We were lucky enough to experience the stunning Estelle Manor recently, and it didn’t disappoint.
From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the kind of service that makes you feel like a VIP (and it just continues throughout your stay). It’s the little touches, like someone meeting you at the gate to guide you through your visit, that set the tone for what’s to come.
Favourite meeting space? I couldn’t pick just one!
Okay, if I had to choose, Redwood Lodge really stood out. It’s a great large outdoor space complete with a tipi and a huge screen – perfect for team-building days or relaxed summer socials. Think luxury meets laid-back festival atmosphere.
But I also loved the spaces within the new dedicated events space, Fallow House. Inside, The Chestnut is a relaxed conference space, filled with natural daylight. It has an inbuilt screen, subtly hidden behind a tapestry, very much in keeping with the country house style.
There are also multiple boardrooms, a gorgeous outdoor terrace that screams BBQ, and a lovely foyer space ideal for a drinks reception or even a tabletop exhibition.
What kinds of events work here?
The scope is huge – Estelle Manor is incredibly versatile. I can see it working beautifully for:
- Executive offsites and strategy meetings
- Incentive retreats (especially for high performers – it definitely has that ‘wow’ factor)
- Team-building or social days for companies needing lots of outdoor space
They offer plenty of onsite activities too. Everything from falconry to air rifle shooting, off-roading, and even Shetland pony meet-and-greets.
They call them ‘meet-and-greets’, but it’s more of a charming animal education experience. But the ponies have names like Biscuit, which tells you everything you need to know about the charm of this place.
Let’s talk food (Because… priorities)
Foodies – you’re in for a treat. Estelle Manor has FOUR onsite restaurants. The Brasserie is a must, and I 100% recommend the cheese soufflé and fillet steak. The service is exceptional, and the sommelier was both knowledgeable and genuinely passionate, which really stood out.
You’ve also got a Japanese-inspired spot, a Chinese restaurant (The Billiards Room), and The Glasshouse, which is perfect for a more casual but impressive bite – think wood-fired pizzas – set inside a gorgeous walled garden setting.
One of the things I really like is that they grow their own seasonal herbs, fruits and veg onsite, which are used in The Glasshouse – the allotment where they grow surrounds the actual restaurant. It’s a thoughtful, visible detail that reflects a real commitment to sustainability.
Fun fact: The hotel even has wines that are exclusive to them, great for clients looking for something a bit special.
And if you’re planning an offsite gala dinner? You’re just down the road from the beautiful Blenheim Palace!
Hidden gems and little luxuries
A few things you might not know:
- They’ve got padel courts onsite (VERY current and on-trend), and you can privatise them for your group. There’s even a terrace area in between for spectators to sip something chilled while cheering you on.
- The spa can be hired exclusively – how amazing is that?
- The outdoor swimming pool (right behind the Manor House) is heated to a very enticing 28 degrees.
Honestly, it blew me away. So, if you’re planning a strategic team offsite, a relaxed employee retreat, or just looking for somewhere to impress colleagues or clients, this could be the place for you.
If Estelle Manor sounds like the right fit for your next event, get in touch, I’d love to chat through the details.
Until next time!