Thanks To Bridgerton And Saltburn, Manor Hotels Are Having A Moment

Everything old is new again when it comes to hotels this year. With the immense success of Netflix Bridgertonwhich premiered season 3 in May, and the resounding cultural relevance of Amazon Prime Saltburnstately hotels and country estates in the UK and Ireland are enjoying a surge in popularity.

“People have always been interested in staying in historic properties and the romance of manor houses and cottages has long attracted guests. However, shows like Bridgerton They have certainly helped introduce a whole new generation to the fantasy of 'living like a Lord or Lady',” says Michelle Maguire, CEO of Ireland's Blue Book, a collection of hotels, manors, castles and prestigious restaurants across the island of Ireland.

“These buildings have a magical appeal, from the lounges to the gardens, from the four-poster beds to the litter stairs, they provide a spectacular backdrop for guests to create special memories,” he adds.

past perfect

Historic homes nestled in acres of sprawling countryside offer a window into the past, but some guests avoid them because they can seem austere and stuffy. This level of formality, however, is what makes them so appealing at a time when many travel experiences have become too casual in nature.

“These types of properties harken back to a certain era of grandeur, which we no longer have in our modern world,” says Lucy Jackson Walsh, co-founder and director of Lightfoot Travel.

“There is a certain degree of exclusivity and prestige in the impressive manor houses. In particular, our guests book private shopping for an event or enjoy a family stay with personalized butler service and thoughtful experiences.”

For example, one of Lightfoot's clients, a well-known Emirati family, has chosen to visit Adare Manor in the Co. Ireland's Limerick, a five-star hotel widely regarded as one of the finest luxury properties in the world. It was named the No. 1 resort in Europe by Condé Nast Traveler in 2023 and in 2027 Adare Manor will host the Ryder Cup, a prestigious golf tournament.

“They will enjoy the estate's magnificent grounds with daily private horse-riding excursions and enjoy a stroll along the beach near the Cliffs of Moher overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean.”

Whether you're looking for a stately hotel or historic country estate to live out your aristocratic dreams, Michele Maguire (MM) and Lucy Jackson Walsh (LJW) share their top picks in the UK and Ireland.

The best hotels and country estates in the UK and Ireland

Ballyfin Demesneco. Laois, Ireland

Driving through the gates of Ballyfin Demesne, you can feel yourself stepping back in time to the elegance of the Regency era. Upon entering the main house, you are immediately surrounded by the rich history and opulence of this meticulously restored 19th century mansion. For an even more immersive experience, guests can dress in period clothing for dinner or take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the estate grounds.

Ballyfin, County Laois R32 PN34 Ireland; ballyfin.com

GleneaglesPerthshire, Scotland

The Grand Dame of Scotland has a long-standing reputation for hospitality and probably the best place to try your hand at any kind of outdoor activity, including archery, fishing, shooting, falconry and horse riding. . Celebrating its centenary in 2024, this luxury hotel is also known for being immensely kid-friendly, which makes traveling that much easier when you've got a few like us! – LJW

Gleneagles, Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland PH3 1NF; gleneagles.com

Cashel Palaceco. Tipperary, Ireland

Originally built as an archbishop's palace, Cashel Palace is a luxurious 5-star hotel and spa that has been superbly restored in recent years. Here in this Palladian mansion, you're not only guaranteed five-star treatment and delicious food (The Bishop's Buttery was recently awarded a Michelin star), but also a historical immersion. For many, it's the spectacular views of the majestic Rock of Cashel in the heart of Ireland that make this elegant mansion so special. – MM

Cashel Palace, Main Street, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland E25 EF61; cashelpalacehotel.ie

Heckfield PlaceHampshire, United Kingdom

This Georgian family home and working estate is close enough to London that it is easily accessible. The food is hitting with the famous Skye who created the menus at Marle, which received a green Michelin star. All food is locally sourced and responsibly grown. The overall aesthetic is hard to beat – it's a perfect edit in my opinion! We happily celebrated my husband's birthday there when it opened and are desperate to go back soon. – LJW

Heckfield Place, Hampshire, RG27 0LD, England; heckfieldplace.com

Castle Leslie Estateco. Monaghan, Ireland

This family-owned castle offers a unique combination of old-world charm and modern luxury, but for me it's the vast grounds, with tranquil lakes and ancient woodlands that really add so much to this castle stay. Since the 1660s, the distinguished and somewhat individual Leslie family has lived on the estate. Perhaps it is the personality of the owners that has made Castle Leslie such a special place to stay. – MM

Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, County Monaghan, Ireland H18 FY04; castellslie.com

Marlfield House, co. Wexford, Ireland

This family-run Regency period house oozes absolute romance with its charming architecture set in beautifully manicured gardens. It's also the modern touch that makes this historic hotel stand out. The introduction of the modern Pond Suites to the Gardens are simply perfect for a relaxing getaway; Guests can also choose between a formal dinner in the conservatory or a more casual option in The Duck Restaurant. – MM

Marlfield House Hotel & Restaurant, Courtown Road R742, Gorey, Co. Wexford, Ireland; marlfieldhouse.com

The Newt in Somerset, United Kingdom

Named the “World's Best Boutique Hotel” in 2023 by the World's 50 Best Hotels, this property is high on my bucket list. I loved their sister property in South Africa called Babylonstoren, which we visited on our honeymoon nine years ago, so I can imagine this won't disappoint. Again, what makes it brilliant is the food, gardens, spa, activities and elevated decor that is modern enough but also evokes a sense of place in history. I can't resist the Georgian proportions of this manor house. If I could live here, I would! – LJW

The Newt in Somerset, Bruton, Somerset BA7 7NG, United Kingdom; thenewtinsomerset.com