History The Hotel was developed as a private Countryside Dwelling in the 17th century. It was during this age, that Oliver Cromwell arrived to stay. The Estate at this time was in excess of a hundred acres and according to area history publications, contained the sizeable freshwater lake with a tiny nevertheless delightful weir, where it overflowed like a cascade, into the smaller lake on its way to the sea. It is still in evidence today. Like a number of Historical English Houses, Botleigh Grange is not lacking its haunted chamber. A past owner is believed to have kept his daughter confined inside one of the principle bedrooms due to the woman having become ‘enamoured of a certain knight’. Marks made as a result of her fingernails on the door, in her frantic pains to flee otherwise dying of hunger, had been noticeable for scores of years. Her apparition may possibly even now stroll the landings on the hour of midnight. In close proximity, stands a ‘haunted oak’. Her father stood here to gaze upon her imprisonment and revel in her suffering. A memorial of mystery – with no caption or given name, stands in the grounds. It is understood to indicate the place at which a past owner’s daughter fell from her horse and was killed. Thomas Hellyer Foord, a shipbuilder and supplier of Rochester, invested in the 100-acre estate in 1868. He was responsible for the addition of the Tower above the porch, which housed a clock with Westminster chimes, by Buggins of Clerkenwell. Further additions along with decorations were carried out personally by one of the family. The main construction being the oak panelled walls in addition to a magnificent decorative ceiling that can be observed in the ‘Cocktail Lounge’. The engraved mantelpiece depicting acorns (which is located in the Lakeside Bar) may well have been a reminder of the family trade carried out at Acorn Wharf. Mr. Foord, being fond of animals, established a herd of 200 deer on the estate, and the occasional deer may still be seen strolling about the grounds of the Hotel. Thomas Hellyer Foord died, at the age of 93, in 1917. The Estate was finally sold in ‘lots’ in 1923. One ‘lot’ being the Mansion House in addition to 25 acres of gardens and lakes. It was transformed into an exclusive Hotel in 1932 and continued as such until the Plumpton family bought it in 1949 and acquired a full licence to run the ‘Botleigh Grange Hotel’ as a Licensed Country House Hotel, and whilst it is still owned by the Plumpton family to this day it is run by Legacy Hotels & Resorts who operate a range of three and four star places to stay throughout the UK, Jersey in addition to Southern Spain. Accomodation The Hotel presents a mixture of 56 exquisitely deluxe Superior Doubles, Executive Suites as well as more Traditional Four-Poster bedrooms, making the perfect visit for a special weekend, romantic break or business trip. All rooms at The Legacy Botleigh Grange Hotel are independently designed and present every up to date service, as needed by today's discerning traveller. All rooms are equipped with ensuite bathroom, free high speed wireless internet access, hospitality tray, direct dial telephones, trouser press and hairdryers. Food and Drink The magnificent Dining Room, with its glass domed ceiling with views overlooking the gardens, was an addition to the Hotel in 1992 and has been described as the most beautiful in Hampshire. It is approached through the Cocktail Lounge, a splendid oak panelled room with a distinctive ornamental ceiling created in 1868, perfect for pre dinner drinks, just to relax, or have your coffee and liquors following your meal. Renown for a fantastic menu, the Restaurant boasts an AA Rosette accolade. The chefs of The Legacy Botleigh Grange continue to turn the very best of local food into dishes of excellence. Inside our sizeable Dining Room, we retain the capacity to cater for smaller dinner events celebrating special occasions or bigger groups up to one hundred fifty. Ceremonial dinner parties in this lavish period scenery are arranged with personal care and consideration. Wedding Parties for up to four hundred guests have earned an enviable repute over the past fifty years. The Legacy Botleigh Grange Hotel can in addition host Dinner Parties, Private Groups, Wedding Parties, Anniversaries, Christenings and Birthday Parties in one of our private function suites. Sunday Lunch Enjoy a relaxing Sunday Lunch in our picturesque glass domed restaurant. Main courses from £6.95 Children under 12 eat FREE. Quick lunch menu Available Monday to Friday the Legacy Botleigh Grange Hotel are delighted to present an exciting lunch menu. They promise to serve your lunch within 15 minutes or it is on them!
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A Review of The Legacy Hotels Botleigh Grange Hotel in Southampton
Samantha McClintock is a waitress at The Botleigh Grange Hotel, Hampshire.
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