Heythrop Park Resort

Heythrop Park Resort is a unique country estate seamlessly combining elegance with style.

Heythrop Park Resort is set in 440 acres of stunning Oxfordshire countryside. The resort boasts one of the UKs best parkland courses, measuring 7088 yards. Designed by renowned golf course architects Mackenzie & Egbert to championship standard, the course twists its way through the undulating terrain of the estate, and features numerous lakes, streams and strategically placed bunkers to add to the challenge.

Heythrop Park has more facilities and potential than most golf facilities, including two individual hotels Crowne Plaza Hotel with 197 stylish bedrooms, and Heythrop Park Hotel with 154 bedrooms 4 bars and 4 restaurants 18 hole championship golf course, with extensive practice facilities on site and a health club with luxury spa, gym and heated infinity pool.

Heythrop Park was first laid out back in the early 1700s and is a landmark in English Landscape Design history. The second half of the 20th century was disastrous for it, as the original trees deteriorated rapidly and were not correctly replaced. Entire fields were cleared of trees and a great deal was lost.

Heythrop Park was originally designed by the architect Thomas Archer for Charles Talbot, 1st Duke of Shrewsbury. Work on the house began in 1706. By 1709 the roof was in place and by 1713 the house was ready for partial occupation, but it was still unfinished on Shrewsburys death in 1718. Heythrop Hall passed through various generations of the Talbot family until it was rendered uninhabitable by the fire of 1831. Rebuilt by new owners, the Brassey family in 1871, the house remained in their possession until 1926. From then until 1969, Heythrop Hall was a college for the philosophical and theological studies of Jesuit novices. During this period, the house was altered and enlarged, not always in a style sympathetic to the original architectural concept. In 1952, the indoor tennis court was converted to a chapel and in 1965, a library was added. In 1960, the architectural firm of Howell, Killick and Amis created two halls of residence in the grounds in a contemporary style. When in 1969 the Jesuit college moved to London as part of the University there, the National Westminster Bank group bought Heythrop Park and turned the house and its precincts into a training and conference centre. In 1999 NatWest sold the house to Firoz Kassams company Firoka Ltd, which has now turned the house and grounds to a hotel and country club.

The golf course project was a remarkable tale of how all interests can be well served. An agreement was reached to build the course, as long as a minimum of 95 percent of the original planting was replaced. The course had then to be routed around the restored landscape.

Construction was between March 2008 and May 2009, with the course opening for limited play in October 2009, before a full opening in April 2010. The principals of the design company are Tom Mackenzie and Martin Ebert. They worked together for 15 busy and enjoyable years as lead designers with Donald Steel & Company. Between them, Tom and Martin have forty years of experience in the field of golf course architecture, working not only on new courses but also advising the acknowledged classics.

The layout of the course is fabulous. The design is unashamedly low profile, respecting the parkland heritage of the estate. That said, this is one of the finest pieces of ground available for golf, with hole after hole set in its own little arena, with lakes, springs and streams on many of the holes. The remaining mature trees give the course immediate maturity, despite only opening in 2009. The par 72 layout measures 7088 yards from the tournament tees, with a selection of four other tees allowing golfers to pick the scale of course on the day. With three par fives on the back nine, the course is an excellent test, yet one that is rewarding for better players and stunningly beautiful for all. Tom Mackenzie spoke to GolfResortsDirect,

'This was a very sensitive design project from the start. The park is one of the most important in the history of English landscape design with the core design dating back to the early 1700s. Elements still remain. The planning consent stipulated that at least 95 of the 1706 design had to be faithfully restored and the golf be designed around that. This involved working closely with the landscape historian to establish what historic trees should go where before the golf layout could be finalised. The land itself was a pleasure to work with and the grandeur of the setting is a dream for any golf architect. Our design philosophy is to use minimal earthworks allowing the natural features speak for themselves. There were additional restrictions preventing any bunkering of the 11th and 18th holes, as they would have had an excessive impact on views from the main house. We are delighted with the finished product and hope that it will become an established favourite for many years to come.'

David Griffin a PGA professional for many years is now the Director of Golf, Leisure and Spa. David is responsible for the smooth running of anything within these departments and, of course growing the golf usage, both in visitors and memberships. He spoke with GolfResortsDirect,

'This is a fabulous setting for a golf facility and we have seen rapid growth of over 40 percent on all our golf income in the last year. Membership is now over 60 percent up, so we clearly have a great product and it is pitched at the right point in the market. We have very strong membership for such a young club. As a Crowne Plaza resort we offer a wide level of choice for stay and play breaks either through Crowne Plaza or at Heythrop Park. We have offers from just 85pounds per night for dinner, bed and breakfast and 36 holes of golf. Stay and play golf is a major part of our business and we are always looking at the best way to attract new custom to this great site. Im sure business will continue to grow in the next few years.'

Heythrop Park is a glorious setting for golf and with the current facilities it is excellent value for money. As the refurbishments and plans for the site continue to develop, it will become one of the leading resorts in the UK.

Heythrop Park Hotel

There are a total of 137 Archer and Shrewsbury Bedrooms situated in the newer wings adjoining the original main house. These bedrooms are the basic room type but are still equipped with en-suite shower room, tea and coffee making facilities, trouser press, direct dial telephone and TV. Alternatively all 17 main house bedrooms are luxuriously furnished and have panoramic views across the estate. Rooms benefit from en-suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, direct dial telephone, trouser press, bath robes, television and wired internet access.

Crowne Plaza Hotel

Daylight bounces off the silver-and-white decor of your inviting Crowne Plaza Heythrop Park-Oxford room Standard Guest Room, creating an invigorating atmosphere. Surf the web with wireless Internet at your work desk or unwind with a blockbuster movie on TV. Exclusive Club Rooms offer air conditioning, high speed internet access, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, TV with pay movies, bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, iron and board. Or for extra luxury opt for a Site - stretch out in your tastefully decorated lounge area to watch TV, or browse the Internet at your work desk. You can sip a freshly brewed coffee or unwind in your modern, 4-piece bathroom with luxury toiletries.

Experience the splendid Terrace Restaurant with magnificent views overlooking the Italian Gardens, along with its gleaming silverware, sparkling glassware and efficient service all complimenting the exquisite food. Or alternatively relax in the Charlbury bar, with a light lounge snack or enjoy pre or post dinner drinks.

The Wedgwood lounge has the perfect setting for enjoying afternoon tea, or enjoy sitting on the Terrace with a cocktail of the day. Alternatively visit the Luxurious Brassey Restaurant located on the third floor of the Crowne Plaza overlooking the South Lawn, and Water Fountain, offering Table d'hote or a'la Carte Menu for all guests staying in Crowne Plaza. The Hotel also offers Two extremely Modern and Contemporary Bar areas - The Snug or The Brassey Bar - whether you are looking for an intimate setting or just cosy. You can also order a light meal of set menus in both bars.