The following are excerpts from "Little Venice, London" by Robert Tyler.

"Little Venice is a place that people think they have heard of but can't quite place on the map of London.  In its brief history this part of Maida Vale has not always been highly sought after as it is now.  Unpromisingly occupying an area to the west of the Edgware Road and north of the A40 (just before it hits the traffic lights of Euston Road), the entire district was built between 1810 and 1870 and was the haunt of artists, writers, prostitutes, scientists and London commuters.  The second oldest profession has now moved to other pastures but today's occupants are a polygot and diversely talented community enjoying a quiet proximity to the bustling life of London's West End, a mere mile to the south.  The essential joy and charm of Little Venice lies in its canal waterway base and in the white stucco five-and six-story houses that border its broad tree-lined streets."

"One of the joys of living in Little Venice is the sight of the early morning sunlight in spring or early summer catching the top floors of the white stucco terraced houses that line the main road and crescents.  The London plane trees that border the wide streets make a soft light filter, casting gentle shadows on the first floor balconies.  The banks of white houses are reminiscent of Mediterranean seaside villas - a perfect background of colorful flowers and exotic garden plants."

Below is a copy of a famous painting by Sandra Fisher, "Little Venice" "Lazy days, by Tube"

"Originally two semidetached houses built around 1865, and for a time serving as a 'house of ill repute', the Colonnade, then known as the Esplanade, became a hospital at the turn of the century.  Alan Turing, the 'Enigma' code breaker of World War II, was born there in 1912.  The site became a Hotel in the 1920's.  The father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, stayed there in 1938 and a suite was especially prepared in 1962 for a visit of US President John F Kennedy, now called the JFK suite.   Completely refurbished in 1999, the hotel and its 43 bedrooms provide the ambience of quiet country house comfort a stone's throw from central London."

    Sigmund Freud arriving at the Esplanade Hotel in June 1938.

"Little Venice, London's best-kept secret"

"Few parts of London offer such a combination of romantic ambience and active entertainment as does Little Venice.  Over the next five years or so there is to be further major canalside development just outside Little Venice to the south within the Paddington Basin, which will add to the attraction of the area."

"For now, a stroll through Little Venice on a sunny afternoon remains an essential pleasure for resident and visitor alike.  The calm of the canal offers Londoners a refreshing break from stifling offices.  Visitors will be amazed and delighted by the elegance of the formal architecture, the lush abundance of soft greenery in trees and gardens and the vibrant cafe life nestling so close to the heart of the West End."

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For more information or to schedule your stay please contact:
Small & Elegant Hotels, International
9425 Whispering Sands
West Olive, MI 49460 - USA
TEL: (616) 844-6000 / FAX: (616) 844-6042
E-Mail: res@smallandeleganthotels.com

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