History
The Hotel was built as a private Country Manor in the seventeenth century. It was during this era, that Oliver Cromwell came to stay. The Estate by this time was more than one hundred acres and according to district history publications, included the sizeable freshwater lake with a small nevertheless gorgeous weir, where it overflowed like a waterfall, into the smaller lake on its way to the sea. It is still in evidence today.
Like a quantity of Historical English Homes, Botleigh Grange is not without its haunted chamber. A past owner is believed to have kept his daughter confined inside 1 of the principle bedrooms due to the woman having become ‘enamoured of a certain knight’. Marks made as a result of her fingernails on the door, in her frantic pains to run away otherwise dying of malnourishment, were evident for many years. Her apparition might even now stroll the landings on the hour of midnight. In the vicinity, stands a ‘haunted oak’. Her father stood here to gaze upon her captivity and revel in her suffering.
A testament of mystery – with no dedication or name, stands in the grounds. It is believed to indicate the site at which a past owner’s daughter fell from her horse and was killed.
Thomas Hellyer Foord, a shipbuilder and service provider of Rochester, bought the 100-acre estate during 1868. He was responsible for the construction of the Tower over the porch, that housed a clock with Westminster chimes, by Buggins of Clerkenwell. New additions along with decorations were carried out personally by 1 of the family. The principle construction being the oak panelled walls and a magnificent ornate ceiling that can be experienced in the ‘Cocktail Lounge’. The carved mantelpiece depicting acorns (which is located in the Lakeside Bar) may have been a reminder of the descendants trade carried out at Acorn Wharf. Mr. Foord, being fond of animals, established a herd of two hundred deer on the estate, and the occasional deer can still be viewed strolling throughout the grounds of the Hotel. Thomas Hellyer Foord died, at the age of 93, in 1917.
The Estate was finally sold in ‘lots’ in 1923. One ‘lot’ being the Mansion House as well as twenty five acres of gardens and lakes. It was converted into an exclusive Hotel in 1932 and continued as such until the Plumpton family purchased it in 1949 and acquired a full licence to run the ‘Botleigh Grange Hotel’ as a Licensed Country House Hotel, and whilst it is even now owned by the Plumpton family to this day it is managed by Legacy Hotels & Resorts who control a selection of three and four star places to stay throughout the UK, Jersey in addition to Southern Spain.
Accomodation
The Hotel provides a selection of fifty six elegantly plush Superior Doubles, Executive Suites as well as more Traditional Four-Poster bedrooms, making the perfect break for a special weekend, romantic break or business trip. All hotel bedrooms at The Legacy Botleigh Grange Hotel are separately created and present every up to date service, as required by today's astute traveller. Every one is feature ensuite bathroom, free high speed wireless internet access, hospitality tray, direct dial telephones, trouser press and hairdryers.
Food and Drink
The superb Dining Room, with its glass domed ceiling with views overlooking the gardens, was built on to the Hotel in 1992 and has been described as the most delightful in Hampshire.
It is approached through the Cocktail Lounge, a splendid oak panelled space with a unique ornamental ceiling created in 1868, perfect for pre dinner drinks, just to relax, or have your coffee and liquors after your meal.
Well known for a delicious menu, the Restaurant boasts an AA Rosette accolade. The chefs of The Legacy Botleigh Grange continue to turn the very finest of regional produce into dishes of distinction. Inside our substantial Dining Room, we hold the ability to cater on behalf of smaller dinner parties celebrating special situations or larger events up to one hundred fifty. Dinner parties in this palatial period scenery are arranged with special care and consideration. Wedding Ceremonies for up to four hundred guests have earned an enviable reputation during the past 50 years.
The Legacy Botleigh Grange Hotel can in addition host Dinner Parties, Private Groups, Wedding Parties, Anniversaries, Christenings and Birthday Events in one of our private function suites.
Sunday Lunch
Enjoy a tranquil Sunday Lunch in our scenic glass domed restaurant. Main courses from £6.95 Children under 12 eat FREE.
Quick lunch menu
Available Monday to Friday the Legacy Botleigh Grange Hotel are delighted to offer an exciting lunch menu. They guarantee to serve your lunch in 15 minutes or it is on them!
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