Historic Celebrity Haunt Stapleford Park Listed for $18 Million
A 15th-century Leicestershire estate, once a luxury hotel and wedding venue, is now on the market after closing due to adverse trading conditions.
Stapleford Park, a 15th-century country house in Leicestershire, England, has been listed for sale at £18 million (approximately $18 million USD). The Grade I-listed property, which has hosted numerous celebrities and royal figures, closed its doors in October 2024, citing adverse trading conditions.
The estate, set on 54 acres, was last operated as a wedding venue. It gained prominence as a luxury hotel, attracting a host of notable guests including Michael Jackson, who attended a celebration there in 2007, and royalty such as George VI and Edward VIII. Musicians Lionel Richie, David Beckham, Will Smith, Elizabeth Hurley, Mariah Carey, and Naomi Campbell are among the celebrities who have stayed at the property. Guns N' Roses also used it as a base during the Download Festival in 2018, and its grounds were featured in an episode of The Avengers.
The property's history dates back to the 11th century, with a house on the site mentioned in the Domesday Book. The Stapleford Park Estate was owned by the Sherard family for nearly 500 years, during which time the grounds were redesigned by Capability Brown. The estate was sold in 1885 and later purchased in 1988 by American restaurateur Bob Payton, who converted it into a hotel and invested in its redecoration. British businessman Peter de Savary, a subsequent owner, added facilities such as an indoor swimming pool and wellness center.
Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy exchanged wedding vows at Stapleford Park in 2011. The estate's closure in 2024 led to the cancellation of wedding bookings on short notice.
Stapleford Park is being marketed by agent Strutt & Parker. The property includes a seven-room spa and wellness center, four tennis courts, and an indoor pool.
Mark Rimell, director at Strutt & Parker, noted the property's historical significance and stated that the 'blueprint is here to revive a country house hotel business, or create an exclusive country members club.' He also mentioned the possibility of restoring the house to a private residence. The sale is being conducted on a 'lock, stock, and barrel' basis, allowing for a swift transition for the new owner.