A boutique hotel and luxury lodge resort which used to be owned by a rock star has enjoyed a multi-million pound investment and redevelopment.

The success of The Springs Resort and Golf Club in North Stoke near Wallingford looks set to continue following its opening last year.

Formerly owned by legendary Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan, the park – part of the Talacre-based Darwin Escapes portfolio - is one of the major employers in the region with more than 70 staff and 500 members.

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The rock star’s guitar-shaped swimming pool is no more, but manager Ben Scholes says renovations and new facilities – including the 1893 spa and Ridgeway Restaurant – have proved incredibly popular with visitors from across the UK and beyond.

(Image: Nick Soveiko/Wikimedia Commons) Originally from Flintshire, Mr Scholes says the historic former 19th century manor house is one of the local area’s “hidden gems”.

“We are of course recognised for our first-class golfing facilities and are incredibly proud to have one of the best courses in the South-East, but following a period of significant investment the Springs has grown to become a high-quality holiday destination,” he said.

“Our restaurant is exceptionally busy throughout the week and the spa complex, which also features a sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool, has attracted many visitors to the resort.

(Image: The Springs) “And with more living space now on-site – the 19 luxury self-contained Alder Lodges, in addition to bespoke rooms in our boutique hotel – we are able to accommodate more guests than ever before.”

Mr Scholes added: “This in turn has led to us creating jobs, doing more to support the local economy and provide part-time and seasonal jobs in this picturesque rural area.

“The Springs is one of Oxfordshire’s hidden gems, but our reputation is now spreading across the UK, which will have a positive knock-on effect for the region.”

Sir Michael Caine and renowned contralto Dame Clara Butt are among the other famous faces to have graced North Stoke.

(Image: The Springs) “The major USP we have is this beautiful part of the world, and as a result we are now getting more bookings for weddings, corporate events and hospitality packages,” said Mr Scholes.

“Even to the locals we are considered remote, so for us to now be bringing in people from across England and other parts of the country is heartening.”

He added: “People come here to get away from it all, on the banks of the River Thames surrounded by wildlife and nature.

(Image: The Springs) “We are thrilled with how things have progressed since the redevelopment and how well our new facilities and luxury offering has been received nationwide and here in the community, but we won’t rest on our laurels – this is just the beginning.”

Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan bought the mock Tudor building in 1973 for £100,000 and invested £443,000 of his own money into its restoration.

It was sold in 1995 to Svenia and Paul Franklin who ran the hotel until they left in 2014.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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