New Place, Shirrell Heath, English country house in Shirrell Heath, England
New Place is a country house built from dark-red brick with a central block of two stories and three-story wings set across 32 acres of woodland. Today it operates with 110 bedrooms, conference facilities, and leisure amenities including a gym, swimming pool, and outdoor croquet lawn.
The architect Edwin Lutyens designed this residence in 1904 for Mrs. A. S. Franklyn, incorporating elements from a 17th-century Bristol mansion. This blend of historical references with contemporary design shaped its character from the beginning.
The name references Shakespeare's own residence in Stratford-upon-Avon, creating a literary connection that shaped the property's identity. The Franklyn family's ties to the playwright's lineage remain part of how visitors understand and experience the house.
The grounds are spread across woodland, so comfortable shoes are worthwhile for exploring. The leisure facilities are accessible during standard hotel operating hours, though advance notice may help for group visits or specific interests.
A room contains woodwork and a door from 1623 made of mahogany, which was extraordinarily rare in England at that time. This wood later became a favorite of furniture makers, revealing how forward-thinking the early owners were.
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