Manor

I have recently obtained bottles of both the Eau de parfum & the parfum extrait of Manor, by Solstice Scents. Amazed by another devastatingly gorgeous & mysterious fragrance from this house! It smells of excessive wealth...like a millionaire.. Before I begin my review, I would like to preface it by stating that the above listed notes are not an accurate representation of this fragrance ...,and that there is much much more to it than those few notes. If the theme of this fragrance was to be an olfactory depiction of a Manor house, the Perfumer has been very successful in making that happen... The Wood accords used in this fragrance are outstanding and are very reminiscent of aged hardwood flooring, and well preserved luxurious wooden furniture upholstered with leather. One of the notes present, but not mentioned is leather, and it lends itself well to the overall appeal and theme of the scent. Another note present ,but not mentioned is the smoke note. It’s what gives this fragrance the real Manor house feel.....and I’m surprised Fragrantica missed that one. It’s a major part of the fragrance.. It’s *NOT* the ‘barbecue’ or ‘ashtray’ note in a lot of smoky fragrances....it’s a smooth, realistic smoke note. It’s that beautifully eerie smoke note that is somewhat of their signature. The Woody/Smoky/Vanilla accords amalgamate to a fantastic fragrance, but its mysterious-ness is pure sorcery. I have ordered and re-ordered this fragrance because I enjoy it so very much..and will continue to for as long as it’s available! THE VERDICT: MASTERPIECE!

Comforting and regal. This isn't a haunted, dilapidated manor - this is a royal palace. Upon first application I get a lot of woods, then it nestles down gradually into a musky and sophisticated vanilla. The dry down reminds me a LOT of the signature base of a certain historic French perfume line starting with a G. It lasts for ages on me, and I do keep wanting to smell my wrist. As comforting as it is though, I usually like a more challenging and distinct perfume. This isn't as atmospheric as Solstice Scents usually tend to be, but if you're looking for an incredibly long-wearing, unisex, warm scent that everyone in the office will like, this is a solid choice. *Edit*: I sure wish Manor Fire was listed on Fragrantica, cause that one to me adds just enough to Manor with its smoky, resinous notes that it puts Manor Fire into "must have" territory. It's stronger and more unique, so if you like Manor but find it a bit 'safe', go for Manor Fire.

I discovered Solstice Scents in fall of last year. Manor was one of the first samples I received. Honestly, I was not feeling it at first. But I found myself trying it a few days in a row. It was the dry down that got me. I was coming home from work trying to figure out what I had gotten into that smelled so good on me. It was Manor that I forgot I was wearing. The dry down actually reminds me of Wonderoud by CDG. It starts with a mustiness. Almost unsettling, as if you barged into an abandoned house not knowing what to expect. The comforting vanilla then lures you in even further. The oud and sandalwood show up making it more intriguing. I get an almost berry or fruity undertone as well. I first used this in fall and winter and thought it would only do well in the cold months. I wore it last week when it was in the mid 80s and it was just as great. Never became cloying or overwhelming. Super easy to wear anytime.

Manor has that distinctive "homemade" smell that all SS scents have (at least all the ones I've tried). I don't actually think that is a bad thing. I've enjoyed a few others (Chiffon and Astral Temple) and very much not enjoyed others. Manor, like Astral Temple, is incense-y and deep. The difference between the two for me is the vanilla and the comfort aspect of the dry down that I love. Manor reminds me of a new age bookshop in my hometown in the 90s - incense cones and "musk" and "amber" oils and old books along with that musty smell of pot? Mold? I'm not sure. But Manor is a more elevated scent with a nicer vibe. The oud is soft. The vanilla is faint and warm. Lovely!

A gorgeous woodsy, dark vanilla scent with just the right touch of smoke and sweetness. This fragrance is truly unisex; I can see it being attractive on anyone. It's perfect for cool fall weather, and I personally don't think I would wear it during the warmer months. For me, this scent brings to mind old books and libraries, which I absolutely adore. I was a bit nervous for the "dust" mentioned in the scent description, but ultimately don't find the scent to be excessively dusty or dry. I might need to splurge for a full bottle!