The Billesley Manor Hotel & SPA

TO THE MANOR BORN IN THE HEART OF ENGLAND THE BILLESLEY MANOR HOTEL & SPA

by Caroline-Artemis Laspas

Welcome to the Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa.

Although it seems to be in the middle of nowhere, this is definitely part of its attraction. As you approach the Manor, you quickly get drawn into this perfect peaceful sanctuary, built of local stone. You are instantly transported to another time, but with elegance and all you need for a stay away.

Seemingly remote, the Billesley Manor is in fact a perfect base for exploring the region, famous for being home to English playwright William Shakespeare. Indeed, Billesley Manor was where Shakespeare wrote his comedy play ‘As You Like It’ in 1599, in the gorgeous snug of a lounge – with the added quirky décor of books artistically stuck to the ceiling.

The view from the library bay window will inspire you too. Looking out onto the 125 year old Victorian Topiary Gardens in the design of giant chess pieces based on the characters from Alice in Wonderland.

Although there is no village at Billesley today, remains show an ancient medieval village was once present. Today, the local sheep happily graze on the green grass left behind.

Also located next door to the Manor is the 11th century All Saints Church, a tiny building with a small graveyard. Church records show that William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway here in 1582!

From the moment you step into the reception of the hotel, you feel at home. With stylish decorative pieces and splashes of modern flair, there is a sophisticated yet cosy magic in the air.

The Manor is a stunning stone building and many rooms see solid wood panelled walls, lead window frames and richly coloured plush contemporary furnishings which help to show off the original features of the house, including many of the huge stone fireplaces which are big enough to sit in!

Each bedroom is beautifully decorated and spacious with all the modern amenities. Creating a hotel from such an old building has its challenges including the very steep and narrow staircase leading to the bedrooms in the eaves of the roof. These rooms offer views across the immaculate Manor lawn complete with circular pond and fountain.

The Stuart Restaurant sits in two stunning rooms full of period feature fireplaces, historic paintings and grand chandeliers. The menu highlights the best local produce and offers mouth-watering dishes, accompanied by a wonderful varied wine list.

All around the hotel are little pieces of history. Several locks on doors date back to the 17th century. They are believed to have come from a close relation of the house’s owner who worked as the Keeper of Armouries at the Tower of London during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

The mezzanine level offers cosy areas for quite drinks or coffee but still with the rich décor and beautiful painted ceiling roses.

The spa is indeed a sanctuary. With massage rooms and spa treatments, as well as an indoor swimming pool with use of a sauna and steam room, you are sure of the perfect pampering to help you wind down and relax. There are outdoor tennis courts, traditional English garden games to play (weather permitting) as well as a modern gym and yoga hut.

With meetings rooms and event spaces, the hotel offers a variety of superb options for events from weddings to business functions. These include the intimate Drawing Room, the Barn meeting rooms and the Topiary Garden Suite that overlooks the Topiary Garden and outside terrace. Whatever your purpose to come to the Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, you can be sure of a very warm and super friendly welcome and for sure you will want to return again and again… especially at Christmas!

www.billesleymanor.com