For centuries Mottram Hall has been a stylish landmark in the lush, green Cheshire countryside. Reading about its fascinating history reveals the original Mottram estate was first established as far back as 1310 by Adam de Mottram. In 1650, Nathaniel Booth, fourth son of William Booth of the Dunham Massey estate, bought it and lived in the timber-framed Old Hall, which is now a private house standing back from the impressive drive.

In 1721, Nathaniel's 3rd son, bearing the same name, chose to build himself and his wife a manor house on the estate and named it Mottram Hall. The elegant red-brick mansion, with stone facings, was built strictly to Nathaniel's instruction. The Latin carving at the front of the Main Hall translates as 'Unless the Lord built the house, it is laboured in vain.' You can almost imagine the carriages approaching the new Hall for the latest fashionable ball. If Nathaniel set out to impress - he certainly achieved!

In 1738 the Hall was bought by William Wright, a wealthy landowner from Offerton near Stockport and it remained in the Wright Family until 1914, before being purchased and converted into a Hotel in 1940. But another page is about to be written in its history.

Today, Mottram Hall is a listed building and an excellent example of the architecture of the period. Once inside the impressive exterior, I receive a warm welcome from Sales Director Pamela Reckert, who points out the ornate ceilings in the main hall and other public rooms, which are now classed as works of national importance.

"Thankfully the conversion to a hotel in 1940 necessitated many repairs, renovations and restorations," Pamela explains." So a great deal of care has been taken to preserve the Adam ceilings and the 12th-century wood panelling taken from the original Old Hall. It's a good job because we may have lost all that incredible history.

"The property has been owned since the mid-1970s to 2014 by the De Vere Group and underwent a £6 million refurbishment during 2012/2013. Then in November 2014, QHotels secured ownership. Following considerable additions, the site now incorporates 120 bedrooms with Spa facilities, and it's hard to miss the superb Championship 18-hole golf course. "

As we make our way to the Clubhouse, where golfers can relax with a drink or an informal lunch, I'm introduced to the Club and Spa Operations Manager Stephanie Parry. Together they inform me that this historic building is about to enter an exciting new chapter affording a new lease of life.

"The UK's leading spa resort group, Champneys, took the acquisition of Mottram Hall in October last year," Pamela tells me." This 18th-century Grade II-listed Hotel and Spa is the latest addition to the Champneys Group's expanding portfolio of properties ".

As a life-long fan of Champneys, I thought that could only be good news and Pamela beams as she reassures me that most of the staff are remaining. Champneys is owned by Dorothy and Stephen Purdew who purchased Mottram Hall from real estate investment company Aprirose. The asset was previously part of the QHotels portfolio.

Stephanie is also delighted to inform me: "Champneys are planning a £10 million refurbishment programme, including a £5 million redesign of the hotel's current spa facilities. The redevelopment will include a 20m swimming pool, new wet and thermal experiences, plus the addition of 18 new treatment rooms. I can't wait because it means with the new additions we won't be turning clients away."

As Stephanie showed me round the existing Spa and pool, with only a few peaceful treatment rooms, I understood what she meant. Incidentally, I can recommend the Elemis express facial for busy people, which only takes half an hour, and leaves you feeling relaxed and refreshed. "

The Champneys name has been synonymous with health and wellbeing since the opening of its doors in 1925; as the UK's first original health spa. Few spas can claim the heritage and traditions inherent in the Champneys brand, so no wonder Stephanie was so enthusiastic. Since those early days, Champneys has been driven by the simple belief that lasting beauty is more than just skin deep. Founded on the philosophy that health, beauty and wellbeing are inextricably intertwined; its pioneering concepts have inspired generations.

Champneys' owner Mr Stephen Purdew stressed: "Mottram Hall gives our brand a broader geographical spread with a presence in the North-West. It's a fantastic property, and we're delighted to be adding it to our collection of properties within the Champneys Group. We're now planning a considerable investment project which will take place this year."

Champneys current properties are primarily based in the south of England, with four spa resort locations at Forest Mere, Henlow, Springs and Tring; six city spas in the South-East; along with its hotel and spa at Eastwell Manor in Kent and a spa on the Marella Explorer cruise ship.

Alan Whiteley, Managing Director at Champneys, said: "Mottram Hall is a property I know well from my De Vere days, and a hotel that Stephen and I put on our radar four years ago. It's our ambition to make Mottram Hall the number one destination hotel and spa resort in the North West."

I wondered how disruptive the new renovations would be, but Pamela was quick to dispel my fears. "Champneys are experts in their field, and I'm sure the renovations will be done with the minimum of disruption to the comfort of our guests."

Gary Jones, Chief Operating Officer at Aprirose, said: "It has been a pleasure working with the team at Champneys. Mottram Hall is a fantastic asset which they will no doubt evolve to the next level. We look forward to developing our relationship further with Champneys in the future."

As I finished my tour around the tree-fringed lake, lawns and rose gardens at the rear of the Hall, it's easy to see why they provide the perfect setting for weddings, special occasions and corporate events in Cheshire for businesses. Surrounded by two hundred and seventy acres of parkland and with the new improvements, they will create a restful atmosphere for both conference and leisure guests.

Mottram Hall's General Manager, Deirdre Billing, adds: "The hotel has a strong reputation in the region as Cheshire's finest golf resort. I'm delighted the investment from Champneys will allow us to strengthen our offering and continue to position Mottram Hall within the luxury spa market."

Mottram Hall

Wilmslow Road, Mottram, SK10 4QT

t: 01625 313600 e: reception@mottramhall.com w: mottramhall.com

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