Showing posts with label Sitio Litre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sitio Litre. Show all posts

Saturday, January 15, 2011

TEA and HISTORY

Actually, it was history first and tea later when Derek Winterbottom's new book,
 "TENERIFE An English History" was presented to an appreciative audience of over eighty guests in the gardens of Sitio Litre in Puerto de la Cruz last Wednesday, January 12, 2011.



Derek, an historian and author of some twenty publications has now written a comprehensive history of the island as it has been recorded in the English language.

 Derek Winterbottom

After guests were seated in the garden,  John Lucas and Ken Fisher began by introducing the author, who then took the microphone to tell us about his new book.

 The weather was fair and sunny. 
There were ladies wearing summery straw hats, and men in Panamas. 



Peter, a friend of the author

Tea and coffee were served with sandwiches and cakes after the presentation. 


Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves at the event and it was pleasant to stroll around the garden afterward to admire the orchids and other exotic plants.

Unlike many other publications in English about Tenerife, Derek's book takes one in a very readable manner through the island's history and development from the early volcanic beginnings,  the Guanche era, the Spanish conquest, the arrival of foreign visitors and settlers,  the growth of agriculture and trade,  up to events of recent years.

With a detailed index of local names and places, and with photos in both colour and black and white, "TENERIFE An English History"  will serve as an invaluable introduction to the island's history for those English-speaking residents or visitors who would like to improve their knowledge of Tenerife's interesting past.


Derek Winterbottom

Derek Winterbottom resides on the Isle of Man and spends winters on Tenerife. 

His book is available through the English Library in Puerto de la Cruz and costs twelve Euros.

Slideshow of Derek Winterbottom's book launch in the gardens of Sitio Litre.

Have a lovely weekend! Thanks for dropping by and hasta la vista!



Friday, August 21, 2009

58 ~ The Orchid Garden

sitio litre entrance(click to enlarge)
The garden at Sitio Litre in Puerto de la Cruz, built in 1730, is one of the oldest gardens on the island of Tenerife. The privately owned estate is known for its collection of tropical and subtropical plants as well as a famous orchid garden which is open to the public.

entrance garden
near koi pool
koi pond Once a monastery, the estate was purchased by an Englishman, Mr. Archibald Little, who lived in the villa with his family. It became know at that time as 'Little's Place' which in Spanish evolved into 'Sitio Litre'.

villaMr. Little reformed the villa and garden, turning it into a guest house with beautiful surrounding gardens.

pampas grass
humboldt garden Alexander Von Humboldt bonsai garden

It was sold in later years and the present owner, who purchased it in 1996, opened the gardens to the public.

the aviary The Aviary

the orchid bower The Orchid Bower

orchids 1
orchids 2
orchids 3The garden contains one of the oldest dragon trees in Puerto de la Cruz and the orchid garden with the largest collection on the island.

white orchid
fountain long view
plumeria alba Frangipani (Plumeria Alba)

fountain closeAmong the well-known people who stayed at Sitio Litre when it was a guest house are Alexander von Humboldt, Oscar Wilde, Marianne North and Agatha Christie with her daughter Rosalind.

garden steps
estate patio It was here that Agatha Christie was inspired to write 'The Mysterious Mr. Quinn'.

luncheon A luncheon for the charity group 'Friends of Tenerife' held amidst beautiful surroundings at the outdoor cafe in The Orchid Garden.

garden gateThe garden has a Koi pond, a small gift shop and a charming outdoor cafe.

Open from 9:30 to 6 pm daily.
Telephone 922 38 24 17
Calle Sitio Litre s/n, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife.

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