Heythrop Park has reopened as a country house hotel after being restored to its former glory with a £40million refurbishment.

Part of adult-only hotel group Warner Hotels, it has undergone a four-year transformation and now has 337 "opulent" bedrooms, three restaurants, two live entertainment venues and a fashionable spa.

The hotel was officially opened by Enstone parish councillors Nikki Knott and Richard Parker, who cut the ribbon and got a glimpse inside the new hotel.

Mr Parker said: “I actually used to be a pastry chef at Heythrop Park during the 70s, so it really is fantastic to be here once again and experience all its grandeur.

Cotswold Journal:

"It’s such a lovely setting with stunning grounds to explore, and being only an hour away from London makes it perfect for commuters."

The hotel team gave a guided tour of the facilities, including its many lounges, bars, outdoor terraces, theatre and brand-new spa and wellness centre.  

The councillors were then given a taste of what guests can expect, enjoying afternoon tea in the Wedgewood Room before trying laser clay shooting on the manor house lawn.

Dean Saunders, general manager at Heythrop Park, said: “It was truly special to welcome our neighbours to join us in celebrating Heythrop Park’s grand reopening, and I’d like to give special thanks to Nikki and Richard for taking time out to officially cut the ribbon.

“We’re so excited to welcome guests through the doors to experience our long-awaited biggest and boldest hotel yet.”

The 440 acres of grounds near Chipping Norton are home to a championship-standard 18-hole golf course, plus woodlands, lakes and vibrant gardens.

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"Rooms are grandly refined in the original manor and modern and sophisticated in the north and south wings," said Warner.

Heythrop Park was bought by hotel group Warner Leisure Hotels in 2018.

Once a Jesuit seminary and then a conference and training centre for NatWest Bank, it has previously been owned by Firoka Ltd, a company owned by Firoz Kassam and family – owner of the Kassam Football Stadium in Oxford.

Then it underwent a £50 million rebuilding programme and was developed into a four-star Crowne Plaza hotel.

Nikki Knott, chair of Enstone Parish Council, said: “Heythrop Park has been such an integral part of our community in Enstone for many years, and local residents have fond memories of the estate in its many forms – I remember cycling around the grounds in my childhood!

“We’re delighted to see Heythrop Park restored to its original beauty, and it’s wonderful to be able to celebrate our history for generations to come."