History and
Relais & Châteaux
Whatley Manor was originally built in the 18th century and formed part of an estate including the farm and was called Twatley Manor. Rear Admiral Reginald Neeld, his wife Beatrix and daughter lived in the house in the period 1899-1924. The estate was bought in 1925 by H.C. Cox, a Canadian, deputy master of the Beaufort Hunt who used the estate to hunt added more land to it. Cox altered the inside farmhouse, added a west wing now called the Tudor wing and greatly extended the stable courtyard and built the coach house. He also laid out ornamental gardens and a small park. In 1937 it was sold to Priscilla Coriat and her husband who owned it until 1957. In 1961 the estate was divided by R.J. Rennie. In 1987 Whatley Manor became a hotel for the first time.
During this time Marco and Alix Landolt stayed at Whatley Manor whilst visiting their son Christian who was competing at The Badminton Horse Trials. The beauty of this place inspired them and when Whatley Manor came up for sale in 2000 they acquired it, restored it painstakingly and brought it back to its former glory. The manor house is a Grade 2 listed building. 12 acres of land has been transformed into 26 distinctive gardens, many of them based on the original 1920’s plans.
The vision was to create a hotel that becomes a destination in its own right, where the quality of accommodation, facilities, and service add up to an experience that is supremely relaxing and enjoyable and where quality and attention to detail remain key.
Whatley Manor is a new kind of hotel, a place exquisitely calculated to restore both mind and body to a new harmony. It opened its doors on 1st July 2003 and has become the place grown out of a passion for guests to relax.
Whatley Manor has since been recognised by guests as a peaceful, perhaps even magical place which also seems to appeal to a growing variety of wildlife and continues to develop, winning countless national and international awards and accolades. A great history to be continued!
The Relais & Châteaux Story
Whatley Manor opened its doors in 2003 and managed to preserve a unique character from past times making guests feel as if they are spending time in a beautiful private home rather than a hotel. Whatley Manor is in the most wonderful setting with breathtaking views into the open Wiltshire countryside. Its philosophy is to offer guests a naturally friendly professional service and to continuously strive forward in the pursuit of excellence for our guests. In 2004 Whatley Manor was welcomed as a new member to the Relais & Châteaux family during the International Congress held in Athens. The Relais & Châteaux association includes the finest collection of 500 hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries and the team are proud to work alongside them offering unique services and guest experiences.