Tucked away in the rolling green expanse of Oxfordshire, Estelle Manor feels like a dream stitched into the English countryside. A Grade II-listed country house reimagined as both a luxury hotel and an exclusive members’ club, it’s where historic grandeur flirts effortlessly with contemporary charm. Think sprawling 3,000-acre parklands, secret gardens, and the kind of light that spills like liquid gold across antique floors.
Inside, 108 rooms whisper understated elegance, while four distinctive dining spots serve up culinary delights as rich as the manor’s storied past. The pièce de résistance? Eynsham Baths! A Roman-inspired spa sanctuary where marble meets tranquillity, designed for those who believe indulgence is an art form. Estelle Manor isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a world to get lost in, one that lingers long after you’ve left.
(All images courtesy of Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire)
١. The History of Estelle Manor
Once known as Eynsham Hall, Estelle Manor carries a rich tapestry of history woven into its grand limestone walls. Originally built in the 1770s as a Georgian country house, it evolved through the centuries. First as a lavish hunting retreat, then a sanctuary of care during World War II, serving as both a maternity hospital and a rest haven for U.S. Army Air Corps officers. The early 1900s saw the house reimagined in striking Jacobethan style by architect Ernest George, complete with its own electric plant, waterworks, and even a private telephone network.
After decades as a police training centre post-war, the estate found new life under the vision of Ennismore’s Sharan Pasricha, reopening in 2023 as Estelle Manor. Today, its past lingers in the sprawling parklands, the majestic oak panelling, and the timeless architecture, all seamlessly blended with contemporary elegance. Estelle Manor isn’t just a hotel, it’s history redefined, where every stone and staircase whispers tales of its layered past.
٢. Estelle Manor’s Artistic Expression
Estelle Manor is a masterpiece of artistic expression, where elevated design meets refined rural charm. Its luxurious rooms are bathed in natural light, adorned with eclectic and layered furnishings that blend vintage pieces with mid-century accents. Velvet and rattan furnishings, silk-upholstered sofas, and velvet club chairs create rich, tactile contrasts, complemented by antique mirrors, ornate armoires, and bespoke dining tables. Period features and alabaster lighting add a timeless elegance, while colourful fireplaces and sisal rugs infuse warmth and character. Bedrooms boast four-poster canopy emperor king-size beds and mahogany-encased bathtubs beneath stained-glass skylights, offering a serene retreat. The Roman-inspired Eynsham Baths, with its tepidarium pool, sauna, and steam room, complete the full manor experience, embodying a harmonious blend of history, artistry, and modern luxury.
٣. Culinary Experiences
Estelle Manor offers a dynamic dining experience that blends global flavors with refined elegance. The lively Brasserie serves seasonal favorites like Oxford cheddar soufflé and signature beef Wellington, while The Billiards Room delights with traditional Chinese dishes, including dim sum and whole roast duck, set amid velvet banquettes and Murano glass chandeliers. The Glasshouse, surrounded by a lush walled garden, hosts weekend breakfasts and Dhaba Estelle curry nights, and The Armoury offers Japanese classics like sashimi, tempura, and robata. For cocktails and vintage wines, The Living Room bar is perfect, with cozy corners in The Library and outdoor seating on the South Terrace. Private dining spaces, from the opulent Billiards Room to the light-filled Orangery, create memorable moments tailored to every occasion.
٤. Best Time To Visit
Estelle Manor is a year-round retreat, offering something for every season. Spring and summer are perfect for outdoor adventures like off-roading, archery, and scenic walks through heritage oaks and rose gardens in full bloom. Warmer days invite picnics by Blenheim Lake and encounters with estate animals. Autumn’s crisp air enhances falconry experiences and woodland strolls, while winter offers cosy escapes with fireside relaxation after invigorating outdoor activities. Whether you seek adventure or tranquillity, Estelle Manor’s charm unfolds beautifully in every season.
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