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England offers a wide range of accommodations for travelers, from sleek, modern skyscraping hotels in bustling cities to secluded rural escapes surrounded by bucolic landscapes. Yet for the historically curious, few experiences compare to a stay in a medieval castle or stately manor. These grand structures, steeped in centuries of intrigue, have borne witness to generations of nobles and aristocrats, and today, they offer guests a unique chance to step into that world—though with the comforts of modern amenities.
As one admirer put it,”Staying in an English manor feels like being in a novel where you are both the reader and the protagonist, surrounded by centuries of whispered secrets, draughty corridors, and the faintest aroma of history and intrigue.”This experience awaits in places like the New Hall Hotel & Spa in Sutton Coldfield, where the countryside meets old-world charm.
New Hall Hotel & Spa, located in Sutton Coldfield near Birmingham, is one of England’s oldest continuously inhabited moated manor houses. Steeped in over 800 years of history, this unique estate combines medieval architecture with modern luxury. The hotel boasts lush gardens, a serene spa, a pool, and a fitness suite, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and historical intrigue. Notably, Henry VIII is rumored to have stayed here, adding a regal layer to the estate’s legacy.
The Moat: A Watery Enchantment
Encircling New Hall is its mythical watery boundary. Thought to be the oldest moat still functioning around a residential building in England, it serves as both a shield and a spectacle. From the moment you cross over the water and through the ivy-framed archway, you begin to sense the separation from the outside world and what awaits within.
By daylight, the moat reflects the grandeur of the Hall, capturing the sunlight glinting off its water. In the evenings, as dusk settles over the estate, the moat becomes darker, almost mysterious, its presence lending the Hall a fortress-like character. Here, one can almost imagine knights and noble guests crossing over it centuries ago, a testament to New Hall’s legacy as both a residence and a bastion.
A Vision of Tudor Grandeur: The Exterior
Built originally as a private mansion in the 13th century, New Hall’s Tudor architecture is instantly commanding, with its heavy stone walls, steep gables, and towering chimneys. The Hall has been preserved with such respect that it feels entirely authentic, right down to the wrought-iron accents and pointed arches. There’s also a picturesque quality to the building’s façade with its broad mullioned windows and imposing stone surfaces accented by climbing ivy. You’ll also notice the occasional burst of wildflowers, softening the Hall’s formidable appearance and reminding you that nature is just as much a part of this property as its human legacy.
Inside the Manor: A Journey Through Time
The interiors of New Hall are every bit as impressive as its exterior. Crossing the threshold, one is greeted with historic detailing that has been attentively preserved and thoughtfully integrated with refined modernity. The lobby’s ceilings are punctuated by ancient wood beams, each carved and weathered. Heavy, dark wood paneling lines the walls, giving the space an immediate sense of warmth, balanced by light streaming in through large, decorative windows. These interiors are grand without ever feeling ostentatious.
Rich tapestries and heraldic symbols nod to the building’s noble past, while antique furniture – carefully selected to enhance rather than distract – adds to the period ambiance. Deep armchairs and inviting sofas populate the sitting rooms, clad in richly patterned fabrics. Light filters through stained-glass panels in the common areas, casting jewel-toned patterns across the stone floors and making the room feel alive with color.
The Regal Accommodations: Where Character Meets Comfort
Guests choose from 60 well-appointed rooms in the manor house that embrace its history while providing today’s creature comforts and modern amenities. Throughout are high-backed wooden beds, adorned with plush, embroidered linens, sit beneath intricate wooden ceilings, while thick drapes add a sense of privacy and luxury. Original stone windows with deep sills invite natural light, framing views of the moat or gardens outside, grounding each room in the landscape.
The Princess Elizabeth Master Suite showcases the Elizabethan era on a grand scale with furnishings including a s grand four-poster bed draped in elegant fabric, creating an impressive focal point in the room. The suite also includes a spacious sitting area, which is designed with period furnishings ideal for relaxing by the suite’s large windows. These windows, in keeping with the architectural style, bring in ample natural light and may feature stained glass and intricate leaded designs, framing serene views of the moated grounds and surrounding woodlands.
In the bathroom, a classic roll-top bathtub and a generous walk-in shower provide modern comforts within a historic framework. This suite is designed for those who appreciate history without sacrificing luxury, creating a stay that feels both immersive and indulgent in one of England’s oldest inhabited moated houses.
Dining: A Culinary Experience with a View
New Hall’s 2 AA Rosette dining experience is superb as well where the setting is as exquisite as the menu. The Bridge Restaurant is their main dining space offering views of the gardens and moat. The menu showcases the best of British cuisine, with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, all crafted with an eye for both tradition and innovation.
Starters include delicate, flavorful dishes such as home-cured salmon or a velvety leek and potato soup, a comforting nod to the English countryside. The main courses are equally impressive, from perfectly roasted meats to vegetarian options bursting with flavors and textures. The chef’s ability to modernize classic British dishes while staying true to their origins is a testament to New Hall’s culinary ambitions.
An extensive wine list accompanies the menu, with carefully selected options that pair seamlessly with each dish. For those inclined toward an indulgent experience, New Hall’s afternoon tea is not to be missed. Served in an intimate lounge setting with garden views, it’s a traditional spread of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and exquisite pastries that celebrate British flavors with a touch of sophistication.
The Spa: Sanctuary Within History
New Hall’s on-site spa offers a sanctuary surrounded by gorgeous grounds. The spa blends modern relaxation with a historic setting, offering an indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, and steam room. Surrounded by glass walls, the spa provides serene views of the estate’s lush grounds. Guests can enjoy signature massages and advanced facials, using eco-friendly, natural products that align with the hotel’s refined style.
The Gardens and Grounds: A Story in Every Corner
Throughout the stay, guests will want to stroll through the gardens and grounds which are as enchanting as the manor itself. The estate spans 26 acres with manicured paths and wildflower-studded lawns. The gardens are a mixture of formal landscaping and natural woodland, where century-old trees cast dappled shade on the paths below, while roses and other flora bloom in careful harmony, giving the grounds a sense of timelessness.
Hand Picked Hotels
New Hall Hotel is part of Hand Picked Hotels, a collection of 21 carefully selected properties across the UK. Known for their unique charm and rich history, each hotel offers a perfect blend of traditional elegance and modern luxury. From grand country estates to intimate boutique properties, Hand Picked Hotels provides a memorable and personalized stay.
A Stay Steeped in Heritage and Luxury
While some hotels vie for heritage charm, it’s a palpable presence at New Hall. There you’ll find that history isn’t something to observe from afar but something to step into, surrounded by architecture and landscapes that have seen the passage of centuries. Every detail, from the stone exterior to the tapestry-laden walls, and the idyllic gardens to the superb dining experience, serves as a reminder that New Hall Hotel and Spa is a place where old-world charm and modern luxury coexist in seamless harmony. New Hall is more than a mere hotel – it’s an invitation into history.
