Surya Hotels embarks on £25m restoration of Theobalds Park

Surya Hotels has announced the start of a £25 million restoration project for Theobalds Park, the Grade II listed Georgian mansion, which was once the home of Lady Valerie Meux until 1910.

The house is set within 55 acres of Hertfordshire parkland and is just 10 miles north of Central London and minutes from the M25.

The house was converted into a hotel in the 1990s and previously owned by the De Vere Group. The property was most recently operated by Birch, which closed the site in November 2023. Surya Hotels acquired the estate earlier this year for £12.5 million.

Upon completion, Theobalds will feature: 140 bedrooms; three restaurants and a bar; meeting and event facilities, including 11 conference rooms; a major health and wellness club; Padel courts (a racquet sport which features elements of tennis and squash); and the restoration of the outdoor Lido.

The Ridings Restaurant & Rooms at the estate is already open to the public.

Suki Dulai, CEO of the Flying Trade Group PLC, which owns Surya Hotels, was quoted in Premier Construction News, as saying: “Theobalds Park Estate is a remarkable addition to our portfolio, combining exceptional facilities with rich historical heritage and great connectivity to the capital. We’re committed to restoring this magnificent estate to its former grandeur to create a world-class destination. As stewards of this extraordinary estate, we look forward to welcoming both leisure and corporate guests.”

Established in 2009, Surya Hotels has rapidly expanded to include 13 properties across the UK.