GETAWAYS
EASTWELL MANOR
Champneys Hotel & Spa
NOONE COULD HAVE FORESEEN THAT JUST OVER THREE YEARS ON FROM OPENING THE ACCLAIMED CHAMPNEYS SPA CONCEPT AND INVESTING IN A MASSIVE REFURBISHMENT OF THE MAIN HOUSE AND MEWS ACCOMMODATION , THAT EASTWELL MANOR , LIKE EVERY OTHER HOSPITALITY VENUE , WOULD BE FORCED INTO A TEMPORARY HIATUS . AS THE POPULAR HOTEL AND SPA REOPENS , SAMANTHA READY WAS INTRIGUED TO RETURN TO THE MANOR TO FIND OUT WHAT ’ S CHANGED ...
Eastwell Manor is a truly beautiful example of historic architecture and picturesque Kentish countryside located on the outskirts of Ashford . To the envy of my colleagues and readers I am no stranger to Eastwell , having stayed and dined numerous times prior to its reincarnation as a Champneys Spa Hotel , and having been one of the first through the doors after its multi-million pound refurbishment . But therein lies the rub . When you know and love somewhere , and have written about your amazing experiences ; staying in the stunning buildings , walking the beautiful grounds , discovering the history entwined with royalty , and finding some R & R induced zen moments ; would returning midpandemic be too different ? Too far removed ? Not as enjoyable ? Reassuringly and confidently the answer was no !
Just like slipping into a favourite pair of shoes , meeting up with an old friend or quite frankly in this day and age seeing anyone at all , the gravel crunching steps across the courtyard and stepping through the heavy wooden entrance door brought with it a refined sense of familiarity and air of excitement . Excitement not borne from simply leaving the house , but because for those that haven ’ t yet had the pleasure , the manor house is , quite simply , stunning .
There are of course changes . The heavy door was braced open rather than allowing for guests to claim ownership of the latched entrance , there was a temperature check and sanitiser station upon entry , and of course masks were deriguour . But aside from the necessary , the rest of our check in was a sociallydistanced , efficiently friendly affair , culminating in our bags being swiftly deposited to our first floor room , The Queen Marie of Romania suite .
For those of you who appreciate the history behind the headboard , Eastwell Manor offers more than a comfortable abode , a stunning spa and an acclaimed food and beverage offering . The Manor itself has been listed as far back as the Domesday book of 1069 and has had many Royal connections , not least that of the namesake of my palatial suite . One of two Queens to have been born at the Manor , Queen Marie was in fact the granddaughter of Queen
Victoria , who paid many visits to the house to visit her grandchildren . Queen Victoria ’ s eldest son , who later became Edward VII , often entertained here .
Throughout the early 20th century , the Manor changed hands several times until it was bought by Jane Sinclair , latterly known as Countess Midleton , in 1928 , who set about rebuilding the house to its current form . Unfortunately due to the state of disrepair most of the original building was torn down , replaced instead with a ‘ faux ’ building . However , this new incarnation was completed with such taste and attention to historic detail that the house feels as though it has remained untouched for hundreds of years . The recent sympathetic refurbishment under the Champney ’ s stewardship has remained true to the character and history of the ‘ original ’ manor house , and really needs to be seen and stayed in to be appreciated .
Crossing the threshold to our suite led to a wide hallway . To the right , a vast and stunning marble bathroom complete with hidden WC , double vanity , enormous walk-in shower , freestanding bath and
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