There is a fablelike power and a sensuous, seductive rhythm about the narratives as Lord unfurls them, a quality almost of mythmaking that can feel a little old-fashioned, but beautifully old-fashioned.
There are 11 rooms here, one with a four-poster (doubles from £99 B&B), or book at Wood House (doubles from £110 B&B), which has an equally privileged location overlooking the southern end of Crummock Water, two beautifully old-fashioned guestrooms and a drawing room full of Victorian lakeland paintings and prints.
Though the Huracan is laden with ultralight carbon fiber modernities, it achieves its performance specs in a beautifully old-fashioned way.
"William sings so beautifully," the old woman said.
Most historic sites are situated in the beautifully preserved old town – a jumble of medieval and Renaissance buildings on the east bank of the Daugava river.
The first thing that strikes a visitor is its immaculate grounds and impressive architecture, which blends a beautifully converted old manor house with three eco-build residential lodges.
The A63 is congested and noisy and bars the way to the marina, with its pleasure crafts and the beautifully regenerated old Fruit Market.
115 Charterhouse Street, Clerkenwell, EC1M 6AA 020 7250 1300 Tube: Farringdon Gastro pub and dining A beautifully renovated old tavern has been restored for the 21st century in Smithfield Market.
Next I'd walk up City Road to two art galleries: the Parasol Unit (parasol-unit.org) and Victoria Miro, (victoria-miro.com) both in beautifully converted old buildings on Wharf Road.
Chris Gayle, the most prolific hitter of sixes cricket has seen, would have done so whatever bat he used, just as the best golfers today would play beautifully with old clubs.
