Studley Castle Hotel in Warwickshire is the hotel chain’s 14th and flagship property. The hotel will officially open its doors to the public in March 2019, and with it reaffirm that British staycations are buoying the local leisure market once more. In 2018, Brits are expected to spend £129 billion on the Leisure Industry[1], a 17% increase compared to five years ago and predicted to rise further in the coming years.
Originally 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.
Upwards of £20 million has been spent on restoring the original parts of the castle, including the main building, the stables, and lodge. An additional £6 million has been spent on reinstating the stained-glass windows, turrets, stone work, and roof using carefully sourced original tiles. The business has also safely moved a family of bats from the castle to a specially built home on the grounds, in partnership with ecological consultants. The remaining £24 million 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.
The newest addition to Warner’s portfolio is set to continue delivering the hotel chain’s unique selling point of offering guests everything they need to relax, explore, or be entertained, in one location; from gastro-style and restaurant dining, to outdoor pursuits, evening performances and premium gym and spa facilities. With data[2] showing a shift in consumer habits to a preference for breaks that offer everything in one location, Studley Castle puts Warner in a prominent position to capitalise on consumer demand.
Set in 28 acres of the 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 says; “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.”
