Stories written in stone

There is something deeply reassuring about buildings that have stood the test of time, sheltering generations, witnessing centuries of change and quietly absorbing the lives lived within their walls. Across our collection of properties, history is not something kept behind glass — it is lived, layered and beautifully woven into each stay. Here, we explore just a handful of Hand Picked Hotels where history isn’t simply remembered — it is felt and used respectfully for our guests to enjoy.

Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa

Victorian imagination, ancient roots

Perched above the Surrey countryside, Nutfield Priory was built in the late 19th century as a celebration of Neo-Gothic architecture, drawing inspiration from the Palace of Westminster.

Yet beneath its Victorian confidence lies a deeper narrative — land once associated with medieval monastic life, connecting the building to England’s ecclesiastical past. Soaring ceilings, carved stonework and expansive views create a sense of drama rooted in craftsmanship and ambition. Nutfield Priory tells its story not through secrets, but through design — a place where history is expressed in scale, light and architectural detail.

Ettington Park Hotel

Hidden spaces, fairytale presence

Ettington Park feels like a house that has lived many lives. Long before its dramatic Neo-Gothic transformation in the 19th century, the land itself was home to earlier civilisations, with archaeological traces suggesting Roman occupation.

Today’s striking silhouette — all turrets, towers and carved stone — was shaped during the Victorian era, giving the hotel its unmistakable fairytale presence. Among the most talked-about features is the Priest’s Hole, a hidden space believed to date back to times of religious persecution, when Catholic priests were forced to conceal themselves in private homes. Whether legend or lived reality, it is details like these that give Ettington Park its atmosphere — a place where history feels close, multi-faceted and quietly dramatic.

New Hall Hotel & Spa

England’s oldest moated story

Encircled by a working moat, New Hall is often described as the oldest inhabited moated house in England — and stepping across the drawbridge certainly feels like crossing into another era.

With origins stretching back to the 13th century, the house has witnessed medieval life, Tudor intrigue and centuries of transformation. Royal connections add to its allure, with Henry VIII believed to have visited during the 16th century. Today, historic chambers sit comfortably alongside contemporary luxury, proving that heritage does not need to feel distant or untouchable. New Hall’s enduring story is one of preservation, resilience and quiet grandeur.

Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa

A house fit for royal secrets

Fawsley Hall has welcomed influential figures for centuries. Once a royal manor, it later became the seat of the Knightley family and famously hosted Queen Elizabeth I.

Walking through the Great Hall today, it’s easy to imagine the sense of occasion, conversation and intrigue that once filled the space. One of the hall’s most fascinating features lies just out of sight — a discreet upper chamber believed to have been used for private meetings and observation. The term ‘sub rosa’ is supposed to have originated here; a flower in the centre of the ceiling of the bay window in the Great Hall, offers a subtle hint to the secret space above. At Fawsley, history unfolds gently — through architecture, landscape and the stories left behind.