Historic Leicestershire estate Stapleford Park, which has hosted Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, David Beckham and Will Smith, goes on the market for £18 million
House-hunters with £18 million to spare could soon become the owners of one of England’s most historic country houses. Stapleford Park, the Grade I-listed Leicestershire estate where footballer Peter Crouch and model Abbey Clancy tied the knot, has gone on the market following its closure as a luxury hotel, as reported by SWNS.The grand country house has a long association with royalty, celebrities and high-profile events. Over the years, it has welcomed stars including Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, David Beckham, Will Smith, Elizabeth Hurley, Mariah Carey and Naomi Campbell.
Stapleford Park hosted Crouch and Clancy’s wedding
Stapleford Park was the setting for Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy’s wedding in 2011. The couple returned to the historic venue more than a decade later to renew their vows in 2023.The property has also hosted several other high-profile guests and events. Michael Jackson attended the 25th birthday celebrations of Prince Abdul Azim of Brunei at the Leicestershire venue in May 2007.Royal visitors have included former monarchs George VI and Edward VIII, while Guns N’ Roses stayed at the estate during Download Festival in 2018.The grounds have also appeared on screen, featuring in an episode of The Avengers. One of the distinctive features of the estate is its miniature railway, which runs through the surrounding parkland.
54-acre estate has 48 bedrooms and extensive leisure facilities
Spread across 54 acres, historic Stapleford Park features 48 bedrooms, a spa, tennis courts and an indoor swimming pool. (Photo: Strutt & Parker/SWNS)
Set across 54 acres, Stapleford Park includes 48 bedrooms in the main hall, along with a seven-room spa and wellness centre, four tennis courts and an indoor swimming pool.The property is being marketed by Strutt & Parker, with Mark Rimell, director of the agency’s national country house department, describing it as one of Leicestershire’s most significant houses.
The Grade I-listed Stapleford Park estate offers 54 acres of landscaped grounds alongside grand interiors and extensive leisure facilities. (Photo: Strutt & Parker/SWNS)
“Stapleford Park is one of the most important houses in Leicestershire, in the heart of England, with a rich and varied history woven into this commanding building,” Rimell said.He noted that the property had operated as a hotel and wedding venue in more recent years, but that its sale could offer a new owner several possibilities.
New owner could revive hotel or create private estate
With 48 bedrooms, a seven-room spa, four tennis courts and an indoor pool, Stapleford Park offers an expansive luxury property opportunity. (Photo: Strutt & Parker/SWNS)
According to Rimell, the property could potentially be brought back to life as a country house hotel or transformed into an exclusive country members’ club with spa, treatment rooms and restaurants.He also said the estate could be restored as a private residence if a buyer chose to take that route.“Stapleford Park is available to purchase ‘lock, stock, and barrel’ so one could be up and running very quickly,” Rimell said.
A history dating back centuries
Stapleford Park combines centuries of history with extensive luxury facilities across its sprawling 54-acre Leicestershire estate. (Photo: Strutt & Parker/SWNS)
Stapleford Park’s history stretches back much further than its years as a celebrity hotel. The Domesday Book records a house on the site dating back to the 11th century.The wider Stapleford Park Estate remained in the hands of the Sherard family for almost 500 years. The main house originally consisted of two manors, which were reunited in the early 16th century.During the Sherard family’s ownership, renowned landscape designer Capability Brown was brought in to redesign both the parkland and the hall.The estate was sold by the family in 1885 before passing through several owners over the following decades.
From historic estate to luxury hotel
In 1988, American restaurateur Bob Payton purchased Stapleford Park with plans to transform the historic property into a hotel. According to his obituary, he invested heavily in the house and brought in brands including Wedgwood, Turnbull & Asser and Crabtree & Evelyn to redecorate its rooms.The estate was later owned by British businessman and historic-house enthusiast Peter de Savray, who oversaw additions including the indoor swimming pool and wellness facilities.
