Combermere Abbey: A Healthy Retreat January 29, 2019
Combermere Abbey: A Healthy Retreat
The buzz of Christmas has quietened down and now we’re embarking on 2019. January is always the month where resolutions are made, with many pledging to lead a healthier lifestyle. If you need a break after the busy Christmas period, you’re guaranteed to have nothing but a relaxing, stress-free stay here at Combermere Abbey. A great way to focus on your personal goals and re-calibrate your habits!
Our ten well designed and comfortable cottages vary in guest capacity, with our largest one sleeping 10 guests and smallest sleeping 4 or our luxurious North Wing bed and breakfast, ideal for romantic short stays or breaks away for two. Whether you stay in the Salamanca or Bhurtpore room, our wonderful House Manager, Stephan, will cook you a delicious homemade breakfast to help you kick off your days at Combermere the right way and help organise your day’s itinerary as well. Don’t forget too that all stays at Combermere are VAT free until March!
Combermere Abbey is a hidden gem on the Shropshire/Cheshire borders. With almost 1000 acres of gardens, parkland and woodland to explore, there are also many walking options within just 1 hours’ drive away. There is truly nothing more satisfying than going back to the roots of nature (pun intended!) to ground yourself and relax. Walking is one of the easiest ways to get active and healthy, and with our stunning grounds at your feet you can create your own adventure walk whilst racking up those steps on your health app. The health benefits of walking know no bounds, with increased circulation, stress reduction, bone strength and boosts the immune system.
A walk through the Garden wood, next to your cottage, will lead you down to the water’s edge of the magnificent Mere and a chance to see a wonderful display of water birds. Did you know that at Combermere Abbey you can go wild swimming in the lake as part of your unique experience in the Cheshire countryside? Wild swimming comes with numerous health benefits, not only does it stimulate the immune system by increasing white blood cell count, but it also helps the release of endorphins and cleanses the skin. After the indulgence of Christmas and New Year, it’ll have you feeling energised and healthy. The lake is also a must-see for a breathtaking sunset to end your day, a perfect opportunity to get back in touch with nature before you return to a fire and glass of wine on your retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
If you’re visiting with a larger group of family or friends, you can book one of our recommended local caterers to make you a delicious, dinner with local ingredients. Alternatively, to save the hassle of food shopping during your stay, pre-order a supermarket shop delivered to your cottage ahead of your arrival and we will unpack everything for you.
If you’d like to venture outside of the estate for your evening meal, discover our top pub picks in the area on a previous blog, which includes Combermere Arms and Cholmondeley Arms. On the menu at Combermere Arms, there’s a classic chicken caesar salad and a crispy beef salad or for something a little heartier, the Moroccan vegetable and chickpea pie. At the Cholmondeley Arms, known for its selection of over 300 gins! enjoy a fillet of plaice stuffed with Devon crab served with roasted squash cassoulet or the sweet potato, red lentil and turnip chilli. However, we won’t tell anyone if you opt for the fish and chips!
So don’t delay, book your detox stay at Combermere Abbey and enjoy a 20% reduction until the end of March. You can contact our wonderful team on 01948 660 345 or check availability on our website.
We’ll Always Remember Your Wedding November 14, 2018
We’ll Always Remember Your Wedding
After spending months planning your wedding day, you want to treasure it long into your marriage. So, what can you do to preserve those precious memories?
Tree Planting At Combermere Abbey
As you begin to put down roots as newlyweds and your marriage blossoms and grows, your very own tree will do the same here in the grounds of Combermere Abbey. That’s because we plant a tree for every couple who get married here.
It’s a lovely idea for couples to return to Combermere Abbey to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Thanks to the estate’s charming accommodation, you can! Book one of our luxurious Courtyard Cottages or the historic Stone Lodge and enjoy walks through the woodland where your tree grows.
Because each of the Courtyard Cottages has an individual style, each wedding anniversary you spend at Combermere will be unique.
Precious Memories In Photos
Another sentimental way to celebrate your wedding anniversary is to look through the photos. Dig out your wedding album, pop open a bottle of Prosecco and cosy up as you relive your Combermere Abbey wedding, one photo at a time.
From your morning preparations in the elegant Stone Lodge, to the excitement of your ceremony in the Edwardian Glasshouse and one-of-a-kind fruit tree maze, Combermere Abbey’s romantic and iconic spaces ensure your wedding is a day you’ll never forget.
There’s also the idyllic mere, rustic ancient woodland and, of course, the breath-taking Victorian gardens. Picturesque backdrops for the biggest day of your lives.
Each time you return and see the same roses blossoming, the fruit ripening on the vines or the wintry branches glittering with frost, your most precious memories will come flooding back.
Your wedding at Combermere Abbey is much more than one day. It’s the start of the rest of your lives together. And the tree planted especially for you will mark it for centuries to come.
If you’re planning your wedding, find out more about this magical Cheshire wedding venue here.
Booked your big day? Browse our luxurious accommodation and plan your perfect first wedding anniversary here at Combermere Abbey.
Sarah Callander Beckett on: The Restoration of Combermere Abbey November 9, 2018
Sarah Callander Beckett on: The Restoration of Combermere Abbey
Sarah Callander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey, has contributed a chapter to the recently published Rizzoli coffee table must-have, ‘The Country House: Past, Present, Future.’ Written by celebrated art historians David Cannadine and Jeremy Musson, it is full of wonderful, inspiring photographs and essays about Britain’s heritage, its contribution and relevance to today. Sarah’s chapter entitled: An Inheritance Restored: A Private Owner’s Experience tells the story of the 20 yearlong restoration of the Abbey and everything that it entailed.
We caught up with Sarah to find out more on the process of the restoration and who was involved…
Writing about the restoration must have brought back a lot of memories, what was the feeling amongst everyone who’d worked on it, on the day it was declared finished?
A huge sense of satisfaction and pride, the project was one of the most complex and demanding that many of those working with us had been involved with, and the teamwork and commitment to completing it was a testament to their different skills and passions.
What was it like working alongside Nina Campbell and what was the vision behind the design of the cottages and North Wing?
I have known Nina for many years and admire her skills at combining a deep understanding and appreciation for architecture and buildings with creating stylish, elegant and comfortable interiors. She has a great sense of humour and is slightly irreverent, refreshingly so which makes it all the more fun! The vision behind the decoration of Crossley Cottage in 1994 was to use her Asticou collection (based on a famous US garden) to celebrate the three generations of Crossley women who loved gardens. My great-grandmother Josephine Crossley; my step great-grandmother Joyce Crossley and my grandmother Clare Crossley. In the case of the North Wing, it was a different approach – to appreciate the strong gothic architectural elements of the building but introducing a contemporary colour palette and fabrics to create a warm, inviting, elegant and dynamic interior. The bridal suite colours of silver and light blue are romantic and take advantage of the north facing windows; the sitting room celebrates the wonderful lake views and the sunlight through the large windows – here she has brought the garden inside.
What aspect of the restoration are you most proud of?
I am incredibly proud of the team that we drew together – they were all amazingly talented people, passionate about doing something they loved and excited about being involved in a very hands-on project. I am very proud of my husband’s project management skills and without him there on site it would be difficult to see how we could have come in on budget (and more or less on time)! It is wonderful to see the Abbey whole again and standing proud in the landscape with a purpose and giving our visitors and guests a truly amazing experience.
During the restoration did you come across any items that could tell a story of the lives that inhabited the Abbey previously?
Yes, in particular we came across a pair of shoes between two floors and after some research discovered that shoes were hidden like that to recognise a birth, and represented fecundity ensuring more healthy children. Also, we found a perfect bottle with a glass seal with the initials RSC on it – I believe they were beer bottles. There is not a flaw in it. Also, we found lots of early cigarette packets and early newspaper sheets!
Combermere Abbey has seen many eras and there have been reports that it’s haunted – have you personally ever seen a spirit?
No, I have not personally, but some people see ghosts, some feel them, and some hear them. However, my great grandfather Kenneth said he saw a monk coming down some ‘stairs’ in his study and disappearing through the floor. A complete mystery until a couple of years ago I met one of the Combermere family who said that the original crypt was under that spot! The most famous ghost picture is one taken by Sybil Corbett, Lord Combermere’s sister in the Library on the day he was buried. And when it was developed, he was sitting in his chair in the library.
Are there any plans to do more on restoration in the future?
In a house like this there are always things that could be improved and worked on. There is one range of buildings still to restore but also existing buildings which need upgrades to make them fit for purpose to use…so it is always a tussle as to who wins! However, there are still parts of the gardens and woodland which need attention in the next few years so that is where I will turn my attention to next.
Look out on our social media channels in the spring for the announcement of the Abbey tours. Alternatively, why not book a stay and Combermere Abbey to fully immerse yourself in this history country estate!
Question: is a visit to the countryside ever complete without stopping off at the local pub? Answer: of course not! Country pubs are at the heart of rural life, and here at Combermere Abbey, we’re incredibly lucky to have a whole host of different pubs on our doorstep. So whether you’re looking for a cosy drink by the fireside or a hearty meal after a day’s walking, we’ve rounded up our top three of our favourite locals that we think you’ll enjoy just as much as us.
For Families: Combermere Arms
Well, it’s in the name, isn’t it. The Combermere Arms is our closest pub, just over a mile away from the Abbey. What could be better than a refreshingly long walk in the warm summer sun to really work up an appetite, before settling down for one of life’s most pleasant dilemmas – choosing what to eat!
The range of cuisines and dishes on offer at the Combermere Arms makes it ideal for families (even more ideal if families have taken advantage of our Summer Family Holiday package, but of course you could also let the kids have a holiday with the grandparents and book a romantic retreat for two in the North Wing!). Whether it’s a classic honey roast ham with egg and chips, deep-fried Cornish Brie or a refreshing salad, there’s something for everyone. And don’t leave without trying their hot waffle with glazed bananas and honeycomb ice cream – no matter how full you might be, trust us on this one!
For Dog Lovers: Cholmondeley Arms
The Cholmondeley Arms in Wrenbury is a pub for those who love a bit of history, but don’t want to leave their four-legged friend at home! Just eight miles away from Combermere, The Cholmondeley Arms sits inside a former Victorian village schoolhouse on Lord Cholmondeley’s estate and welcomes well-behaved dogs in all areas of the pub.
The Cholmondeley Arms is also famous for offering a staggering 366 different gins – enough to try a different one every day of the year! A wide selection of local ales brewed within a 30-mile radius of the pub are also offered, as well as a delicious range of malts and ports. This country pub values tradition and loves its hounds! If you’ve booked to stay in one of our dog-friendly self-catering cottages, take a trip to The Cholmondeley Arms after a nice long walk – you deserve it.
For the Weekend Away: The Bhurtpore Inn
A hotspot for serious beer lovers, the Bhurtpore Inn has won CAMRA’s title of ‘South Cheshire Pub of the Year’ for two years running and has been featured in the Good Beer Guide each and every year since it opened its doors in 1992. Offering a range of hoppy tipples including trendy American and British craft beers, real ales, Belgian and German selections as well as 11 hand-pumped beers – you’re certain to leave the Bhurtpore with a new favourite!
A mere seven-minute drive from Combermere, the Bhurtpore also offers a range of non-alcoholic beers for designated drivers. But if everyone in your party fancies a drink, don’t worry – simply speak to our team who will be more than happy to arrange a taxi for you. Ideal for a group of friends looking to unwind with a weekend away in the country, the Bhurtpore is the pub to kick back and get the rounds in whilst you all have a proper catch up. Our cottages are perfect are ideal for large groups – you can sleep up to ten people in the Crossley cottage; and if you’re even more popular than that you can simply book more than one!
For Couples: The Dusty Miller
Known for its idyllic setting and romantic atmosphere, The Dusty Miller is a traditional country pub situated by the banks of the Llangollen Canal in the quiet village of Wrenbury, rural Cheshire. Originally a Corn Mill, The Dusty Miller was converted in the mid 1970’s, whilst still retaining a lot of the original features. The large arched windows provide a perfectly peaceful setting to watch the boats pass by.
As well as offering a superb menu of Great British dishes with a twist, the pub’s coveted canal-side location also marks it the ideal spot for an after-dinner stroll. For those enjoying a romantic getaway at our North Wing, The Dusty Miller is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a candlelit date for two by the water.
If you’re looking for an excuse to check out our amazing local pubs, why not book a short break with us, or for more inspiration, take a look at Combermere Abbey: Not Just For Couples.
Combermere Abbey’s Bluebell Walk Returns April 20, 2018
Combermere Abbey’s Bluebell Walk Returns
Dust off the long winter blues and join us at the annual Bluebell Walk here at Combermere Abbey on Sunday 29th April. For one day only you can marvel at the carpets of bluebells along the two-mile woodland walk. Really one of nature’s greatest gifts heralding the spring, and Combermere has them in their thousands!
Combermere Abbey is well recognised as one of the area’s spectacular sites to witness their inspiring colour in such profusion. So don your walking boots, bring the dog (that’s right, dogs are more than welcome on the Bluebell Walk on leads!) and family and enjoy the fresh spring air on this ancient Cheshire estate.
For years now, we have opened up the grounds of the estate to the public for one day, to share the ethereal experience which is walking through carpets of bluebells. An endangered native species, these tiny but vivid flowers mark the true arrival of spring in Britain.
What’s more, our Walled Gardens will also be open for guests to explore and enjoy. Abandoned and on the point of collapse when the current owners inherited the estate, the Walled Gardens have been completely restored over the past 25 years and returned to active use and enjoyment. Encompassing three smaller gardens across five and a half acres, you can take a quiet moment in the Rose Garden, revel in the design of the Geometric Garden and get lost in the Fruit Maze – which is the only one of its kind in the world!
For any keen green-fingered gardeners, there will also be a chance to visit our spring plant and produce sale – where you can have the opportunity to grow a little bit of Combermere in your own garden – before winding down the afternoon with some refreshments. After all, a truly British day out exploring the beauty of our native flowers just wouldn’t be complete without a cup of tea and a delicious slice of homemade cake at the end!
On the 29th, our gates will open at 1pm to welcome you, and will close at 5pm with the last walkers setting off at 4pm. Adult tickets cost £5 and children under 16 only £2! Tickets can be bought from us on the day (cash only), but if you’d like to book yours ahead you can purchase tickets online too.
Finally, remember to bring your camera or smartphone along with you – we can’t wait to see your photos!
Discover the Secrets of Combermere Abbey April 18, 2018
Discover the Secrets of Combermere Abbey
We are delighted to announce the launch of our 2018 Abbey tours! Each year we open up parts of Combermere Abbey for guided tours for a few months – parts that are otherwise closed to the public.
Steeped in a thousand years of history, Combermere Abbey has stood strong through centuries of changes bringing both prosperity and hardship – with each owner bringing their own unique stamp upon this historic house.
From its beginnings as a Cistercian monastery built by Hugh de Malbank, Lord of Nantwich way back in the 12th century, through its years as a private home with Gothic wings added in the 19th century, Combermere Abbey fell into the hands of the Crossley family in 1919 – the family with which it remains to this day.
It was Sir Kenneth Crossley of Crossley Motors (of the famed Crossley car!) who bought the Abbey in 1919, and it was used as an evacuee girls’ school during the Second World War – but it began to show signs of deterioration. As with many large country estates at the time, money was tight leading to necessary repairs going undone, and damage from water and rot was beginning to take its hold, until the North Wing had to be abandoned in the 1950s due to structural instablility.
Passed from Sir Kenneth’s granddaughter Lady Lindsay in 1957, the estate finally fell to Lady Lindsay’s daughter and current owner – Sarah Callander Beckett – in the 1990s.
It was Sarah who saved the estate from ruin, completely renovating the Walled Gardens, converting the old stables to luxury holiday cottages and restoring the North Wing to its former magnificence.
During the restoration process a whole load of historical treasures were unearthed, bringing with them a wealth of stories from the past: in 2015, a man’s shoe and a large horseshoe were discovered, concealed at the Abbey for good luck!
How many more secrets are held in the walls of Combermere Abbey, ready to be whispered to you as the walk the halls? Your tour will take you through the Porter’s Hall, the grand Hallway and, the most important room in the house, the Library. This breath-taking wood panelled room is brimming with stories – you will see the portraits and crests of Combermere’s families (some of which were painted over with new marriages, and only revealed upon restoration!); and perhaps you’ll even feel a cool breeze pass through you despite the warmer weather – Combermere is home to famous ghosts and unexplainable mysteries….
Tours can be booked individually or for a private group. Both tours will enjoy the full Combermere experience, and group tours will also be treated to refreshments in the Dining Hall and have a chance to see the renovated North Wing (subject to availability). Individual tours will run until 5th July on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday, lasting up to an hour costing £7 for adults and £4 for under 16s – making it the ideal family day out – and must be pre-booked through the Estate Office. Group tours require a minimum of 20 guests and maximum of 30; lasting almost 3 hours are available on weekdays, year-round, by prior arrangement and cost £12 per person (including light refreshments).
For further information or to book your tour, please call us on 01948 662880 or email [email protected]!
Combermere: Ready for Your Mini Adventure April 17, 2018
Combermere: Ready for Your Mini Adventure
The peaceful quiet of the sun rising over the serene countryside, the restful luxury of the highest quality accommodation… There’s no doubt that a stay at Combermere Abbey is ideal for those seeking the ultimate relaxing break. But for those looking for a little adventure on their holiday, did you know that we’re ideally located near a whole host of adrenaline pumping activities?
Sharp Shooting
If you’re looking to compliment your country retreat with classic country pursuits, the Mickley Hall Shooting School is a mere 10 minutes drive away. Here you can learn how to clay pigeon shoot with some of the country’s finest instructors – the owners have over 35 years’ combined clay pigeon shooting experience and have even represented England in the sport! The best part? You can enjoy this activity all year round, as the facilities are all under cover, so there’s no need to rely on the Great British weather for your mini shooting adventure.
Take Up The Reins
A fantastic way to test your core strength, bravery and trust – at the nearby Freshfields Equestrian Centre in Market Drayton you can saddle up and give horse riding a go. With tuition suitable for any level of experience, from seasoned riders to beginners, Freshfields offers comprehensive riding instruction for all. Who knows, you could discover your next passion!
And… Jump!
If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for a view even higher than that from horseback, in Whitchurch you can take the plunge and go skydiving at Skydive Tilstock. Their British Parachute Association qualified instructors will take you through the basics. You can choose from tandem skydiving – where you are attached to an instructor and jump from an incredible 10,000 feet – or a solo static line course and jump, where you jump on your own from an aircraft at 3,500 feet with an automatically opening parachute – you don’t need any previous experience for either!
360° Views
Fancy the incredible panoramic country views, but not so keen on the jumping part? Don’t worry, you can still take in the breathtaking scenery from a hot air balloon! You can choose to ride over Whitchurch or Nantwich – both only a short drive from us here at Combermere Abbey – with the Virgin hot air balloon experiences. Available from March to October, there is truly no better way to take in the beauty of the Shropshire countryside than at sky level.
Recover, Rest and Relax
No matter what adventure you choose, we have no doubt that you’ll be pretty exhausted at the end of the day! Return to Combermere, and warm yourself up in front of the fire in your own private self-catering cottage, before rustling up your favourite indulgent dinner in the kitchen. Or perhaps take advantage of the Wellington package and treat yourself to your favourite drinks and nibbles in the North Wing before drawing a hot bath in the luxury suite.
Sound like your kind of mini break? Call us on 01948 871662 to find out more, or you can book direct here.
Luxury, elegance, history: the North Wing February 15, 2018
Luxury, elegance, history: the North Wing
There’s nothing more exciting than discovering the charm of a new area and immersing yourself in the centuries of stories of a historic building. So, we’ve delved into the most historic part of the estate – the beautifully restored North Wing …
Your North Wing journey starts before you even see the house: first, take in the acres of rolling countryside as you enter the Combermere gates. Roll down the windows and breathe in the country air as you pass fields, lakes and woodland – all private and yours to explore together.
As you approach the Abbey, you will be wowed by the stunning Gothic architecture, bright white against the green backdrop. You will be welcomed in by your very own butler, Stephen or Sue, as they show you through to the grand dining and quaint living room, complete with a revived white marble fireplace. Did you know we have a power stone in the living area? The stone is an ancient marker, indicating the point at which two strong ley lines meet which some believed created a strong spiritual force – you may find yourself feeling a wave of strength, resilience or calm when standing near!
Rising up the grand staircase, you will find your room – either the Bhurtpore or Salamanca bedroom. The Salamanca is a space that epitomises true luxury. Decorated in tranquil shades of pale blue and silver, the Salamanca offers king size accommodation with plenty of room to spare. Looking out on to the square garden and mere, the Salamanca is tastefully decorated with antiques and features a spectacular ensuite bathroom with a marble clad bath.
If the Bhurtpore is your room of choice, you will be surrounded by charm with traditional wood panelling giving a real sense of history. A super king size bed awaits (honestly, we could stay in bed all day in the Bhurtpore!), an ensuite bathroom offers stunning mere views, and a fireplace completes the room. With either bedroom, you will also have access to the Tudor study – a cosy and peaceful room ideal for curling up with a good book.
Worn out after your woodland walk through the estate, or even more adventurous with skydiving, clay pigeon shooting or a hot air balloon ride? There are few things more rejuvenating than a delicious nibble and bottle of your favourite tipple! With the Wellington package, we offer a bespoke selection of your favourites ready and waiting for you to enjoy. And the delicacies don’t end there, in the morning you will be greeted by a locally sourced breakfast, brimming with fresh seasonal flavours.
The North Wing is the ideal location for retreating to the peace and quiet of the countryside with your loved one. Forget cramped, busy, noisy hotels – instead relax and unwind in your very own country house and explore the local area – we would heartily recommend a visit to the fantastic Combermere Arms gastropub.
If you’re on the fence about booking your getaway, we might just have the the finishing touch: all bookings placed before the end of March will receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne, ready and waiting on ice for your arrival. Ready to book yet?
Halloween is right around the corner, which has got us sharing ghost stories here at Combermere Abbey – and nothing frightened us more than the story of a ghostly apparition right here at the Abbey!
The second Lord Combermere passed away in 1891; and whilst his funeral was taking place on the 5th December at St. Margaret’s church in Wrenbury, Sybell Corbet, whose sister Lady Sutton was renting the Abbey for herself and her siblings to stay, took a photo of the wonderful Combermere Library with a long exposure camera. It is most likely that the photo was taken at this time due to the practicality of the quiet house – the whole family and the majority of the staff members were paying their respects at the funeral.
Corbet recorded that the exposure of the photograph took around an hour, and when the photo was developed a year later Sybell found a startling sight – there was a transparent image of a man’s upper body sitting in one of the chairs in the library.
Lord Combermere’s children noted the apparition’s likeness to their late father, and the chair the spectre seems to be sitting in was indeed his favourite – was the ghost of Lord Combermere settling down for some peace and quiet in his favourite spot in the Library whilst his body was being buried four miles away?
Some have tried to dispute the validity of the photograph, stating that due to the long exposure of the shot, a man sitting down for a moment and leaving again would produce a transparent figure – claiming that a servant could have walked in and sat down in the chair and swiftly left when he noticed that there was a photograph being taken! Always open to theories, Sybell noted that this could be a possibility – however there were very few men in the house at the time as most were attending the funeral, and the clothes worn by the men who were at the house looked vastly different to the outfit in the image.
Some may wonder why it is only the body of Lord Combermere which can be seen sat in the chair. We’ve been thinking – and we believe the answer lies in the manner of Lord Combermere’s death. Whilst visiting London, the second Lord was run over by a horse drawn carriage causing serious injury to both of his legs. Although it looked as though he might recover, he suddenly passed a few weeks later. Could there be a link between the injury to Lord Combermere’s legs and how his ghost appears to the living?
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the ghost of Combermere Abbey – who do you think it is sitting in the chair? And if you want to take your investigation a step further, did you know that you can book to go on a tour of the Abbey? Tours begin again in April 2018 – keep your eyes on our What’s On page for more info!
The history of the North Wing – Combermere Abbey’s boutique accommodation September 22, 2017
The history of the North Wing – Combermere Abbey’s boutique accommodation
It’s back to school season, so we thought we’d share a history lesson on the newly-restored North Wing at Combermere Abbey – one of Cheshire’s preeminent historic buildings with almost 900 hundred years of habitation. Combermere Abbey is soaked in history and dates as far back as 1133 A.D with the creation of the monastery. It’s certainly been on quite a journey from then to the luxury B&B and wedding venue that it is today.
In 1827, Sir Stapleton Cotton was made Viscount Combermere – between 1814 and 1821 he decided to Gothicise the Abbey, copying the fashionable style of the period by covering the Tudor structure with castellations and pointed windows surrounding the arches. Here, the glorious North Wing was unveiled as part of this ambitious scheme to update the original manor house. After Viscount Combermere achieved his dream of building a Gothic home, it was only to be enjoyed by his family for two more generations, when they were forced to sell the Abbey. In 1919, Combermere was bought by Sir Kenneth Crossley – founder of Crossley Cars of Manchester, one of which you may have seen used at Combermere for our brides!
After Sir Kenneth’s death in the mid-1950s, sadly the North Wing was no longer used by the family, and it began to show serious signs of disrepair. Sir Kenneth’s granddaughter Penelope Callander (later Lady Lindsay) inherited the estate, before it was passed to its current owner, Sarah Callander Beckett, in 1992. Upon her inheritance of the Abbey, Sarah made it her mission to resurrect the North Wing.
During an interview with BBC Radio Stoke in 2016, Sarah described the North Wing as ‘completely derelict’. As the North Wing was so unstable at the time, there were fears that it would affect the rest of the Abbey, therefore it was even more important to restore it. It’s one of a few private Grade I listed buildings and was on the At Risk Register, and so, with the help of an Enabling Development Scheme which took 20 years to complete, £2 million was raised to undertake its restoration.
The project began in January 2014 where the Gothic cladding was stripped away, exposing the original Medieval/Tudor frame – we couldn’t begin to imagine the stories the walls could tell us! Restoring the North Wing was a true window into the past: for example, during our work on it, we found a shoe and horseshoe which had been concealed in the Abbey for good luck during building work in the late 18th century. Without this incredible project, we would never have discovered an 18th-century map of the estate which certainly gave us our own history lesson!
In 2015, Edward Bulmer joined the design team and introduced his eco-friendly breathable ‘pots of paint’, and also leading the decoration team was Nina Campbell, an interior decorator whose client list is rather impressive – she counts the Duke and Duchess of York as clients! It took many skilled craftsmen and help from specialist restoration companies to breathe life back into the North Wing; the roof was rebuilt as well as the chimney and the Gothic exterior was reinstated.
We were so lucky to have such a fantastic restoration team help us turn the North Wing into a beautiful self-contained ‘Downton Abbey’ wing where newlywed couples can spend their wedding night together. But don’t think it’s only newlyweds who can enjoy the history and beauty of the North Wing – it can also be booked as a luxurious boutique B&B complete with house manager Stephan to look after you.
Today, the North Wing boasts a striking ground floor living space, complete with comfortable sofas and an antique writing desk, as well as a dining room with a bespoke and discreet kitchen. Guests can stay in either the stately Salamanca or charming Bhurtpore bedrooms.
The finishing touch? You can enjoy the bespoke Wellington drinks and nibbles package after a beautiful day exploring the surrounding countryside. You can even pre-order it before arriving at Combermere so it’ll be ready and waiting for you.
If you’d like to immerse yourself in the rich history of the North Wing, get in touch with our team!
