Ian and Christa Taylor of Bath’s Kaleidoscope Collection, currently made up of No.15 Great Pulteney and The County Hotel, have expanded with the acquisition of Homewood Park Hotel & Spa.
The picturesque 21-bedroom wisteria-clad hotel on Abbey Lane in Freshford has enviable views out over the Limpley Stoke Valley, and offers the Taylors an exciting country house proposition to complement their existing city centre properties.
Ian and Christa have grand plans to transform Homewood into a laid-back country hideaway, where weary city dwellers, and locals alike, can experience ‘the good life’.
Outside spaces will feature home-grown garden produce and shepherd’s huts in the woodlands, while onsite artisans will produce everything from ceramics to homeware, which guests will also be able to purchase to take home with them.
The hotel will bring together all the understated appeal of a private country home with the service, charm and individuality that Kaleidoscope has become well known for.
Overseeing the kitchen team will be Kaleidoscope’s executive chef Marc Hardiman, who took up the position in June.
Joining the group from his role as executive chef at Great Fosters country house hotel, Egham, Marc led the team to win three AA rosettes and a Michelin star for their Tudor Room restaurant.
After growing up in Bristol, and beginning his formal training right here at Bath College, the Taylors say they are delighted to bring Marc back to where his career first began.
The new restaurant concept will be focused on the best of local and home-grown produce, with the dishes designed for maximum flavour and what people want to eat.
Afternoon tea will be inspired by nature and the hotel’s leafy surrounds, while Christmas will be a big family occasion centred around sharing feasts and spending time with loved ones.
The bedrooms, public spaces, restaurant and spa will be refreshed, while the next phase of the project will see collaborations with local businesses and creative talent to give Homewood a completely new identity.
As with every Kaleidoscope property, statement pieces of art and one-of-a-kind touches will be at the heart of this latest transformation, which is expected to take two years to complete.
The sale was completed on Wednesday, 1st August, with the help of Barclays, local law firm Mogers Drewitt and accountants Moore Stephens.
“We’re delighted that Homewood continues the next phase of growth for the Kaleidoscope Collection,” said Ian Taylor.
“Adding a relaxed country house hotel to the group has been part of our long-term plan for some time now and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming the locals of Freshford and visitors alike in the early stages of this exciting new chapter.”