The Volvo C70 Convertible Experience

Recently I was asked, “What is the discerning woman driver looking for in a convertible?” 

From a woman’s point of view head turning style and sleek lines are the first essentials. Followed by a luxurious leather interior designed for ultimate comfort. Lots of easy to use gadgets including Blue Tooth; built-in Sat Nav; a terrific sound system; USB connection for iPod; four comfortable seats, heated of course; air con and a spacious trunk for the designer shopping bags.  Plus, to make life especially easy, a hard top that retracts in 30 seconds at the push of a button and disappears into the trunk. 

Enter the Volvo C70 Convertible. 


The gleaming silver number I had the opportunity to drive and review matched all of my wish list in looks, and more because it is an absolute dream to drive. Quick acceleration; easy to handle, it glides; great to park - there’s a reverse warning alarm; 6 gears but there is a choice of manual or automatic; everything is within easy reach including neat control buttons on the steering wheel; plenty of leg room both front and back, and a high class sound system that performs perfectly whether the top is up or down.

No need to be concerned about the safety features when the roof is down. It has a semi-rigid inflatable curtain to protect passengers if in a collision with the roof down, and pop-up rollover protection bars. 

The Volvo C70 Convertible is not only a convertible, but a stunning coupé  to boot.

I was totally seduced by this car.

A little confession though . . . there are a lot of gadgets in this car and what did I do?

I got my buttons confused and pressed the button for the heated seats

 instead of the button for the air con! 

All-in-all luxurious motoring at its best. www.volvo.com

The Life of Luxury

Ellen Dean Recommended

Swinton Park Hotel, Masham, North Yorkshire

We enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea beside a lovely roaring log fire.



Relaxing with a copy of Country Life magazine.



The luxurious drawing room at Swinton Park Hotel www.swintonpark.com
A luxury castle hotel set in 200 acres of landscaped parkland in the Yorkshire Dales.

The castle dates from the late 1600's, with subsequent alterations by the Danby and Clunliffe-Lister families, combining both Regency and Victorian Gothic style and architecture.
Lavishly furnished with family portraits and antiques, the hotel combines all the traditional warmth and hospitality of a stately home with every creature comfort that a contemporary hotel could provide.

The drawing room, sitting room and morning room are all graciously furnished and offer guests many a quiet moment to absorb the timeless elegance of an English country house.




Our personal member of staff Csaba Nagy looked after us extremely well.



The beautiful Bergstein Piano.
No, I didn't tickle the ivories, but I was tempted :-)