BOWLING GREEN, KY (1/12/12) – In 2007, the first cohort of Western Kentucky University students traveled to Harlaxton College in Grantham, England, as part of WKU’s partnership with the University of Evansville to create “WKU in England.” Since that time, 185 Honors scholars have flocked to the 153-room Victorian manor house to study English history and culture, and other subjects, while traveling to multiple countries in the span of one semester.
Now, WKU faculty members have the opportunity to rent a private residence at Harlaxton College while writing, researching, or simply relaxing in England.
Situated amid picturesque poppy and wheat fields, the Anthony Salvin Gatehouse greets visitors just before arriving at Harlaxton Manor. WKU rents this completely refurbished and modernized “miniature castle,” which was built in 1835, so faculty can take advantage of Harlaxton’s beautiful scenery and central location during a sabbatical or shorter visit. Gatehouse residents enjoy a private bedroom, full bath, kitchen, laundry room, sitting room and wireless Internet, as well as incomparable views of Harlaxton manor and the English countryside.
Dr. Ed Yager, professor of Political Science at WKU, has been residing at the Gatehouse while commuting to and working at the London School of Economics and Political Science while on sabbatical. He and his wife have been calling the Gatehouse “home” since August 2011. Dr. Yager is using Harlaxton’s convenient proximity to London while pursuing an additional graduate degree and gathering research for future publications.
“There is tremendous natural beauty surrounding the Gatehouse, and it provides a quiet, peaceful environment for long periods of thinking, reading and writing,” Dr. Yager said. “I truly believe that my experience here will be a transformative one to myself and my work in many ways.”
Faculty residents of the Gatehouse can fully participate in the life of Harlaxton College. This includes access to Harlaxton’s library and the Sports Hall fitness center, participation in College special activities, dining options at the College Refectory, and distinction as a Research Fellow of Harlaxton College.
Dr. Clay Motley, associate director of the Honors College at WKU, oversees the rental process for the Gatehouse and has taught frequently at Harlaxton College.
“This setting provides the ideal respite while researching, studying and rejuvenating,” Dr. Motley said. “However, should a resident want to explore beyond Harlaxton, all of England is train ride away from the ancient market town of Grantham, and of course the resources of Europe are a relatively short trip away.”
Dr. Yager said the arrangements are “absolutely ideal” for scholarly work.
“I knew from my research that I would be able to do most of my work right out of the Gatehouse, which has proven to be the case since my wife and I arrived,” he said. “The Gatehouse, for me, as well as any future scholars visiting from WKU, is a perfect living and working environment.”
The Gatehouse rent is priced very reasonably compared to other locations with similar amenities. Residents have the option of leasing the apartment for a duration of a couple days up to one year, accommodating whatever time needs a faculty member may require before traveling back to the United States.
“I will return to my work at WKU with a greater depth of commitment to and understanding of my teaching and research interests,” Dr. Yager said. “Future scholars living and working at the Gatehouse would, I think, have a similar experience.”
SurfKY News
Information provided by Western Kentucky University
Copyright © 2012 SurfKY News Group, Inc. all rights reserved. SurfKY.com is an eNewspaper providing local news FREE to Kentucky 24/7. Read Statewide Kentucky News, Sports, Obituaries and more for Kentucky covering: Calloway, Christian, Daviess, Henderson, Hopkins, McCracken, Muhlenberg, Warren, and Webster Counties as well as the Kentucky Lakes Area.
