Premier Construction

Studley Castle Warwickshire

Studley
Written by Roma Publications

Studley Castle

Warner Leisure Hotels, the specialist in holidays for grown-ups, has put a marker down for the UK’s hotel industry having invested £50 million in its first new property for more than 15 years – one of the most significant investments by any British hotel group in 2018/19.

Studley Castle Hotel in Warwickshire is the hotel chain’s 14th and flagship property. The hotel officially opened its doors to the public in March 2019 and with it, has reaffirmed that British staycations are buoying the local leisure market once more.

Designed by the famous London theatre architect Samuel Beazley, Studley Castle was originally built in the 1800s and was once home to an agricultural college that trained the country’s Land Girls during both World Wars. A substantial three-year renovation project that has seen the Grade II* listed building become one of the most interesting conservation projects in the country, Studley Castle is the biggest investment from the family owned Bourne Leisure organisation, Warner’s parent company.

Ian Brealey from Reach Project Management, who managed the whole project, said: “The project was completed in three parts; first was the castle which required a degree of restoration, the second phase was the stables block which was a rebuild and renovation work and the third part was the new build element, so between the stables and the castle is the new build element which houses the majority of the public spaces.”

Upwards of £20million has been spent on restoring the original parts of the castle, including the main building, the stables and lodge. An additional £6million has been spent on reinstating the stained-glass windows, turrets, stone work and roof using carefully sourced tiles. The remaining £24million has been carefully invested into transforming an historic building into a 21st century Warner Leisure Hotel, particularly its live music venue, which has taken inspiration from Samuel Beazley’s original designs.

Ian added: “Projects like this don’t come around very often so it has been a labour of love. It has been an amazing project to work on.”

The newest addition to Warner’s portfolio is set to continue delivering the hotel chain’s unique selling point offering guests everything they need to relax, explore, or to be entertained, in one location; from gastro-style and restaurant dining, to outdoor pursuits, evening performances and premium gym and spa facilities. With data showing a shift in consumer habits to a preference for breaks that offers everything in one location, Studley Castle puts Warner in prominent position to capitalise on consumer demand.

Set in 28 acres of Warwickshire countryside, Studley Castle offers 209 rooms, four different room types, two restaurants, a cinema, bars and lounges, a spa, a range of outdoor pursuits to enjoy (laser clay, cycling, archery) and one of the largest live performance venues on the UK hotel scene.

Commenting on the new investment, Managing Director Simon Thompson said: “Studley Castle signals a significant investment in the start of an exciting new era for Warner. Professional advice and skills have been used to ensure that we expertly restored the castle to its former glory. Now stands a historic castle with 21st century technology. The castle’s historic and contemporary features are designed so that guests can relax in comfort and enjoy a luxurious stay.
“We have a unique proposition in the market and Studley is set to support our growth in helping us become more relevant to existing and new audiences. Studley Castle will also introduce a new age of flexibility in the way our breaks are purchased, and importantly immerse guests in the best of both worlds – a luxurious adventure that will leave guests with memories that will last a lifetime.”

For more information on Studley Castle, visit: warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/hotels/studley-castle-hotel

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Roma Publications