This autumn, Ashdown Park celebrates its silver anniversary, marking 25 years since the doors opened as a hotel.
Having purchased the property from Barclays Bank PLC in February 1993, Elite Hotels set about restoring the building's back to their former glory and transforming it into a luxury hotel. As well as plenty of blood, sweat and tears (not to mention red tape), the restoration project involved 960 litres of paint, 56,360 ceramic wall tiles, 2,789 rolls of wallpaper and over 5,000 square metres of carpet!
Following months of renovations, Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club opened its doors and welcomed guests in October 1993 marking the occasion with a special Gala Dinner.
A long-serving member of the Ashdown Park team, and 2011 Elite Employee of the year, Jenny Sandells, was there to witness the opening. “I was very excited the day Ashdown Park Hotel first opened. I remember it well; it was a fantastic affair attended by local dignitaries with guest speaker the famous chef, Lloyd Grossman. It has been a privilege to work in such a spectacular setting and I have met the most wonderful people over the last 25 years.”
Estate manager, Kevin Sweet, has also been a long-serving member of the team and has worked at Ashdown Park for over 30 years overseeing the transformation of the glorious 186-acre grounds, for the benefit of guests and the abundant wildlife. This includes the creation of the 18-hole golf course as well as the beautifully tranquil walled garden and glass house, host to an array of worldly greenery. Reflecting on the past 25 years, Kevin said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the transformation of Ashdown Park. It brings me great joy to nurture areas of the estate and see them burst with life; it’s especially amazing to watch the small saplings I planted years ago grow into grand trees. We will be recognising the hotel’s 25th anniversary by planting a ‘Silver Garden’ – a selection of silver plants, trees and shrubs in a dedicated area of the walled garden.”
Elite Hotels’ Managing Director, Graeme Bateman, opened Ashdown Park Hotel as General Manager. “I am immensely proud of the journey Ashdown Park Hotel has been on, over the last 25 years - from the opening of the hotel to the addition of the Country Club and much more. I have had the pleasure of working with some wonderful members of the Ashdown Park team and getting to know the guests who bring the hotel to life. Here’s to the next 25 years!”
To celebrate this momentous occasion Ashdown Park have arranged special events and offerings throughout October. For more information click here.
Share your Story:
Do you have a cherished memory from Ashdown Park over the last 25 years?
Have you celebrated a special occasion, wedding, birthday, anniversary?
Does Ashdown hold a special place in your heart? If so, we would love to hear your stories and see your photos!
We are hoping to create a website page of memories to mark this momentous anniversary– so please be aware anything you send may be featured online.
Please email any stories and photos across to our marketing team at marketing@elitehotels.co.uk
We look forward to hearing from you!