Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, the owner of Reliance Industries took over Britain’s iconic Stoke Park hotel for $79 million. RIL’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Reliance Industrial Investments, and Holdings bought Stoke Park, located in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom for a whooping £57 million ($79 million or Rs 590 crore). RIL’s expansion into the hospitality segment comes at a time when the global tourism and hospitality sector is reeling under a deep crisis due to the pandemic. Here are 5 fascinating facts about this iconic property.
1. Stoke Park Has Been Featured In James Bond Movies
If you already did not know, the iconic locale has been the setting for two James Bond films. The famous scenes woven around the game of golf in the 1964 James Bond movie Goldfinger were shot in the Stoke Park Golf Club. In fact, Stoke Park has featured in many other movies like Dead of Night and Tomorrow Never Dies.
2. The Property Is Over 900 Years Old
According to Stoke Park’s official website, the estate has a recorded history of over 900 years. It has been a private residence until 1908 when Nick “Pa” Lane Jackson purchased it. The property boasts of 49 luxury bedrooms and suites, a 27-hole championship golf course, 13 tennis courts, and 14 acres of private gardens.
3. Stuart King Charles Was Held As A Prisoner In Stoke Park
Stuart King Charles 1 (1600-1649) was briefly held as a prisoner in the Manor House at Stoke Park. The Coat of Arms painted on one of the walls of a room was apparently done by the king at that time.
4. Many Popular Poets Visited The Estate
The sprawling fields of Stoke Park were favourited by many creative minds. Did you know that English poet Thomas Gray was a frequent visitor here? It was his visit to the estate that inspired him to write “The Long Story” describing the Manor House and its previous owners.
5. Stoke Park Estate Was The Oldest Country Club Of Britain
Nicholas Lane Jackson gave Britain its first country club in 1908 by creating the Stoke Park Club. Nicholas had leased a part of the property from the widowed Mrs. Bryant, the then owner of the estate.
RIIHL will work towards enhancing the sports and leisure facilities at this heritage hotel. This slice of history set in elegant parkland is just 15 minutes from Windsor. Need a luxury staycation? Book Stoke Park with SLH.