Hawkstone Hall, a grade I listed 18th century mansion, set within 88 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, has been purchased by the Distinctly Hospitable Group, making them the fourth owner in the property’s 550 year history.
A sympathetic refurbishment is being planned to restore the spectacular Georgian property to its former magnificent splendour.
The property was originally built as a stately family home, before being in the care of Catholic missionaries until June this year.
By summer 2018, following the reinstatement of numerous original features, the 43,400 sq ft building will stand proudly as one of the most opulent hotels and exclusive wedding venues in the UK.
The imposing property and expansive grounds will also offer the ideal backdrop for extravagant corporate events, music festivals, yoga and fitness retreats and memorable celebrations.
A vast entertainment space, combined with 88 acres and copious accommodation options, mean the remarkable retreat is set to rival the very best of the UK’s event venues.
Regardless of the occasion, guests will be able to enjoy a multitude of communal spaces including an impressive main hall, magical ballroom, refectory and the Gold Room to name a few.
The 18th century retreat stands handsomely amongst acres of manicured lawns, offering grade I listed beauty coupled with classic countryside charm.
The building’s far-reaching gardens are perfect for exploring Shropshire’s quintessentially British countryside.
Within its grounds, the estate boasts a rose garden, croquet lawn, apple orchard, ancient cemetery, forested areas, over half a mile of footpaths and a wonderfully romantic ‘secret garden’.
Furthermore, following the discovery of a water supply in the grounds, the original 18th century lily pond, fishing pond and waterfall will finally be brought back to life allowing the gardens to flourish once more.
In the main hall, there are a total of 12 suites – including the extravagant Honeymoon Suite – all of which will be named after Jane Austen characters.
Adjacent to the main building, a newer wing built in the 1960s will undergo complete renovations to encompass a further 28 bedrooms.
In each room, colour tones will mirror that of the main hall featuring soft hues of duck-egg blue and calamine pinks.
Opulent furnishings and luxurious, deep mattresses will add a lavish touch to the bedroom interiors.
Hannah Whiting, group development director, said: “Since completing on Hawkstone Hall we are delighted with the progress we have made in restoring one of only two grade I listed buildings in Shropshire.
“The gardens have proven to be a major project over the summer and we have thoroughly enjoyed uncovering some of the lost and hidden features, numerous pathways and a secret garden.”
The decorated history of the property certainly plays a huge part in its charm.
Hawkstone Hall was established by Richard Hill of Hawkstone (1655–1727), also known as ‘The Great Hill’, circa 1707.
It became the seat of the Hill family for more than 300 years.
Since then, the house itself has been owned by Liberal Politician and Baron, George Whiteley, before the being bought by the Roman Catholic Redemptorist Order.