Following a major £5.6m refurbishment, one of Warwickshire’s most historic hotels is set to reopen its doors today.
Billesley Manor, a stunning 16th century manor house hotel located just 3 miles from Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon, has undergone a stylish makeover following a substantial investment towards extensive and careful renovations during lockdown.
The hotel, which has been temporarily closed since March in line with government directives around coronavirus, has used the opportunity to push ahead with an extensive £5.6m refurbishment programme designed to enhance the luxury reputation of the former Elizabethan home’s hospitality offering.
The incredible transformation has included upgrades to several of the hotel's public spaces including the reception area, the Great Hall and its gallery, and the Stuart Restaurant.
One of the most striking changes has been to the library, which has been renamed the ‘As You Like It Lounge’ and features an extraordinary ceiling of floating books; a nod to Shakespeare who is believed to have written the famous comedy there.
Throughout the refurbishment, the hotel's famed floor-to-ceiling oak wood panelling has been enhanced with a rich colour palette of blues and golds creating a calming ambience that enhances the hotel’s market proposition of being a relaxed, luxury destination.
Plush, velvet furniture has been added throughout the property creating a sense of opulence and drama, whilst artwork by Pratiksha Tayal brings a contemporary twist to the traditional paintings and tapestries that previously adorned the walls. Grand chandeliers and open fireplaces ensure Billesley Manor retains its character and its reputation as one of the area's most romantic hotels.
What’s more, a majority of the hotel’s 71 bedrooms have been completely updated for understated comfort and luxury. Four poster beds, period fireplaces and contemporary fabrics ensure a charming blend of traditional and modern, with guests also benefiting from all of the high-tech amenities that a 21st century traveller needs.
As well as changes to the hotel's internal spaces, there has also been new crafted landscaping to its vast grounds, which feature an 11th century church and an ornate topiary garden planted 120 years ago to replicate a chess board.
Stephen Fearnley, General Manager at Billesley Manor, said, “The unprecedented closure of the hotel has of course been both challenging and disappointing - especially for our guests. However, we’ve remained positive by channelling our energy into our refurbishment programme, using this period as a time for transformation and improvement so that guests will have an even more enjoyable experience when we reopen.
'It’s been incredibly exciting to see the renovations unfold, and we’re delighted with the results. We look forward to welcoming guests and giving them the chance to experience the new and improved Billesley Manor firsthand.”
Guests can now enjoy the hotel's world-class spa and leisure facilities - treatment rooms, heated indoor pool and fitness centre, which have been reopened in line with the Government’s current guidelines.