WARNER Leisure Hotels says it has ‘put down a marker’ by investing £50million in its Studley Castle Hotel.
The site, once a college and headquarters of British Leyland, is the hotel chain’s 14th and flagship property and is less than a mile from the village down Castle Road.
It will officially open its doors to the public in March 2019 on the back of news that Britons are expected to spend £129 billion on the Leisure Industry, a 17 per cent increase compared to five years ago and predicted to rise further in the coming years.
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 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.
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 said: “Studley Castle signals a significant investment in the start of an exciting new era for Warner.
‘’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 visit: warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/hotels/studley-castle-hotel.
