Brandon Hall Hotel, dating back to the Imperial period and once a shooting lodge, is 300m west of the village of Brandon in Warwickshire.
Until the 1940s, the building was used as a private home by three generations of the Beech family. It was sold to the Crews family in 1946, since which time it has been a popular hotel.
The hotel sits in 17 acres of ground. Out of sight of the entrance it has been extended into a rather rambling complex of modern brick annexes with a central courtyard.
As you walk into the entrance hall and reception area, it is carpeted, has upholstered chairs, antique furniture and 18/19th century oil paintings on the walls. A painting of ‘Lady Godiva’ hangs nearby. On this occasion, a huge, decorated Christmas Tree adorns a space to the right of reception
Upon arrival, we signed in for our special 2 night B&B with evening meal included. Our room was one of 120 contemporary rooms situated at the back, down a long corridor walk.
All the rooms have en suites, each with satellite TV and internet access. The pale walls are somewhat cold looking but the room was fairly sizeable with the usual complimentary tea and coffee and single wrapped, plain biscuits. Seating furniture was adequate.
Bath and shower were fine, although the room had not been fully serviced with loo roll and I had to ask for towels the second day as old ones were removed but not fully replaced.
Food and drink is served in the Clarendon Restaurant and you can relax near an open fireplace or sit in the Bewick Bar.
The meal choice was very good and a buffet breakfast was laid out to serve yourself. Waiting staff were smartly dressed and helpful and polite.
We enjoyed our stay and was able to explore the nearby vicinity.
Although I didn’t see it, It is noted in the 1605 living history society that there is an Ice House at Brandon Hall.
300m south of Brandon is also the site of a Medieval Castle and moat complex. Documentary evidence does exist for some of its history and some earth works have been partially excavated. Built in the 12th century, it was the seat of the Verdon family. It was garrisoned in 1195 and thought to have been pulled down by baronial troops from Kenilworth Castle in 1265. In 1279 a castle and a park are recorded and it was still used as a residence in 1309. How much later it functioned, is unknown.
