Deals of the day
Château de La Chèvre d’Or
Nature is everywhere at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. There are lots of different gardens filled with sculptures, fountains, waterfalls, flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs. The area is perfumed with the scents of jasmine, bougainvillea and roses. The magnificent colors create a framework that blends into the horizon and the sea…
Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano
Live in a fairy tale, surrounded by prestige and nature. Imagine contemplating Lugano’s beauty in a princely residence. The former private home of German Emperor Wilhelm’s brother in law, the Villa is located on a picturesque promontory called the Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), whose views and location are the best kept secret in town. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a legendary home, a stay…
Aria Hotel Budapest
The Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury boutique hotel with an exquisite design inspired by music. To compliment the musical concept, master designer Zoltan Varro’s vision was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence…
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
In search for unique places, sometimes you need to get off the main roads. However, let them lead you to Bale, Istria. Then slow down and follow the road that gets narrower with every mile, as nature draws closer. Slow down even more, and then make a turn into the white road. As the iron gates of the Meneghetti estate open up in front of you, stop for just one moment – and realize that the magic actually appears off the…
Piccolo Hotel Portofino
Hotel Piccolo Portofino, surrounded by the typical luxuriant vegetation of the Liguria Riviera, among the crystal clear water of Portofino and the blue sky, is a piece of art of the reception, unique of its kind. A hidden jewel, that has to be searched end discovered. Obtained from a refined period villa, today it is a boutique hotel, and from its generous terraces, a breathtaking view onto this exclusive stretch of coast…
Il Sereno Como
Il Sereno brings a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. Awarded the title of “Most Anticipated New Luxury Hotel Opening in 2016” by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, Il Sereno’s ethos of understated elegance presents a freshness to this well-established destination. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel promises modern style and an authentic…
Mnemba Island Lodge
Steeped in culture and history, Zanzibar enticed adventurers, seafarers and traders from far and wide. Known as the spice island, from the centuries old trade of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, today the Zanzibar Archipelago is still bathed in the heady scents of spices and traditional dhows still drift across the horizon. A romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise featuring twelve rustically chic beachside…
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The Royal Mansour can be counted amongst the few establishments in the world that defy hotel excellence. Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, offering travellers the unique concept of a medina within a medina.
Each area has been designed to intuitively take guests on a sensory journey. Take a step into the secret and sumptuous history of one of the…
Boutique Hotel Die Alpbacherin
The history of DER ALPBACHERIN began in the former Angelika house. Some time ago, in the middle of Alpbach, at house number 405, stood the small bed and breakfast “Haus Angelika”. Georg and Lisa ran them with a lot of love. The success proved you right and so the desire for a new place for more guests was born. A dream came true. Together with daughter Valentina and her boyfriend Thomas, plans, dreams and…
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, merging a 5 star luxury hotel and spa concept with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy on a 300-acre estate. A sumptuous feeling of home pervades the 800-year-old luxury farmhouse hotel, with its worn leather armchairs pulled up around open fires, fresh flower…
Casa Casuarina Miami
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. Alden was also a descendent of the Mayflower on his mother’s side…
Laucala Island Fiji
A private island refuge in the South Pacific, Laucala unites dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Style and…
Il San Pietro Di Positano
The San Pietro di Positano is more than a hotel. It is a journey within a journey, where memories are created and never forgotten. A haven of peace, immersed in nature, this elegant home harmonises old-world traditions of hospitality with contemporary, understated luxury. Escape to this small slice of paradise suspended between the sea and sky. Carved into the cliff overlooking the mediterranean Sea, our rooms are a…
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera
In the beautiful and protected island of Formentera, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club was set out for like-minded individuals to unwind, connect with oneself and nature and above all celebrate life. Gecko brings to Formentera a new form of hospitality that unites our love for the island, the beach life and the elegance of a time in the past that continues to inspire us. Our clublike restaurant, in front of the Migjorn beach, offers a…
Azulik Tulum
In the heart of the Mayan jungle, a revolutionary project is about to redefine human evolution. A new vision of the future that is guided by ancestral knowledge and creates community is beginning to shape up.The VILLAS of AZULIK Tulum are built in harmony with the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea. With no electric light, A/C, or television, we present nature as our main amenity, setting the perfect mood for a…
Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by a blue ocean, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in the remote Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise…
Cavo Tagoo Santorini
The exclusive Cavo Tagoo Santorini, twin of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is located within walking distance from Fira and just a few kilometers from Oia, the resort offers luxurious suites, spectacular sunsets over the sea and a personalized service exceptional. All Suites are modern and feature a hot tub or private pool on the terrace style, design details, 43-inch LCD satellite TV, patio or terrace with stunning panoramic view…
Palazzo Navona Rome
The innovative Palazzo Navona Hotel fully deserved of its role as being amongst one of the most qualified 4 star Hotels within the city “centro”, capable of fulfilling its own lifestyle qualities to satisfy even the most demanding guest. The intimate and charming ambience emits a feeling of almost magic by creating a special atmosphere which pervades this residence surrounded by its historical-art and ancient Roman…
Juma Amazon Lodge
With its prime location in one of the most remote and preserved regions of the Amazon Rainforest, Juma Amazon Lodge is an intimate and inviting property harmoniously nestled into the forest environment which defines it. Juma Amazon Lodge features 19 intimate bungalows seamlessly nestled into the lush surroundings of the Amazon Rainforest. In order to accommodate the water levels of the wet season…
Cocos Hotel Antigua
Perched on a lush green hillside, encircled by miles of heavenly blue sea and sandwiched between two gorgeous white sand beaches is COCOS Hotel, an all inclusive Antigua resort for couples and adults only. This rustic yet romantic and cozy boutique resort is located on the sunset side of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua and comprises of a collection of 35 quaint wooden Cottages positioned on a pictoresque…
Villa Belvedere Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a delightful and charming boutique hotel, located at just a few minutes from Taormina’s lively town centre and from the world-famous Greek-Roman Theatre, which are both reachable by walking through the inspiring and panoramic Duca di Cesarò Botanic Gardens. The hotel benefits of wonderful views over the sea, the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. The hotel has always been…
Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo’s renowned eco-consciousness and sleek design extend to the Maldives island’s 15 over-water residences where your uninterrupted enjoyment of the private island charm and the splendid natural surrounds are the norm….
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris, a 5-star hotel in the centre of Paris, offers you a unique stay in a typically Parisian atmosphere. The building was built in 1907 by the Hennessy family, during the enchanting interlude offered by the Paris of the “Belle Époque”. Reflecting this magical era, our luxury hotel in Paris embodies a certain French art de vivre. La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris enjoys an idyllic setting and immerses you in the…
Cliveden House
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel, and sister to the world-renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in Hampshire. Our story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of…
Oxford’s 17th century Old Parsonage combines original charm and character with all the luxury, amenities and technology available to an independently owned 5 star hotel.
Best known by locals and visitors alike for its eclectic country house charm, chic modern interiors and striking 20th century portraits, the Old Parsonage is a luxury home-from-home with impeccable hospitality.
A striking balance of old & new, each of the 35 individually designed bedrooms & suites feature luxurious handmade beds, rich natural fabrics, unique Oxford sketches and magnificent marble bathrooms.
Guests can enjoy afternoon tea in the walled courtyard, relax within the peaceful & stunning surrounds of a carefully curated library, or explore the city the traditional way and borrow one of our vintage style bicycles…
From the city centre take the right hand fork from St Giles and you will find the Old Parsonage on the left hand side at the very start of the Banbury Road.The hotel is perfectly situated for trips to Oxford’s museums and colleges, only a few minutes away from the city centre.
Our sister restaurant Gee’s, is also a few minutes walk along the Banbury Road heading north, here you will find great Mediterranean food & wine served in the most beautiful restaurant in Oxford.
HISTORY
The Old Parsonage has stood on the present site since 1660 when Edward Selwood the prosperous chef of nearby St John’s College, completed the original and principal part of the house, which he had begun twenty years earlier.
The land on which Selwood built his house was owned by University College, one of Oxford’s oldest seats of learning, which had bought the land as an endowment for their early scholars. The college has remained the ground landlord for over six centuries.
1390
Until the mid-14th century the priest of the medieval hospice, which had reputedly stood on the site since the Norman Conquest, had his dwelling here next to the ancient church of St Giles hence the name ‘Old Parsonage’.
Run by Nuns for the ‘poor and infirm’, rent was paid to the church in the form of candles made by the inmates of the hospice, each of whom was bequeathed 11 pence by John Ocle in 1390.
A bricked-up archway in the present cellar is traditionally associated with a tunnel connecting the house to St Giles’ Church as an escape route for priests during periods of religious persecution. The ghost of a nun is said to have been seen in the old part of the house.
THE FOUNDATIONS
The builder of the present house, Edward Selwood, belonged to this prosperous circle and was already running a successful chop house in Broad Street and leasing a farm in St Giles’ Parish from University College when he decided on ‘new building the house from the ground’ in 1639.
The foundations reveal that he got as far as the south part of the present house during the reign of Charles I and was already letting lodgings when the Civil War literally arrived on his doorstep.
The King and the Royalist headquarters were based in Oxford and part of their defences were constructed on the Old Parsonage land so the house was fortunate not to be demolished during the parliamentarians’ bombardment – particularly when Oxford surrendered in 1646.
1660
Selwood sat out the frugal period during the Commonwealth, cleverly extending his house to coincide with the celebrations at the restoration of Charles II in 1660 and the return of exiles to Oxford, heralding a new era of prosperity.
His builders were unknown but highly experienced stonemasons who constructed the front of the house, all the windows and the doorways of the same Headington stone used in every Oxford college building of the 17th to 18th centuries.
The original house has two front doors and two staircases so the owner could easily let off half or part of the house. There were six large rooms, three on each side of the central chimneystack – an ingenious example of early ‘central’ heating.
1830
Original features in the present house include the 17th century front doorway with the same heavy oak door which has welcomed visitors for over 300 years and which contains the original hinges and door nails.
Also contemporary with Selwood’s house is the wide stone arched fireplace in the entrance hall.The stone window frame in the hall is original, later re- glazed between 1830-1930.
The front window jambs contain carved gures of saints above sections of guilloch-decorated paneling, all authentic 17th century work in oak. Tradition has it that the gures were secreted in the house having been taken from St Giles’ church during or after the Civil War when the Puritans prohibited religious embellishment.
The north stairs are in their original form and the north second floor rooms reveal interesting features of the old roof structure. Some renewal of carpentry took place in the early 18th century.
Panelling of the Queen Anne period has been revealed during the recent restoration by the opening up of doors to an original bed recess in one of the principal bedrooms. These doors now lead to the bathroom.
THREE GENERATIONS
From 1954 to 1989 the Harding and Simmonds families were resident tenants of the Old Parsonage, soon taking over the whole house as lodgings for University students and eventually converting the guesthouse into the hotel in 1971.
In 1989 the Old Parsonage was acquired by Jeremy Mogford, the successful restaurateur whose family has been well known hoteliers for three generations
JEREMY MOGFORD
Jeremy Mogford and his architect Roger Stretton set about a refurbishment scheme to restore the character of the original building.
They sought to bring the atmosphere of the old house into the remaining more recent areas by using traditional materials, details and furnishings with the watchful approval of the preservation and heritage authorities.
The necessary numerous extensions over the years had inevitably left the hotel without any clear identity but with thorough research into the architectural history of the house, the emphasis throughout the restoration has been to display the quality and interest of the original features while creating a comfortable, attractive ambience which respects the history of the building.
The Old Parsonage, which has become a well-loved feature of Oxford, has stood at the north entrance of the ancient city for over three hundred years, witnessing some of the most dramatic moments in our history.
It remains closely connected to the University through its ground landlord, University college. From Edward Selwood’s 17th Century guesthouse to the present elegant hotel, the Old Parsonage continues to be a haven of good hospitality.
THE CHURCHILL SUITES
The Old Parsonage has decided to bring together a truly fascinating story linking Sir Winston Churchill, his son Randolph Churchill, the famous Oxford-based émigré sculptor Oscar Nemon, and Blenheim Palace.
On the second floor of the hotel, we have curated an amazing collection of rare photographs and memorabilia within our spectacular ‘Winston’ and ‘Randolph’ suites and the lobby outside.
You will find a visual tribute to both Winston Churchill, his son Randolph and their family. Some of the photographs reflect the close relationships that developed between Winston, Randolph and Nemon as the sculptor worked on portraits of both men.
SUPERIOR DELUXE ROOMS
A selection of our superior deluxe rooms are situated at the front of the hotel overlooking the terrace; with original period features, these rooms exude character & charm.
Each room has been individually designed using all-natural fabrics wool, linen & velvet in rich shades of deep red, purple & grey & unique charcoal drawings of Oxford’s iconic buildings.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL ROOMS
Contemporary in design, some classic double bedrooms have a Juliette balcony overlooking the courtyard garden or their own private terrace.
Each is individually furnished using all natural fabrics wool, linen & velvet in rich shades of deep red, purple & grey with a queen size Epoc bed & white Egyptian cotton bedding. Unique charcoal drawings of Oxford’s iconic buildings adorn the walls.
PARSONAGE GRILL…
Famous for its intimate, bohemian, clubby atmosphere, the Parsonage Grill displays an amazing collection of eclectic oil paintings; mainly portraits of well-known writers and artists.
Our Head Chef, Allan McLaughlin, takes pride in using the best produce, cooked simply to create classic British dishes with a modern, light touch.Our state of the art kitchen uses the best local produce to create classic, simple yet innovative British dishes.
Open every day of the year, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and our famous afternoon teas, in the company of Oxford’s academic and literary luminaries…
CELEBRATION & EVENTS
Be it a family celebration, wedding, social gathering, our private dining room, ‘the Pike Room’, provides the perfect intimate, sumptuous & unique setting.
With its original stone fireplace, lattice windows & walls adorned with a carefully curated selection of oil paintings, the room retains the same Bloomsbury club ambience of the restaurant & bar, but with a private country house feel.
Choose from our specially selected & impeccably presented seasonal British dishes, & enjoy drinks & canapes in the stylish bar or within the beautiful surroundings of our secluded walled terrace.
THE PIKE ROOM
With its original stone fireplace, leaded light windows & walls adorned with a carefully curated selection of oil paintings, the Pike Room retains the same Bloomsbury club ambience of the restaurant & bar, but with a private country house feel.
WEDDING VENUE
The Old Parsonage Hotel’s private dining room is the perfect venue to hold an intimate wedding ceremony and reception.We are licensed to hold Civil Wedding Ceremonies in our private room, the Pike Room, for up to 12 guests.
Enjoy a relaxed, informal ceremony then move to our stylish bar or spill out onto one of our terraces for champagne & canapes before returning to the room for your Wedding Breakfast…
You may wish to hold your reception after the ceremony at Gees, our sister restaurant, just a five minute walk from the Old Parsonage, which can accommodate up to 80 guests exclusively.
Gees Restaurant is housed in an iconic glass house, the interior of which is filled with trees and plants, making the perfect setting for a very special day.
SMALL GROUPS
Given the size of our private dining room, the Pike Room, meeting and conferences can only be offered to smaller groups.Our sister hotel, the Old Bank Hotel, offers larger private rooms which are perfect for business meetings.
LIBRARY
For the exclusive use of our guests, the Library on the first floor is a modern, intimate space with glass sliding doors opening onto a private courtyard terrace.
A carefully curated collection of books will inspire & entertain, and includes a section on art, literature, culture & politics, Oxford & its history.Relax amongst a specially commissioned collection of Paddy Summerfield’s black and white photographs of 1960’s Oxford.
DISCOVER OXFORD
Experience the very best that Oxford has to offer…Check into the charmingly historic Old Parsonage Hotel and take afternoon tea in the truly traditional setting of Parsonage Grill.
Once you’ve booked we’ll share our ‘Staycation Menu‘; a handpicked selection of things to do in and around Oxford, from a walking tour with our resident guide to must-see hidden treasures…Spend a restful night’s sleep in one of the Old Parsonage’s handmade beds & awake to breakfast in Parsonage Grill.
Have lunch in Gee’s, Oxford’s famous Grade II listed Victorian conservatory and best-loved neighbourhood restaurant, then take a tour of Oxford’s dreaming spires with our qualified guide and local resident, Isabella Underhill…
GUIDED TOUR OF OXFORD
End your guided tour on Oxford’s famous High, at the centrally located Old Bank Hotel, where your luggage and belongings have been transferred to, and marvel at the unrivalled views of the city…
Enjoy a glass of Champagne at the striking onyx bar, then take a seat for dinner in Quod Restaurant, Oxford’s most popular dining location.Spend the night in one of the Old Bank’s luxurious bedrooms and awake, refreshed, to a hearty breakfast in Quod…
