Overview

Built somewhere around 1500’s it was at first a small Dower house, the type usually built for the widow of an estate, and that building stood around a village setting. Although no definite proof can be offered, it is believed that a medieval castle (perhaps “Zouches castle”) stood here on this site, and perhaps a lot of the old stone from previous buildings was used after they fell. The first known Lords were appointed from 1143, and we know that Ernald de Bois inherited the manor, and this family lived on here through various sons until 1313, when a William de Bois granted the estate to be kept in trust for a son of Lord William la Zouche, through his wife. The Lords Zouche held the manor for many years, until 1580. It was then sold on to two country gentlemen, and the manor was never again in the hands of a Lord. The tree original South facing gables (photo 2) were created around 1580 at the time of Queen Elizabeth 1st of England, while the fireplace in Newdigate Bar and its over-mantle is late 1500’s hundreds (photos 8 and 9) Four of the Eight hearths of 1666 still survive today, you can see them in the Bar (photo 9) Lounge and library (photo 13) and Arden Bar. Even some of the original glazing still survives, which are located on the North side. Much of the original panelling you see are original or early 17th century (photo 11). A lot of new restoration work was added in 1893, which is now used for reception, restaurant, the lobby and quite a few bedrooms on the first and second floors. The manor was then passed on family member to family, but early in the 20th century, a F.A. Newdigate purchased the the manor and title in the 1890’s. During 1920 Lt.Col. leyland bought the manor, and he remained here until his death in the 1950’s. In that same year, the house was converted into flats, but in 1992 a local man bought the manor, and converted parts of it into a restaurant and function rooms. A new owner took over and made a lot of improvements, and it opened again on 16th November 2012. So let’s take a look at the Hall as it is today. OUR REVIEW OF PART ONE. A very pleasant surprise as we are not always sure what to expect from a Best Western hotel, and although it was old, and interesting, it was not a wow feeling, we felt it was rather plain in many places, not as characterful as other places we have been to. It was comfortable enough, we enjoyed sitting there over drinks, but not a lot to see or do in the hotel itself. It seemed to be popular with locals though, so that’s usually a good sign. As there was no lift, we did not see any of the bedrooms upstairs, so cannot advice on disabled rooms, but did take a photo of a downstairs room, with permission of staff, and that looked ok. It seems that decorating needs to be done in some parts, as if it’s been kicked around a bit and scuffed in places, but not off putting. We do recommend a visit though, especially if you read our PART TWO REVIEW, as more to see and do, and of course you can see for yourself what the hotels all about by looking at the photos for both parts.

Transport & Parking

A nice drive around outskirts of Coventry through pleasant country roads, took us to this very pleasant historical hotel, and pleased to see so many cars already parked up (photo1) as it was only just coming up to 11am, coffee time no doubt. Two disabled bays right up by the entrance, both taken, but plenty of other bays quite close.

Access

Although parking bays close to entrance, sadly there is quite a high step to get up, and no sign of a ramp or another entrance that was open, the only other door was a fire door, so you would have to try and find a member of staff to come and open up, but these are far and few, so it could be a problem if you cannot get out of your own wheelchair. We did not see a lift, but there were a few bedrooms on the ground floor if required. We did however see all we needed to for the Hall and hotel.

Toilets

There is a disabled toilet, but a bit small, and had to leave chair outside in passage. You certainly won’t get a chair to move around in there, but it did have grab rail and a pull cord.

Staff

Busy, one, who seemed to have to do everything but did so quite willingly, and she was very friendly and kind enough.

Photos