From School House Farm to one of the UK’s leading destination spas – Staffordshire’s Moddershall Oaks celebrated its 15th anniversary in December of last year. Nick Gibbens takes a detailed look at how a husband and wife team have taken the business from a day spa serving the local population to an internationally recognised brand.
What started as simply a spa dream for local business entrepreneurs Phillip and Delia Holland when they acquired School House Farm in 1997, has 15 years later developed into Moddershall Oaks one of the top destination spas in the UK as well as a popular restaurant and wedding/events space for the county.
First opened on 1st December 2000, Moddershall Oaks has grown from a small day spa with a staff of eight to a major destination spa and country spa retreat employing a team of 85, the majority of whom are local residents. A favourite spa destination for many leading beauty journalists and attracting people from throughout the country and even overseas, Moddershall Oaks is celebrating a hugely successful 15 years.
Set within 72 acres of picturesque countryside, the journey of Moddershall Oaks began in 2000 as a day spa, with its facilities comprising a pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Discovering that the fast-paced health and wellbeing industry was ever-evolving and anticipating a bright future, the Holland’s began their first phase of renovations. Transforming their family home into the now award-winning fine-dining Lake Side Restaurant, the spa re-opened in 2005 as Moddershall Oaks Spa-Restaurant-Suites. As a 24-hour spa operation with five star suites offering overnight accommodation, Moddershall Oaks broadened their reach and began attracting clientele from outside of Staffordshire. A £1m investment in 2010 saw Moddershall Oaks launch their brand new events venue, securing their rightful place in Staffordshire as the go-to location for events and experiences.
After years of planning and construction, Moddershall Oaks, 5* Country Spa Retreat, opened the new facilities development, to improve the guest experience and combine all the benefits of a spa with the pleasure of being immersed in the English, Staffordshire countryside and so close to nature. The new outdoor landscaped spa garden and courtyard terrace has a raised vitality spa pool which is visually appealing and complements the new kelo sauna cabin, feature shower and outdoor log fire installed to keep guests warm and snug regardless of the season!
The new spa deli and bar area boosts a sophisticated country design and an inside outside feel and has spectacular views over the Staffordshire countryside. Offering a delicious range of light bites, snacks, and hot and cold beverages, many from local suppliers, and will be available for use during the open day.
The new cosy fireside spa lounge provides a social hub for relaxation in between treatments and gives the spa an added snug feel. In addition to the new spa area, Moddershall Oaks created a glamorous express beauty suite, The Snug. This chic pampering zone includes a luxury treatment bar dedicated to manicures, pedicures, make up classes and product sampling. Perfect for hen parties, baby showers, graduations and birthdays; this room will also be available for private use by small spa groups of around 4-12 people.
Already a popular weddings location due to its romantic lakeside setting and fine food, in April 2015 Moddershall Oaks unveiled an outdoor space that is exclusive to The Venue, with views of the lake on the edge of private woodland. This brand new landscaped space is ideal for taking in the fresh air with all of your guests during your arrival or post-ceremony drinks. Boasting the highest quality features Moddershall Oaks is renowned for, including Bose outdoor sound system, soft outdoor LED lighting, landscaped gardens and pathways and a custom made solid oak gazebo.
This new area leads to a handmade oak gazebo on the water’s edge which is licensed for outdoor wedding ceremonies, allowing guests to tie the knot in the most unique location possible!
Speaking on Moddershall Oaks 15th year anniversary, Penny Holland told me: “We are delighted to be celebrating this special milestone. As a family business we are so proud to have come so far and thank all the great people who have been working with us over the years for helping to make this happen. We never forget that at the heart of our business lies the customer experience and we continue to strive to deliver and beyond. I am excited for the future of Moddershall Oaks and am proud to toast this special birthday, the success of the business, our fabulous staff and of course, our customers. Happy 15th Birthday Moddershall Oaks!”
Address: Oaks Cottage, Moddershall Oaks, Moddershall, Stone ST15 8WF / 01782 399000
