Located on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border, it’s been five years since the historic Patshull Park Estate was closed as the pandemic took hold and sent the business into liquidation.
Its 214 acres were once home to a hotel and golf course that are all rich with heritage, but they could now be given a new lease of life after Ian Bonser, President of the UK Golf Federation, and renowned rose breeder, David Austin, purchased the venue for an undisclosed sum.
They have now pledged to restore the site to its former glory.
The impressive estate includes Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown-designed grounds, a Grade II-listed Doric Temple, a redundant hotel, and a former golf course, all set within a quintessentially English landscape of lakes, woodland, and parkland.
Austin and Bonser both have deep roots in the area and share a passion for preserving and revitalising local heritage. Together, they plan to develop Patshull Park into a multi-functional destination that celebrates its natural beauty and rich history.
“Patshull Park holds a fascinating history and an abundance of potential,” said David Austin. “We’re proud to be taking on the stewardship of such an important local landmark and are committed to restoring it sensitively for future generations.”
Ian Bonser added: “Our vision is to honour the past while creating a sustainable future for Patshull Park – one that brings together leisure, heritage, and community in a truly special setting.”
The estate’s grounds epitomise the work of ‘Capability’ Brown, whose renowned landscapes include Blenheim Palace, Warwick Castle, Chatsworth, and Highclere Castle. The property also features a fishing lodge and an additional multi-purpose building near the entrance, providing further scope for future development.
Dating back to before the Norman Conquest, Patshull Park’s history is interwoven with that of the region, with records of a settlement in the Domesday Book. The acquisition by Austin and Bonser will continue this rich vein by creating a valuable space for the local community to enjoy.
Before its closure, Golfshake Ambassador Mel Davies played Patshull Park in 2019, which he wrote about in this detailed review.
Concluding, Mel said: “Patshull Park is a course that you can see has been well looked after and the staff and members have a course to be proud of. A truly great mix of holes that would make you want to come back to play again.”
Let’s hope that golfers of the future will have the opportunity to experience this for themselves.
