The Ickworth Reopens Following Major Renovation

Luxury Family Hotels has announced the grand reopening of The Ickworth, Bury St Edmunds, in Suffolk following a full renovation led by StudioJill.

The refurbishment encompasses all bedrooms, public areas, wellness facilities and restaurants, breathing new life into the historic Grade I-listed Italianate house.

Set within 1,800 acres of Suffolk countryside and less than two hours from London, The Ickworth is the latest property in the Luxury Family Hotels collection to undergo a complete transformation.

The project marks the fifth and final full refurbishment StudioJill has completed for the brand, following work at Fowey Hall, Moonfleet Manor, New Park Manor and Woolley Grange.

StudioJill founder Jill Higgins said: “Central to the design concept is a strong sense of place. Our approach celebrates the grand Italianate architecture mixed with a relaxed contemporary feel, and a nod to the vibrant eccentricity of the house’s history. By mixing vintage and contemporary pieces and layering colour, pattern and texture, the old and new are unified to create interiors which feel both grand and welcoming.”

Reimagined Spaces

The renovation includes:

A transformed reception area combining contemporary design with classical architecture.
A redesigned Drawing Room with flexible seating.
A Library featuring books, games and comfortable seating.
The Conservatory, providing a bright dining and refreshment space suitable for guests of all ages.
Event-ready spaces suitable for weddings, celebrations, meetings and private functions.
Accommodation

All 37 bedrooms have been redesigned with bespoke interiors and upgraded bathrooms featuring marble finishes and distinctive detailing.

Accommodation options include:

Classic guest rooms.
The two-bedroom Hervey Suite for larger families.
Butler’s Quarters, a self-contained suite sleeping up to six adults or four adults and four children.
The Dower House, offering three suites sleeping five to six guests each, plus two additional rooms sleeping three to four guests.
Wellness & Spa

The renovated Elemis spa includes:

Four treatment rooms.
Relaxation lounges.
Indoor swimming pool.
New steam room within the historic herb garden.
Spa terrace.
Horse-box-style sauna.
Nordic-inspired hot tub.
Fully equipped gym located in the former stables.

Treatments include massages, facials, a Japanese Head Spa ritual and junior treatments for younger guests.

Dining

The Ickworth’s dining offer centres around:

Frederick’s Restaurant
The Conservatory

Menus focus on seasonal Suffolk produce and include:

British classics.
Sunday roasts.
Traditional afternoon tea.
Dedicated children's menus.
A “Waggy Tails” afternoon tea for dogs.
Family Facilities

Family-focused spaces have also been refreshed, including:

Four Bears Den Kids Club.
Blue Room for tweens and teenagers.
Cinema room.
New Partnerships

The reopening introduces a partnership with Scandinavian children's brand Scandiborn, supplying toys for the Four Bears Den, while longstanding partner Bugaboo will provide pushchairs, cots and highchairs, including the Butterfly 2 and Fox 5 Renew models.

Heritage

Located in the East Wing of Ickworth House near Bury St Edmunds, the estate has a long association with the Hervey family and horse-racing heritage. The estate's history includes the racehorse Ickworth, winner of the Queen's Plate at Newmarket in 1712.

Rates

Rooms start from £205 per night on a bed and breakfast basis.