Cowley Manor

Cowley Manor is a Victorian country house in the village of Cowley, in the Cotswolds of Gloucestershire, England. Today it operates as a hotel set within a historic designed landscape, and the house and grounds together tell several chapters of English rural history.

How did Cowley Manor come to be?

The present building stands on the site of an early 17th-century manor and may incorporate parts of it. The house was built in 1855 for Sir James Hutchinson. Between 1896 and 1902 it was extended by Sir James Horlick, a name closely tied to the story of the village. The house itself is a Grade II listed building, listed in 1960.

Is the park at Cowley Manor historic?

Yes. The park and garden are on the Historic England register at the higher Grade II* level, listed in 1986. That means the landscape around the house is regarded as especially significant, which sets the estate apart from many other country houses in the region. The grounds cover roughly 55 acres.

How has the house been used over time?

During the Second World War the building was leased by Cheltenham Ladies' College. In 1946 Gloucestershire County Council bought the house with about 600 acres and used it as a conference centre. It later served as a nursing home, and in the early 21st century it was converted into a hotel.

What can you see and do here today?

Cowley Manor runs as a country house hotel. It offers 36 bedrooms, a spa with heated indoor and outdoor pools, and a restaurant awarded two AA rosettes. A walk through the grounds lets you take in the registered park. Since this is a private property, it is worth contacting the hotel before visiting for any purpose other than a stay, as access for non-guests can be limited.

Where is it and how does it fit the area?

Cowley sits in the heart of the Cotswolds, a region known for honey-coloured stone, rolling hills and quiet villages. The estate lies near Cheltenham, which makes it a handy base for exploring the western Cotswolds and the nearby spa town. It suits travellers looking for a countryside break, English country house history and well-kept landscape.

Frequently asked questions

When was Cowley Manor built? The current house dates from 1855 and was extended between 1896 and 1902. It stands on the site of an earlier manor from the early 17th century.

Who built the house? The 19th-century house was built for Sir James Hutchinson, and the later extensions were carried out for Sir James Horlick.

Is Cowley Manor a hotel today? Yes. It houses a hotel with 36 bedrooms, a spa and a restaurant.

Is the park a listed landscape? Yes. The park and garden are Grade II* on the Historic England register, while the house is Grade II.

What was the house used for before it became a hotel? It was leased to a school during the war, then served as a county council conference centre, and later as a nursing home.