UK hotel group Surya Hotels has started the first phase of a major renovation of the historic Theobalds Estate near Waltham Cross.
The grade-II listed Georgian mansion house, which was once the favourite country residence of King James I, was converted into a hotel during the 1990s and was formerly owned by the De Vere Group. Its most recent owners, Birch, fell into administration, closing the site suddenly in November 2023.
The hotel exterior features turrets, arched windows, a brick façade and marble pillars and sits in 55 acres of parkland, complete with an ornate, landscaped Italian garden.
When completed, the site will feature 140 bedrooms, three restaurants, a bar and extensive meeting and event facilities, including 11 conference rooms – the largest of which has capacity for over 300 guests.
Other highlights will include a major health and wellness club, opening later this year, padel courts and the future restoration of the outdoor Lido. A completed section of the site, titled The Ridings Restaurant and Rooms is already open, while work on the mansion house and The Hub gets underway, including a complete renovation of the restaurants, bar, reception and bedrooms.
General manager, Oliver Brown, is at the helm of the Theobalds Estate project. A Master Innholder, with a “distinguished” career in hospitality, he has held leadership roles at several UK hotels, including the prestigious Wivenhoe House, where he also collaborated with Edge Hotel School – helping train the next generation of hospitality workers.
Theobalds Estate is the biggest acquisition by Surya Hotels since it was established in 2009 with the group purchasing the site for £12.5m earlier this year. Surya Hotel’s portfolio has rapidly expanded over the last decade to include 13 hotels across the UK, including The George, Great Hallingbury Manor and the Kingscliff in Essex, the Duke’s Head in Norfolk and The Mill Hotel in Suffolk.
Two further Surya Hotels – The Hog’s Back Hotel and Spa, Farnham and Thatchers in East Horsley, are located in Surrey, providing the perfect base to explore some of the UK’s leading attractions. The addition of Theobalds Estate brings its hotels, within close proximity of the capital, up to three.
Suki Dulai, CEO of Harwich-based Flying Trade Group PLC, behind the Surya Hotels brand, said: “Theobalds Park Estate is a remarkable addition to our portfolio, combining exceptional facilities with rich historical heritage and great connectivity to the capital. We’re committed to restoring this magnificent estate to its former grandeur to create a world-class destination. As stewards of this extraordinary estate, we look forward to welcoming both leisure and corporate guests to experience the unique character and timeless appeal of this wonderful venue.”
