Recorded history of the estate takes us back to 1224 when the site is believed to have been occupied by the De Imworth family. The ancient moat that winds its way around the hotel is the oldest existing feature. Dating back to around 500AD, it originally served to protect and fortify a traditional Saxon homestead. Today, it is a charming landmark amidst the picturesque gardens. Documents suggest that King Henry VIII favoured this sight as his hunting lodge during his 1509-1547 reign. Henry VIII's daughter Elizabeth I graced the house during her reign and the main porch still bears her original royal crest dated 1598 in honour of her patronage. It is also rumoured that George the III was brought here during the height of his madness, to hide the full extent of is condition from the nearby court of Windsor.
It was converted into a luxury country house hotel in 1930. The hotel has since played hosts to icons and celebrities such as Queen Mary in 1931, Charlie Chaplin, Vivien Leigh. The hotel has recently been modernised to offer 1st class comfort and luxury but the restoration has been carried out lovingly to respect and honour the houses remarkable testament to centuries of history. There are a choice of beautiful and truly unique historical suites and rooms in the main house to the more modern suites available in the Cloisters.
GUESTS CAN RELAX WITH PRE-DINNER IN THE COCKTAIL BAR OVERLOOKING THE JAPANESE BRIDGE, BESIDE THE OPEN FIREPLACE IN THE MAIN HALL, BEFORE gourmet food is served in the two rosette restaurant, that SPECIALISES IN MODERN ENGLISH CUICINE.
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