new modern kitchens and bathrooms. Update your own bathroom with our beach themed accessories and we have high quality toiletries for everyone, including with Kath Kidtson, Bronnley and Morris & Co.
Selfridge had planned to build a 250 room house at Hengistbury Head. You can admire the coast of Hengistbuty Head and the beach huts of Mudeford Spit through our Julia Davey porcelain wear including egg cups, milk jugs and sugar bowls.
Enjoy a delicious local treat, like the Selfridges would have enjoyed in Highcliffe Castle’s Drawing Room, by exploring our delicious Dorset Tea varieties, tasty Moores biscuits, sweet local honey and fresh jams and chutneys to accompany.
Feel like a Selfridge lady with our beautiful high quality accessories, including locally made hypoallergenic jewellery and soft, uniquely designed scarfs.
Scribe a telegraph home with our delightful writing set and stationery selection and write like a Selfridge by taking the time to create something memorable for a loved one this Christmas.
Whilst the Selfridges stayed at Highcliffe Castle, its grounds were used during the First World War for Mrs Gordon Selfridge Convalescent Camp for American Soldiers. The grounds are still an inspiring place to be today, and we have a range of literature focusing on mindfulness, the gardens and children’s trails which can help you explore the local area, alongside our LoveHighcliffe range.
Don’t forget to visit Harry Gordon Selfridge’s grave whilst you visit the gardens and our gift shop. His grave can be found within the grounds of St Mark’s Church, found opposite The Lord Bute Hotel.
Perhaps you just want to capture the image of Highcliffe Castle in all its grandeur this Christmas? We have real gold leaf baubles which can decorate any beloved Christmas tree, bespoke Highcliffe Castle Christmas cards to send to those you love and smooth luxurious Highcliffe Castle chocolates as a little treat for yourself.
Too much to choose from? You can share a gift voucher, to allow your loved ones the opportunity to shop like Selfridge himself and browse our full collection in our onsite gift shop. Gift vouchers can be used towards retail, admission and membership. They last 24 months, so plenty of time to peruse our full offer. If you would like any more information, please get in touch.
