Historic Groombridge Place in Kent to be Transformed into Hotel and Spa

Details have emerged regarding the transformation of a historic manor house located in Kent into a boutique hotel and spa. Groombridge Place, situated close to Tunbridge Wells, has been “closed for renovations” since March of the previous year, according to reports from the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The establishment is slated to open as The Pig at Groombridge in 2026, with management stating that the initiative involves an investment exceeding £20 million. Proposals outlining the work for the country estate and its more than 100 acres of adjacent property have now been lodged with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. The luxury hotel chain, The Pig, had previously announced its intentions last year to operate the 17th-century estate as a hotel, initially targeting a 2025 opening. Tom Ross, the firm’s chief executive, commented: “It’s a wonderful property. It’s a well- known building so when it came on the market we were aware of it and thought it would make a fantastic Pig Hotel.” According to Mr. Ross, the postponement of the opening date stems from the meticulous attention required for renovations at the Grade I listed estate. He further stated: “We just wanted to make sure all our ducks were in a row before we submitted them to planning.” The estate’s primary manor house, which originally commenced operations in 1674, is planned to accommodate nine en suite guest bedrooms. Additional structures on the premises will also be utilized for guests, bringing the total number of bedrooms to 56. The submitted application indicates that the current owl and raptor centres will be moved and upgraded to meet zoo licence regulations. The estate presently features aviaries and an outdoor area for bird demonstrations, situated immediately beyond the main garden. The date for the council’s planning department to make a decision on the proposal remains undetermined.