You might recall earlier this year that we visited Mitre Court, a hotel that gave us a sensational summer experience. Well, we’re excited to announce the second hotel from the visionary British hospitality brand The Signet Collection. Cue the arrival of The Retreat Elcot Park which will debut from Spring 2022. Housed in a Grade II-listed 18th-century building located between Hungerford and Newbury, The Retreat will be comprised of 55 individually styled bedrooms with magnificent grounds to match.
The property follows the recent opening of The Mitre Hampton Court, which, within thirty days of launching, won ‘Best Hotel in London’ by The Sunday Times and inclusion in Conde Nast Traveller’s highly coveted Hot List for ‘Best UK New Hotels’, amongst other top awards and accolades.
Dating back to 1772, The Retreat has a storied past including once being the childhood home of the great poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. With stunning views of the Wessex Downs, the property is ideally situated for those looking to enjoy both country pursuits and culture alike with its proximity to the famous Downton Abbey Highclere Castle, the charming market town of Hungerford, Newbury racecourse and Blenheim Palace. With excellent transport links to the M4, M3 and A34, as well as numerous train stations, the countryside retreat is readily accessible from many central hubs and just 45 minutes by train from London.
As with its sister hotel, The Mitre Hampton Court, all things Culinary will have pride of place at The Retreat, which will open with two restaurants (an all-day dining Brasserie and a pan-Asian restaurant). Other elements include a whisky tasting room, honesty pantries on each floor and experiences for all age groups.
For private events there will also be several meeting rooms and multiple private dining spaces. At the helm of culinary operations is Ronnie Kimbugwe, whose background includes time with the Gordon Ramsay group at Claridge’s Hotel and a decade with the Bel and Dragon Country Inns.
Set within 16 acres, The Retreat will be a destination in its own right with a walled working garden, tennis courts, an outdoor infinity pool (complete with designer cabanas and Whispering Angel pool bar), croquet lawns and children’s zone.
This boutique hotel will also boast an impressive Health Club, inclusive of hydrotherapy pools, treatment rooms, steam & sauna, large gym, spin studio and a wellness area.
Topping off the experiences will be ‘The Courtyard,’ a mixed-use retail space consisting of a bakery, coffee house, hair salon & a wine store.
Continuing The Signet Collection’s celebrated design aesthetic, the transformation of The Retreat will combine quirky British sensibility, blending the old with the new. Refined and comfortable, luxury is central to the design vision with nods to both the history and location of the property. As with The Mitre at Hampton Court, The Retreat will be home to characterful bedrooms, and playful lively public spaces where people will quickly feel at home.
“We are delighted to announce the second hotel from The Signet Collection coming next Spring. As with The Mitre Hampton Court, we look forward to unveiling a property which will be enjoyed in the context of its historical significance, both preserving and restoring authenticity coupled with offering a vast array of activities on site to keep our guests entertained. With a focus on creating memorable experiences, informality of design, exquisite food and service, we believe The Retreat will be a much-loved addition to the area, involving both the local community and travellers from afar” said Hector Ross, Managing Partner.
The Signet Collection launched in September 2020 alongside the debut hotel in the portfolio, The Mitre Hampton Court. Founded by the former COO of Longshot, owners of Beaverbrook and Bel & the Dragon Group, the vision of the home-grown and hands-on brand is to be made up of several destination-defining properties throughout the UK. With a string of awards already under their belt, Hector Ross and his team have taken the British hospitality world by storm whilst staying true to their objective of creating meaningful stays in time honored places.
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