A Luxurious Country Escape at Stapleford Park Hotel:
You know that you have arrived somewhere pretty special when you approach a hotel via a long driveway, drive past its private church, through an arch, park on freshly raked gravel, and enter the hotel to the smell of a log fire, and be greeted by name.
This level of customer service was apparent throughout our weekend stay at Stapleford Park when we were asked each time upon return if we’d enjoyed the activities that we’d undertaken, and throughout our meals if everything was to our satisfaction.
The privately owned hotel (it was whispered to us that it’s owned by the Queen of Brunei) sets out to create a ‘home from home’ feel, and despite it being infinitely grander than my own Edwardian house, it manages to succeed in doing just that. The furnishings are both comfortable and quirky. I loved the library, now being used as a bar. Evidently, the paintings with the dogs’ heads are satirical. Other rooms with hunting trophies may not be to everyone’s taste, but this is a country house hotel after all, and countryside pursuits are reflected in the decor.
Guests are able to play chess and other board games in the lounge or sit with a book on a settee by one of the roaring fires, or they can borrow a pair of wellies left in the hallway and go for a walk in the beautiful and extensive grounds. The hotel is both child and dog-friendly, and many guests had brought both, indeed Stapleford Park offers bespoke dog beds and a doggy afternoon tea as well as dog sitting whilst the owners enjoy their meals.
In addition to the indoor games, there is an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, outdoor chess, a croquet lawn, an 18 hole golf course, pitch and putt, pétanque, tennis courts, a gym, and a treatment centre, as well as a landscape designed by Capability Brown (those trees aren’t in a straight line by accident). There are also some special activities that can be booked by the hotel; a falconry experience, archery lessons, and clay pigeon shooting; more of those later.
Our bedroom on the second floor was tastefully decorated in warm neutral colours. We loved the view of the croquet lawn below through the old stone window frame. We also loved the complimentary slow gin, the perfect warm up after our day of outdoor activities, and a nice little nightcap! All the bedrooms have names and all are decorated differently. I would have loved to seem the suite at the front of the house, which spans two stories, with the bed on the upper level with a spectacular view across the countryside. I couldn’t imagine anything more romantic, and I’m sure it’s a firm favourite with brides and grooms getting married at Stapleford Park. There are also cottages in the grounds that can be rented; ideal for the bride and bridesmaids the day before the wedding, or for families, or for recluses – Michael Jackson stayed in the Gardeners’ Cottage when he visited Stapleford Park.
Having arrived fairly late on Friday, we quickly freshened up using the lovely Noble Isle products, got changed and made our way the lounge, where we enjoyed a glass of champagne for me, and a blackberry cocktail with a wicked twist of chilli for Alex, before going through to dinner. The photo below is another cocktail that he had on our second evening at the hotel.
As you would expect in an establishment of this quality, the food was of great quality and beautifully presented. A pianist played whilst we ate; and my, that King Crab was delicious. There were several parties celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, which helped give the place a very happy atmosphere. After dinner we retired to the bar for a nightcap, and then enjoyed a fabulous night’s sleep in our pretty bedroom.
The next morning after enjoying a full English breakfast made from locally sourced produce, we were taken on a tour of the house and told a little of its history. It’s first owner was Henry de Ferrers, who fought at the Battle of Hastings and was rewarded by Norman I. In the 14th century it was owned by John O’Gaunt having arrived in his possession from his wife’s dowry. It passed to the Sherards and was owned by them for 484 years. It’s thought that the men with their legs crossed carved on this exterior relief represent Crusaders.
The Grettons bought it in 1894, but in 1982 Lord Gretton sold the house but kept the estate. Many of the paintings and chandeliers still belong to Lord Gretton, and occasionally he asks for something to be returned to him. The photo below shows 2 periods of house building that look very different, but which were actually only constructed 30 years apart.
Our tour included looking in the old indoor riding school, now used for weddings and conferences, the orangery, private dining areas (with beautiful newly decorated silk wallpaper), and the original kitchen.
The weather brightened up after our tour and we were then able to take part in the activities planned for us. We started with a game of croquet, not a very skilful effort from me I have to say.
We then had an archery lesson which went rather better; I’m very proud of myelf that I managed to achieve a bullseye.
We then went to the falconry and enjoyed a fantastic hour flying 3 of the beautiful birds; 2 owls and a falcon. It’s hard to describe how exciting this is, and what an amazing experience to have. The keeper was so dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable that the time whizzed past. He’d raised the birds from eggs, and knew all their foibles and tricks. That’s Bernard below, who is actually female!
I had an additional special treat at the end of the day when I received a massage in the therapy centre (the old stable block). Highly recommended! I was even chauffered there in a golfing buggy.
As an Organisation Development person, I’m often asked about culture and how to get it to be customer focused. There are so many things that Stapleford Park Hotel does right to achieve this, and the staff are clearly happy in their jobs. None of this happens by magic, it’s a mixture of good communication, feedback, and treating staff well. We observed the breakfast kitchen and waiting staff having a de-briefing about the service, and the beautician told me that the heads of department all meet regularly so that everyone knows what’s happening across the business and that they then cascade it to their staff. She also said how much she loved the place, and always used it for special occasions. If staff want to come back in their free time, you know that the leadership have got something right.
I can honestly say that this was the best weekend away that I’ve ever had, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. In fact, I already have; a colleague is booking it for her wedding anniversary next year.
We were guests of Stapleford Park a member of Small Luxury Hotels Group
Stapleford Park Country House Hotel & Sporting Estate
Stapleford, Nr. Melton Mowbray,
Leicestershire, LE14 2EF
England
Tel: +44 (0) 1572 787000
Fax: +44 (0) 1572 787001
Email: information@staplefordpark.com
Thinking of visiting yourself? Why not pin this post for later
Looks a lovely place
gorgeous isn’t it!
Such a beautiful building & the food looks lovely too
The food was excellent but the ambient lighting didn’t make for great photos unfortunately.
Wow! Absolutely gorgeous. What a stunning place, with lots of lovely touches throughout. I’ll remember this place for the next time me & HIM want a weekend away.
Oh yes, it’s really very romantic.
It looks absolutely gorgeous. I imagine weddings here would be magical. I really enjoy staying in hotels like this and it’s even better when the customer service is excellent too.
There were so many different options for weddings. The church has been deconsecrated, so some people have a civil service inside the house, and then have a blessing in the church.
Such a gorgeous place. have pinned this for future reference. Thanks. 🙂
It was fabulous. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
It really looks lovely, so classy and cozy. Love the fact that the library is now being used as a bar, that brings another feel to your drink, doesn’t it. 🙂 And to tell you the truth, I don’t think that I’ve ever stayed in the hotel that has its own church outside. It’s like visiting a huge, private, noble property.
Given the style and the atmosphere, one would never think that there actually is a gym as well. But there is, how nice. And then the falconry? Oh, another surprise! 🙂
There’s also an 18 hole golf course and clay pigeon shooting. There’s no shortage of things to do. The falconry was a highlight for me.
Wow. Sounds lovely and all the planned activities were pretty cool. Will have to add to the old bucket list!
I forgot to mention that clay pigeon shooting was another option. It’s a great place for a break.
Wow.. Stapleford Park Hotel sounds really awesome. I like the interior as well as the exterior of the hotel. It’s living like a royalty. Such a unique experience from the usual hotels that we are used to now… I love how it seems to have everything that you’ll need including a golf course, a gym, a church and a library.. I think I can stay here for days and not get bored! 😀
There’s loads to do, which I don’t tend to associate with country house hotels. I was seriously impressed.
This was a very thorough and beautiful description of the Stapleford Park Hotel. I loved reading about its history, the description of the rooms that certainly give it a countryside feel, and the wonderful activities you can enjoy as a guest to the hotel. It certainly provides a very unique experienve. Thank you fo sharing!
My pleasure . I feel very privileged to have stayed there and learning about its history
I’ve already wanted to have a large bird of prey perch on my arm. Glad I’m not the only one 🙂
Bernard was quite heavy; I’m actually supporting the arm she’s on with my other arm. It was an amazing experience.
Gorgeous photos! I’m jealous, and now need:
red wallpaper
a vacation
a pet owl
I’m not set on the order… I can come home from my vacation to find the wallpaper done and the owl on his way, or some variation.
That made me chuckle! There was a grumpy barn owl that they were looking to re-home!
Just look at that bar! It’s amazing! I mean wow, so many drinks! I also loved the bed. Hihi. If it’s really owned by the Queen of Brunei, I’d easily believe it! I mean look at that!
The wallpaper in the reception area was both hand painted and embroidered. I can’t start to imagine the cost per metre for that!
The queen of Brunei has certainly done a great job at curating such an experiential and luxurious hotel! I love the detailing to everything at Stapleford Park Hotel – the rooms, the walls, food, activities (that giant chess-board looks royal too)! A weekend here would be a weekend full of pampering and fun 🙂
Queen of Brunei or not, this place looks fit for royalty. The huge manor with its sprawling grounds look so beautiful that one could chill out in the premises for days.. Flying birds of prey must have been an awesome experience.
What a wonderful looking place – the star attraction for me would be the owl and falcon flying, that is something I would dearly love to do
Stapleford Park Hotel is now firmly on my bucket list! I love that it has falcon flying there, I’d love to watch this! An archery too. It seems like a really active hotel with lots to occupy you.
The Stapleford Park Hotel looks so elegant. It has an old world charm to it which is so appealing and brings to mind the best of British culture and etiquette, The vast grounds and the activities hold the promise of some really great times. But most of all the personalized service and the warmth displayed by the staff is probably what sets it on a different level altogether,
You seem to had an awesome time at Stapleford Park hotel.. I liked its countryside decor and look. The rooms too look super comfortable.The suite surely will be so romantic. I am personally a fan of personalized services, so surely this will be my favorite place.
This hotel looks absolutely gorgeous! The building, the property, and I’d love to have a go at that giant chess set 🙂 The perfect place to unwind and wander around, I feel like you wouldn’t even have to leave the hotel for a nice vacation!
beautiful place to take a break relax and have some me time
All of the rooms look marvelous, but I have to say the clocks in the bar space really charm me!