Ston Easton Park, Ston Easton, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA3 4DF

Ston Easton, a Grade-I listed English manor house near Bath, boasts a rich history dating back over 1000 years, with its origins documented in the medieval Domesday survey. Though the current building traces its roots to 1769, the estate’s narrative spans centuries. For more than four centuries, it remained in the hands of the Hippisley family, who took great pains to upkeep its character. One of the most significant endeavours was the restoration of its landscape, meticulously designed by the esteemed English landscaper Humphrey Repton in the late 1700s. However, by the mid-20th century, neglect had left the property slated for demolition, until Lord William Rees-Mogg intervened. Under his ownership, efforts to restore the estate began, yet it wasn’t until hotelier Peter Smedley acquired the property in the 1970s that comprehensive restoration took place.

Ston Easton Park lies nestled in the County of Somerset, situated in the South West of England. Its strategic location places it within easy reach of vibrant cities like Bath, Bristol and Wells.

Positioned conveniently off the A37 and in close proximity to the breath taking Mendip Hills, renowned for their natural beauty, the property offers potential guests a serene escape amidst the rural charm of Somerset while ensuring accessibility to a plethora of nearby attractions. With excellent transportation networks, including road and rail services, guests can travel to and from London Paddington via direct trains from Castle Cary Station (15 miles), Bristol (14 miles), and Bath (13 miles).

The nearby A303, accessible via the A37, provides swift connections to London and the West Country, while Bristol Airport sits just approximately 15 miles away, offering convenient air travel options.

The hotel is to be sold with vacant possession. All loose furniture remaining at the property is excluded from the sale.

The expansive gardens and grounds envelop the Mansion House, spanning approximately 28 acres. Crafted and curated by the renowned Humphry Repton, the gardens feature lawns that line the banks of the river Norr.

To the west, a bridge leads to the Gardener’s Cottage, bordered by a Grade II stone wall adjacent to the walled garden. A charming rose garden adorns the area next to the house, while the Arboretum and traditional greenhouses stand by the Gardener’s Cottage, accompanied by an orchard and a tennis court nearby.

The remaining expanse of land blends into the surrounding woodland, extending along the drive and towards the woodland path. Ample parking is provided at the front of the Mansion House and The Coach House, with additional parking areas partitioned to the south of the house and to the west of the Coach House, all accessible from the main drive.

Ston Easton Park presents a remarkable opportunity to acquire an exquisite manor house with significant upside potential. This splendid Georgian former country house hotel boasts delightful Grade II listed gardens that offer captivating views of the surrounding parkland. Ideally situated within Somerset, it provides convenient access to Bath, Bristol, and Wells.

While currently not in operation, Ston Easton Park offers a prospective buyer the chance to reposition the establishment as a luxurious hotel and wedding venue, leveraging its unique historical charm to potentially become one of the premier country house hotels in the area. Nestled just 13 miles from Bath, this stunning property boasts enchanting grounds. There are opportunities for value addition, such as converting the disused Grade II* listed Coach House into a substantial function suite to generate additional revenue.

Moreover, the charming Grade II listed three-bedroom Gardener’s Cottage could serve as extra guest accommodations or a self-contained unit. With its diverse appeal, the hotel is sure to attract various buyer profiles, including existing hoteliers seeking portfolio expansion and both domestic and overseas investors eager to capitalize on the robust demand for private leisure businesses in the South West of England.

Planning permissions have been granted through Mendip Council for a range of uses, including residential usage and extending the functions space. These are under references 2020/0760/FUL, 2016/2824/FUL, 2016/2672/LBC – please note, these have now lapsed. Permissions may also be granted for educational usage, or for a retirement home. The extensive land and spacious manor house, as well as the cottage and coach house, lend itself to a wide array of potential uses.

Freehold

Rateable Value 1st April 2023: £74,000

We have been advised that the property is connected to mains electricity, water and drainage.