Ian and Christa Taylor of Bath’s Kaleidoscope Collection, currently made up of No.15 Great Pulteney and The County Hotel, have expanded the hotel group further with the acquisition of Homewood Park Hotel & Spa in Freshford. The picturesque 21-bedroom wisteria-clad hotel on Abbey Lane is in possession of 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 come and 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 Kaleidoscope has become so well known for.
Overseeing the kitchen team is 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 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 really 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.