Ellenborough Park

Ellenborough Park is a majestic sight to behold: This 15th-century manor house in the early Tudor style is festooned with towers, turrets,
and arches, and surrounded by 90 acres of green and grassy National Trust land.
It has had several different incarnations over its long history,
having served as the home to the Earl of Ellenborough, a girls’ school, and the Hotel De La Bere, before being purchased in 2008 and converted into
the current luxury hotel. Comprising four buildings, the luxurious country
estate is full of gardens and impeccably maintained lawns that overlook the
Cheltenham Racecourse.The Nina Campbell designed interiors mix contemporary style with traditional, old-world details such as beautiful original fireplaces
and Gothic style traceried windows. The exquisite Great Hall is an opulent
space bedecked with Oriel windows with stained glass detailing, regal oil paintings, a grand fireplace against a stone wall, and antique chandeliers suspended from dark teal
and gold coffered ceilings. Vibrant colors and patterns on pillows,
couches, and armchairs complement the beautiful Persian-style rug. A mezzanine
level full of comfortable seating and Moorish decor overlooks the Great Hall.The lavish decor that permeates the property is tastefully
executed, so the interiors don’t feel fussy or stuffy, but stylish and
luxurious. High attention to detail is seen throughout and there’s even a
dedicated Boot Room where guests are encouraged to borrow a pair of Hunter
wellies or Dubarry boots and coats for a countryside stroll. The property
attracts a well-heeled clientele looking for a luxurious country retreat, as
well as a number of visiting jockeys and horse trainers.

Ellenborough Park is located
in the village of Southam, just outside Cheltenham in the Cotswold Hills.
Surrounded by 90 acres of green and grassy National Trust land, the estate is a
peaceful country retreat and a good base for exploring the quaint and charming
towns and villages of the bucolic Cotswolds. Many rooms of the hotel overlook
the Cheltenham Racecourse, and there is a direct path from the hotel that leads
to course. Cheltenham, a large spa town is a 17-minute drive away.

The luxurious rooms of Ellenborough Park are divided into
several categories: Traditional, Classic, Luxury, and De Luxe; there are also four suites
named after famous racehorses. Note that rooms are located in four separate
buildings on the property, so a short walk is often required. Rooms feature
classically English decor in soft colors, delicate wallpapers, antique
furnishings, and specially made Hypnos beds with luxurious Egyptian cotton
sheets and premium bedding. Some rooms have four-poster beds and fireplaces, as
well as private patios. Many have lovely views over the grounds or Cheltenham
Racecourse. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities including flat-screen
TVs, iPod docks, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Beautiful bathrooms are stocked with
Noble Isle bath products and have walk-in showers or soaking tubs (some have
both).Suites are spacious and luxurious, with period furniture,
and some with stone fireplaces and oak paneling or exposed wood beams. A duplex
suite is available with a private lounge on a separate floor.

Ninety acres of grassy lawns and gardens surround Ellenborough
Park, with plenty of lovely corners to relax in, as well as a heated outdoor
pool. Guests wishing to walk or hike about the vast property are invited to
borrow Hunter and Dubarry boots and coats from the hotel’s Boot Room. The beautiful Indian-themed full-service spa has seven
treatment rooms, a whirlpool, sauna, steam room, and mood showers. There is
also a fitness room on-site that --while small -- is equipped with a number of
modern machines. The property also has several event spaces and meeting rooms,
and often hosts weddings, conferences, banquets, and various other events. The
hotel can arrange various activities in the area, including horse riding,
archery, fishing trips, golf, and Cotswolds tours. There are two dining options at the hotel: the Beaufort Dining Room, awarded with 3 AA rosettes and serving a modern, indulgent, British menu courtesy
of chef David Kelman in an elegant, oak-paneled space with original Tudor
fireplaces and stained glass windows, and the more casual Brassiere where
equine paintings adorn the walls and burgers and British classics fill the menu.
There have been complaints, however, about slow and lackluster service in the
dining establishments. The adjoining bar serves excellent cocktails, such as
the namesake Lady Ellenborough, as well as a wide selection of whiskies and
cigars. Afternoon tea is available and served in the Great Hall, the Beaufort
Dining Room, or the Beaufort Terrace. A tasty breakfast is included in the room rate
and 24-hour room service is available.