By Liz HearnshawSTEEPED in history and lying nestled among acres of beautiful parkland, Ickworth House represents the epitome of style, grace and luxury.

By Liz Hearnshaw

STEEPED in history and lying nestled among acres of beautiful parkland, Ickworth House represents the epitome of style, grace and luxury.

For many years, everything the stately home had to offer was reserved purely for the aristocracy, with the mansion owned by the Hervey family, of Lord Bristol and Lady Victoria fame, for more than two centuries.

But last year the doors of Ickworth House were thrown open to the public as a new 35-bedroom hotel welcomed its first guests.

Marketed as a tranquil, idyllic holiday location, the stately home promises guests nothing less than the best - and, according to a new survey, the hotel near Bury St Edmunds provides just that.

For Ickworth Hotel, where double rooms can cost up to £500 per night, has been rated by Conde Nast Traveller magazine among the 50 “coolest new hotels” to open worldwide during the last year .

A spokeswoman for Conde Nast Traveller magazine said the hotels had been judged on the level of service provided and the quality of décor running throughout the historic building.

“Each hotel has a singular sense of style and place that sets them apart from the rest. These are the hotels setting new trends that others will follow,” she added.

“Ickworth's formula revolved around keeping parent and child happy in equal measure. Adults can swan around the funky-but-elegant state rooms, stroll in the park or enjoy a facial in the spa.

“Children are also indulged, with a dazzling array of toys, games and activities, all supervised by nannies.

“Guests should prepare to be treated like aristocracy from the moment their car crunches up the gravel driveway.”

Following two years of conversion work, the run-down stately home was transformed into a four-star luxury hotel at a cost of about £4 million.

Designed to specialise in luxurious family breaks, the 35-bedroom hotel, which sits within 1,800 acres of parkland, boasts two restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, a spa, tennis courts and games rooms.

Since the hotel opened its doors, about 50 jobs have been created and the economy boosted, with staff committed to using local produce in their restaurants.

No-one from Ickworth Hotel was available for comment yesterday.

liz.hearnshaw@eadt.co.uk