History

Discover the Sopwell House, which was originally a one-story Tudor structure that once served as the home for Prince Louis of Battenberg.

Sopwell House was constructed during an era marked by global exploration that defined much of the 15th through the 17th centuries.

The Sopwell House was originally a one-story Tudor structure that housed generations of England’s illustrious aristocrats. Duchess Alice/Alicia took up residence at the structure in 1665, which was then known simply as “New Barnes.” The name “New Barnes” is still used colloquially today when addressing the Sopwell House. Sir Harbottle Grimston then acquired the building five years later, as well as the nearby Sopwell Nunnery. Many believe that Anne Boelyn took refuge at this nunnery when following her secret marriage to King Henry VIII.

In 1901, the house was eventually passed off to Prince Louis of Battenberg who later leased it as his family's country home. He later became known as Lord Mountbatten of Burma and the last Governor of India. His daughter, Princess Alice, married Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, and gave birth to Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. It is even alleged that Prince Andrew proposed to Alice in the gardens of the Sopwell House. By the end of the Second World War, the Sopwell House had become part of the nearby Verulam Estate. It was specifically used as a nursing home for the elderly.

The Sopwell House underwent a dramatic transformation in 1969 though, when it was renovated into a boutique hotel. The present owner, Abraham Bejerano, purchased the location some 20 years later. He has endeavored to ensure that the Sopwell House is well-preserved for future generations to appreciate.

Hotel Timeline

The earliest known record identifies the property as “New Barnes,” the home of Richard Sadlier.

Duchess Alice Dudley lived at the estate during the Great Plague of London.

Sir Harbottle Grimston, later associated with the Earls of Verulam, purchased New Barnes and the nearby Sopwell Nunnery estate.

Master mason Edward Strong, whose career included work on St Paul’s Cathedral and Blenheim Palace, leased and likely redeveloped the property into a Georgian country house.

Admiral Prince Louis of Battenberg leased Sopwell House as his family’s country home. His children included Alice Mountbatten, Louise Mountbatten, George Mountbatten, and Louis Mountbatten.

The Battenberg family’s residence linked Sopwell House to European royalty. Alice later became the mother of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; Louise became Queen of Sweden; and Louis became the last Viceroy of India.

After World War II, Sopwell House passed to the Verulam estate and was used as a residential home for older adults.

Years later, Sopwell House was renovated and converted from a private country residence into a hotel

Hotelier Abraham Bejerano purchased Sopwell House and began developing it into a modern country-house hotel and leisure destination. It remains a family-run property today.

Sopwell House was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide. Historic Hotels Worldwide is a prestigious collection of historic treasures, including more than 300 legendary historic hotels including many former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries

The Cottonmill Spa opened following a £14 million investment, adding new treatment, wellness, and landscaped relaxation facilities.

Omboo opened in July, introducing a restaurant concept focused on Asian and Far Eastern cuisine.

The Octagon Bar opened in the historic section of the house, taking its name from the octagonal room at its center.

The Brasserie completed its latest redevelopment phase, establishing it as the central all-day dining venue at Sopwell House.

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Famous Historic Guests

Prince Louis of Battenberg, Lord Mountbatten of Burma and Last Governor of India Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark (1882 – 1944)