Within a small pocket of rural Warwickshire a transformation of epic proportions is underway. Wroxall Abbey Hotel, seven miles west of Kenilworth, has been mired by all sorts of financial problems in recent years.
The historic four-star hotel and its gorgeous grounds, parts of which date back to the 11th Century, were forced to close not once, but twice after the owners fell into administration on either side of the Covid-19 pandemic. But Wroxall Abbey is now in the hands of the Thakkar family who are determined to restore the hotel to its former glory.
They have announced plans for a multi-million pound refurbishment incorporating a new spa and a total overhaul of the courtyard block adjacent to the main house, just a 30-minute drive from Coventry. Company director Paresh Thakkar said: "We acknowledge the rich history of Wroxall Abbey and understand its significant importance and value to the local community.
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"While we understand the negative press that has surrounded Wroxall Abbey in the past, especially with the recent administration, our main goal as a business is to restore the historic reputation of this magnificent estate, rebuilding trust with the community and to provide a high-quality service for our guests."
A visit to the Victorian neo-Gothic brick mansion hotel, a former girls’ school and one-time country estate of architect Sir Christopher Wren, reinforces just how big a task lies in front of the Thakkars. Parts of Wroxall Abbey, the only hotel in the country with its own on-site chapel, have fallen into disrepair; requiring huge volumes of investment and no little TLC.
But Paresh and his son Roshan, operations director at ONS International Ltd T/A, which owns the estate, believe they are up to the task. "Our dedicated team are aware of the continuous and challenging upkeep with the Grade II listed building," Paresh added.
"Our business has the long-term vision to continue to transform Wroxall Abbey into a beautiful and luxurious venue. This is a family-run four-star hotel and we do things a little bit differently, but our key objectives now are to always look after our guests and move forward with our grand plans."
Since its takeover, the business has obtained a wedding licence and launched afternoon tea and Sunday lunch menus. The lunches have been a huge hit with locals and have been fully booked for the past month.
The reopening of the estate's 14th Century church, after five years in the wilderness, has also proved popular with the local community. It was recommissioned in March when Sunday services for The Order of St. Leonards resumed alongside weddings and christenings.
The congregation regularly frequents the hotel for complimentary refreshments. Founded as a Benedictine nunnery by Hugh Fitz Richard of Hatton in the middle of the 12th Century, Wroxall Abbey currently offers 72 bedrooms, six conference rooms, Henry’s Lounge & Bar and Henry’s Restaurant, which looks out across a large patio terrace and part of the estate's 27 acres.
Ambitious future plans include a new state-of-the-art spa and health club and a renovation of the courtyard building to create an additional 24 bedrooms by the end of next year. A murder mystery evening kicks off a series of events at the hotel designed to bring in much-needed funds to reinvest.
For tickets to the murder mystery on October 28, which includes a three-course dinner and overnight stay options, and other upcoming events, visit the hotel's website or call 01926 242330.
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