Luxury Family Hotels has unveiled the next chapter for The Ickworth, reopening in May 2026 following a full renovation by StudioJill with a design celebrating its storied history…
Set within 1,800 acres of Suffolk countryside and just under two hours from London, The Ickworth’s full refurbishment – including all bedrooms, public areas, wellness facilities and restaurants – has been thoughtfully designed to enhance and reimagine the historic Italianate palace and its surrounding buildings.
Image credit: StudioJill / The Ickworth
The transformation is led by interior design studio StudioJill, marking the fifth and final full StudioJill refurbishment within the Luxury Family Hotels collection, following Fowey Hall, Moonfleet Manor, New Park Manor, and most recently Woolley Grange. This milestone project represents a defining moment for the brand, uniting years of collaboration and a design philosophy that balances individuality with a cohesive approach across the portfolio.
“Central to the design approach is a strong sense of place. Our aim was to celebrate the building’s inherent character while making it feel more relaxed and liveable for modern family life. By mixing vintage and contemporary pieces and layering texture, colour and detail, old and new are unified to create interiors that feel both grand and genuinely welcoming” commented Jill Higgins, Founder & Design Team, StudioJill.
Image credit: StudioJill / The Ickworth
Public spaces throughout the main house have been reimagined to celebrate The Ickworth’s storied history, while creating an adaptable and welcoming guest experience. Guests step through the doors into a transformed reception space, now open and inviting, blending playful contemporary design with classical architecture. Moving further into the building, The Drawing Room has been reconfigured with versatile seating, while The Library invites guests to explore books and games amid a collection of cosy armchairs. For light refreshments or family dining, The Conservatory offers a bright, light-filled space for guests of all ages. Each area has been carefully designed to also welcome weddings, private events, family celebrations, and meetings.
Image credit: StudioJill / The Ickworth
All 37 bedrooms have been redesigned in StudioJill’s signature style, resulting in interiors that feel both thoughtfully curated and elevated. Bathrooms feature contemporary stone finishes, playful patterns, and carefully considered details that enhance the unique character of each room.
The Dower House and Butler’s Lodge offer private, flexible accommodation with multi-bedroom suites and adaptable communal spaces – ideal for multigenerational stays, small weddings, or family celebrations. Located just a short walk from the main house, these residences provide privacy alongside full access to The Ickworth’s family-friendly facilities. Interiors balance elegance with livability, creating a welcoming home-away-from-home.
Image credit: StudioJill / The Ickworth
Putting wellbeing at the heart of The Ickworth’s transformation, the spa offers a serene and welcoming environment, featuring four treatment rooms, relaxation areas, and a spacious indoor swimming pool. A standout addition is the new steam room, set within the historic herb garden, as well as new changing facilities inspired by the estate’s equestrian heritage. Guests can also enjoy the spa terrace, seamlessly integrated into the gardens, complete with a horse-box-style sauna and a Nordic-inspired hot tub. Wellness experiences are further enhanced by a fully equipped gym, housed in the former stables and thoughtfully designed with leather, timber, and functional detailing that nod to the estate’s heritage.
Children and families remain at the heart of The Ickworth experience. Spaces such as the carousel-inspired Four Bears Den, the dedicated Blue Room for tweens and teens, and the cinema have all been refreshed to reflect the hotel’s signature design ethos. Playfulness, discovery, and a sense of wonder are woven throughout, ensuring younger guests feel celebrated while maintaining the hotel’s refined style.
Image credit: StudioJill / The Ickworth
Throughout the refurbishment, StudioJill’s philosophy of discovery and delight is evident in the details, from bespoke lighting and hand-painted artwork to unexpected textures and colour combinations. Subtle references to travel, collecting and the building’s Italianate roots appear throughout, gently nodding to The Ickworth’s history while firmly grounding the hotel in the present. Above all, The Ickworth remains true to the ethos of Luxury Family Hotels, a place where families can relax, reconnect and return to time and again.
Housed in the East Wing of the historic Italianate Ickworth House, The Ickworth has long been celebrated for its architectural grandeur and sense of scale. Originally conceived in the 18th century by the Hervey family and inspired by continental travel, the building reflects a spirit of curiosity, collecting, and ambition that continues to shape its character today. The estate’s history is deeply entwined with horses, from the 1st Earl’s racehorse Ickworth – winner of the Queen’s Plate at Newmarket in 1712 – to the parkland long devoted to riding. As 2026 marks the Year of the Horse, it is a fitting moment to celebrate this rich heritage.
Main image credit: StudioJill / The Ickworth
