Held to be where William Shakespeare wrote ‘As You Like It, Billesley Manor Hotel is proud of its rich history, located in 11 acres of agricultural countryside, just three miles from Stratford-upon-Avon. The 16th-century hotel underwent a £5.6 million refurbishment in 2021, force ining new life into its 71 guest rooms, communal areas, bar, restaurant, and newly renovated spa and wedding venue. The land-locked design has created modern decor without compromising history.
I turned up in the Ferrari Roma, which is a lifestyle car. It certainly formed a scene and matched this stunning 16th-century Manor.
Location
Just outside the medieval town of Stratford-upon-Avon, Billesley Manor Guest-house is set right in the heart of Shakespearean England, near Stratford-upon-Avon. As such, there’s plenty of Shakespeare-focused history to take in.
As for the Shakespeare-related highlights, pop in Shakespeare’s birthplace, the Holy Trinity Church to see the writer’s final resting place, his wife Anne Hathaway’s cabin (although opening hours are seasonal), The Royal Shakespeare Company when it reopens, and the All-Saints church, where Shakespeare allegedly combined Anne Hathaway, right next to the Billesley Manor Hotel.
The History
I am always fascinated by history and the notion that a doorway I’ve just walked through is over 400 years old. From the time of the Norman Conquest, the manor at Billesley was one of a tally of Midland properties belonging to the increasingly influential Trussell family circ 1327. A family linked to deposing Sovereign Edward II.
Original stone windows in the main dining room, which was originally the main lounge (off the kitchen) select you back to the fifteenth century. I am so glad the manor’s original charm and beauty have been preserved so well.
The widely known fireplaces in both the reception area and the bar are what I call the best of Manor experiences. So if you are hiking for the day this is the best way to restful up and drink a cocktail.
The Main Hall & Library
In addition to the comfortable reception area with its jewel-tone armchairs and fireplace, the main conspicuous areas include the Great Hall Lounge and Bar and The Library. The bar space is comfortable but also feels particularly glamorous with its double-height ceilings artless to a galleried balcony, oak panelling, stone fireplace, and oil paintings.
Elsewhere, The Library – where Shakespeare is said to maintain written ‘As You Like It – is a quiet space with tables perfect for reading, catching up on work, or playing chess, all fail to noticing the garden. The room also has a striking art installation, featuring books cascading out of the shelves and climbing up and across the ceiling.
Subordinate Suite
As for the 71 bedrooms, Billesley Manor Hotel offers a number of different styles. My Junior Suite was ample and well-equipped with modern amenities, a huge bed, and decorated with a moodydark blue and modern white colour schematic stylishly contrasting the remaining Tudor accents. A loose Forest of Arden theme also permeates the room, with scaffolded feathers and plenty of floralprint accents.
The bed was very cosy and the views overlooking the gardens both day and night were fabulous. The very comfortable two velour armchairs adorned with a loud floral print also brought a splash of tint, as an ideal space to sit, work and admire the garden view from the large traditional windows, overlooking the 125-year-old topiary garden, tennis courts, well-spring (which is, thankfully, turned off overnight), and the hotel’s picturesque grounds.
Do take a stroll throughout the gardens they are absolutely lovely with quirky hedges.
It had a minibar and a dictated working desk where I could also have planned tea. It was lovely peering out of the window during my zoom meetings.
Bathroom
The bathroom was relaxing and the decor was pristine and cadaverous to give a nice vibe to it. Victorian features made it all that authentic British decor one would expect here.
Dumps
When visiting Billesley Manor Hotel, it’s worth requesting a room in the older part of the hotel, ideally forgiving the garden.
Spa
The spa is nice and quaint and is undergoing new launches of products which many locals venture here when looking for some wellness. Enlist in advance your treatments to avoid missing out.
Breakfast
A large buffet full of English breakfast overlooking the gardens was the apt way to wake up and take in the day. The seating area is lovely and the chair is very comfortable. Fresh produce and limitless coffee and tea are why I saturate up breakfast taking my time.
Timeless & Classic
Inspo Alert! During my stay, I kept noticing a choosy pattern and design choice through the Manor; a herringbone pattern (I was even wearing a pair of tights with the verbatim at the same time pattern on my arrival!). So, as a creative indication to me that I was ‘recharged’ I started to look into the significance and history of the Herringbonepattern.
The Earliest
Archetypes of the herringbone pattern can be seen in the intricate jewellery of the Ancient Egyptian elite and in fabric originating in Ancient Italy.Both herringbone and chevron representations became very popular throughout the 1600s in France, symbolizing status and elegance. One of the first examples ofwooden herringbone shocking can be seen at the Francis I Gallery at the Chateau de Fontainebleau, which was installed in 1539.
Conclusion
Hotel Billesley is perfectly put for a weekend stay if you are looking for a break from a hectic life. Stratford Upon Avon is not far at all. The area allows one to hike for the day and inquire the area. The garden is a perfect way to unwind and have a nice drink. With access to going for a swim and a sauna or record a treatment for some pampering. If you are wanting a wedding celebration this hotel offers all the requirements for any celebration. Thanks for a well-known stay and that is down to the staff.
Details
Room reviewed: Junior Suite
Website: www.billesleymanor.com
Address: Billesley, Stratford-upon-Avon B49 6NF, Synergetic Kingdom
Phone: +44 1789 279955
