Billesley Manor Lodge and Spa
Set in 11 acres of parkland, the stone facade at Billesley Manor dates again to the early seventeenth century, whereas the ornate topiary backyard was planted 130 years in the past and designed to copy a chess board. Positioned simply over three miles from Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, this historic property, lately revamped with a £5.6 million price range, is steeped in historical past and appeal! The lodge’s common supervisor Stephen Fearnley fills in all of the gaps.
After a uniquely difficult interval for the journey and hospitality business— why was 2020 the suitable time for an intensive £5.6 million refurbishment?The refurbishment was deliberate already, and with the world going into lockdown it appeared an applicable time to go forward with the renovations, making certain the least disturbance to our visitors. We ended up renovating greater than we first supposed and determined to overtake the kitchen too! After being closed for a while, we wished to welcome our visitors again with a “wow.”
The lodge is 125 years outdated—how have you ever balanced sustaining the originality and appeal of the decor whereas additionally modernizing the interiors? We had been aware of holding the unique appeal and options, similar to restoring the oak panelling and sustaining our 125-year-old topiary gardens, while bringing a twist of contemporary, particularly seen in Pratiksha Tayal’s artwork, hung all through the lodge.
Wooden-panelled restaurant
The lodge has a beautiful historical past with a number of illustrious visitors in its previous— are you able to share some insights into this? Over time, Billesley Manor has been the house and guesthouse to a number of influential and rich people and households, contributing to its grandeur. In line with legend, William Shakespeare wrote lots of his well-known literary works right here. He’s additionally rumoured to have married Anne Hathaway in All Saints Church, therefore our Shakespeare suite and our new library, named As You Like It. Elizabeth Nash, his granddaughter, adopted custom and married right here in 1646.
The “As You Like It” library
What would possibly shock somebody to find out about Warwickshire? Shakespeare apart, in case you’re a fan of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings books and The Hobbit, you’ll be accustomed to his use of the phrase “Shire” as a reference to “Center Earth.” However, do you know, he primarily based Center Earth on Warwickshire? Tolkien lived within the then Warwickshire village of Sarhole, and that is the place he drew inspiration for Hobbiton and the Shire. Even the mill featured in each books is considered primarily based on Sarehole Mill!
Inform us a bit of bit concerning the gardens and the challenges of sustaining them? Our topiary gardens are 125 years outdated and depict chess items from Alice in Wonderland. They supply {couples} the right backdrop to say “‘I Do,” after we host weddings. We’re lucky that our in-house gardener has been with us a number of years and maintains the gardens to the very best customary. Equally, our terrace gardens benefitted from extra flower beds and new backyard furnishings in 2021, making them the best retreat.
Outdated meets new at Billesley Manor
What makes an ideal English nation getaway? While England is famed for its stunning countryside with rolling hills, forests, and rivers; the charming countryside villages are at all times well-worth visiting. There may be a lot historical past in England with its outdated buildings, historic castles, and quaint church buildings. At Billesley Manor it begins from a heat welcome on arrival, wellingtons and strolling sticks for native walks, via to stunning bedrooms, cosy fires, and scrumptious dinners.
What are a few of the typical day journeys and itineraries you recommend to visitors?Billesley Manor is located within the coronary heart of rural Warwickshire, just a few miles from Stratford-upon-Avon and on the sting of the Cotswolds. Company can start the day with a hearty breakfast with us, adopted by a stroll alongside the River Avon to see the sights of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the famed boats, and Holy Trinity Church, the place William Shakespeare is buried. From there, we encourage visitors to take a journey to Broadway, the place they may discover charming shops and scenic walkways.
The lodge bar
What’s the signature dish of the Billesley and why? It’s so exhausting to decide on one, however our signature venison dish is a specific favorite, utilizing the very best of our native produce. We at all times like to make use of domestically sourced produce for our dishes, whether or not that’s foraging for wild garlic in spring to utilizing meadowsweet in desserts. We’re lucky sufficient to have a kitchen backyard throughout the grounds.
The beginning room value may be very affordable—how do you stability luxurious with accessibility? I really feel Billesley is really escapism for all.