Created by hotelier and restaurateur Hector Ross, The Signet Collection was inspired by a vision to host meaningful stays in tastefully restored properties throughout southern England. The Signet Collection launched in September 2020 alongside the first hotel in the portfolio, The Mitre in Hampton Court. The Signet Collection is a home-grown and hands-on brand, crafting seamless hotel experiences in thoughtfully designed, historically significant properties, preserving authenticity and delivering unparalleled on-site dining. With a focus on hosting experiences that celebrate and preserve each property’s history, there is lots to enjoy at each of the boutique hotels.
The Retreat at Elcot Park
Between Hungerford and Newbury, The Retreat at Elcot Park is a 55-bedroom boutique hotel housed in a Grade II-listed 18th-century building on private ground in the Berkshire countryside. Once the family home of the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, the property has been reimagined with character and charm, blending its Georgian heritage with a playful and contemporary twist. The Retreat boasts two restaurants, a relaxed all-day dining space 1772 Brasserie and the fine dining destination, Yu, an Asian restaurant serving mouth-watering bites and plenty of sushi. Alongside these stand out dining options there is also an indulgent spa, heated outdoor pool, and a state-of-the-art gym.
The interiors celebrate eccentric British style with bold prints, botanical colours and rich textures, all while being staged with curated antiques, each room telling its own story. Beyond the visual appeal, The Retreat is a true destination hotel, offering a curated programme of events, wellness experiences and partnerships with local artisans and producers. Guests can expect a deeply personal stay, akin to an extended home-from-home experience that makes you feel like the acres of land you wander around in Wellingtons are your own. The spa offers guests the chance for some proper R&R, with restorative treatments that champion locally sourced products.
The Barnsdale
This charming bolthole in the hills of Rutland, is one ofr the newer jewels in The Signet Collection’s crown. Originally a 17th-century hunting lodge, the property has been lovingly restored to offer 46 individually styled bedrooms and suites, while honouring its rural past and stately architecture. Interiors here are cosy, with oak beams, carefully dressed beds,, freestanding tubs, and views over the surrounding Rutland Water countryside to the local livestock.
The Barnsdale is also home to The Brasserie, an elegant yet approachable dining experience that puts seasonal, locally-sourced produce at its heart. Guests can explore the courtyard and open gardens before attending the many on-site activities on the property. The watercolour class is a must during a stay here for those who want to reconnect with nature. The class typically works over a couple of hours, allowing guests to paint at their own pace. Refreshments are also served throughout the private dining room, and guests can paint watercolour botany and floral displays laid out along the table.
The Mitre
The Mitre, located on the banks of the River Thames in Hampton Court, is the inaugural property in The Signet Collection. Setting the tone for the brand’s distinctive DNA, this property has a history dating back to 1665. The Mitre, originally built as ancillary accommodation for visitors to Hampton Court Palace, has since been transformed into a hub for locals to dine and drink at. Those visiting the hotel can enjoy this retreat rich in history that honours its royal connections. This property is one to be explored, with 36 individually designed rooms and suites, two restaurants, 1665 and The Coppernose. The Mitre is well placed on the riverside and is minutes away from Hampton Court Palace.
Each of these properties encapsulates The Signet Collection’s dedication to creating destination-led, design-forward, and experience-rich hotels that honour the past while embracing the pleasures of modern hospitality. From the riverside elegance of The Mitre to the country charm of The Retreat and the rustic luxury of The Barnsdale, The Signet Collection is redefining British boutique travel.
