Estelle Manor: The New Jewel of the Cotswolds and London’s Exclusive Members’ Club

The brand-new Estelle Manor raises the bar on the English countryside hotel.

Upon entering London’s most private members club, Maison Estelle — created by Sharan Pasricha, founder of hospitality powerhouse Ennismore — I am presented with a small square sticker. “It’s for your phone,” the staffer tells me, as the square is firmly applied over my camera lens.

In case there’s any question, secrecy is taken very seriously here — good luck finding a single photograph of the club’s interior online. But starting this summer, there’s a new way to get a peek at the exclusive world of Estelle, no membership required. Set on a 60-acre estate on the edge of the Cotswolds, and about an hour-and-a-half from London, Estelle Manor is the new country outpost of Maison Estelle. While there are some private areas for members only, where you will indeed have to put a sticker over your camera lens, Estelle Manor is very much a hotel open to all, with 108 bedrooms, four restaurants (two of which are currently serving guests), and all the trimmings.

Estelle Manor: What You Need to Know

• Estelle Manor dates back to 1908, showcasing early 20th-century heritage with original hand-carved paneling and 500-year-old holly oak trees.
• The hotel features 37 classes a week in its state-of-the-art gym, catering to all fitness levels.
• Rooms are adorned with artistic touches, including chinoiserie armoires and retro-esque Ruark Audio radios.
• As part of its development, the hotel will add private cottages and a 32,000-square-foot spa in the future.

I know I’m somewhere special even as I approach Estelle Manor’s stone gates. From the wide pebbled drive, the neo-Jacobean mansion — all honey-hued limestone, mullioned windows, and chimney stacks tangled in ivy — slowly comes into view, feeling much like the opening sequence of Downton Abbey. Surrounded by majestic 500-year-old holly oak trees and wildflower fields, the manor’s recent history includes serving as a hunting lodge, maternity ward, police academy, and most recently, a three-star hotel. Its renewed purpose is clear: to become the best new country hotel in Britain.

“We have a state-of-the-art gym with 37 classes a week, from HIIT and Box Fit to Hatha yoga and Pilates,” Pasricha shares. “There’s a Riviera-inspired swimming pool on the South Terrace, a kids’ club, and a dedicated workspace for members. Eynsham Baths — our extraordinary Roman-inspired spa — will be opening in the coming months, as will our padel courts.”

Estelle Manor distinguishes itself in a world filled with uniform designs and effortless style. Its aesthetics are high-octane and fully saturated, showcasing a level of cool that is meticulously curated. Each room reflects period features, with coffered ceilings adorned in mirrored copper and unique fireplaces. Therefore, every space tells a different story through its aesthetic choices, made possible by the Manhattan-based interiors outfit Roman and Williams, who brought their vision to the manor’s main building and other areas.

“When we embarked on this project, we were guided first and foremost by a deep respect for the property’s cultural heritage,” states Robin Standefer, co-founder of Roman and Williams. “We wanted to redefine what a traditional British country home can be today, through modern interventions and unexpected pairings. Our rehabilitation of the early 20th-century manor house included preserving its hand-carved paneling and exposing the natural beauty of the original oak wood.”

The culinary offerings also showcase the estate’s commitment to excellence. “There’s no shortage of excellent gastro pubs serving good food in the Cotswolds,” Pasricha explains, “so I aimed to ensure the cuisine stands out. Soon, we will introduce four unique restaurants, including a traditional Chinese restaurant and a members’ restaurant with Japanese cuisine.”

Already open is The Billiard Room, featuring rich emerald textures that evoke the essence of a luxurious setting. This venue serves dishes like siu yuk (crispy pork) alongside yuzu mustard and single-origin chocolate Sichuan tarts presented on Richard Ginori Oriente Italiano china. Additionally, The Brasserie is also open, adorned with a light-filled orangery and a farmhouse-chic main area, making it ideal for enjoying breakfast; try the forest mushrooms on sourdough with vegan cream cheese.

Extravagant and stylish guest rooms come in several categories, with more options soon to be available, including private cottages nestled in the woodland near the upcoming 32,000-square-foot spa. Currently, the manor rooms cater to adults only, featuring cane furniture, retro-style Ruark Audio radios, and bespoke chinoiserie armoires stocked with elderflower kombucha and collagen eye patches. The bathrooms are spectacular, showcasing breccia rosso marble, dark floral wallpaper, and full-sized George Northwood hair care products.

There’s an intriguing twist in the room offerings, with Japanese beer, Clase Azul, mini-rehab supplements, and even condoms discreetly placed among toiletries. However, the charming Beatrix Potter aesthetics shouldn’t mislead you; the locale vibrates with healthy hedonism and a vibrant social scene. A short drive away, attractions include the lively Soho Farmhouse, wellness-centric Daylesford Farm, and RH’s new sprawling showroom. Nonetheless, the most compelling reason to visit this summer is Estelle Manor — just wait until you see the pool.