Plans have been approved for a 49-bed boutique hotel in Finchampstead.
Sindlesham-based Nirvana Spa submitted plans to Wokingham Borough Council for a change of use for West Court off the A327 Reading Road, Finchampstead.
Documents that were submitted as part of the plans said the site presented “a unique offer to cater for the luxury hotel market, given the historic nature of the building and its surroundings”.
The plans were solely for a change of the internal use of the 36,000 sq ft property, now owned by Nirvana Spa, which previously provided an ‘officers’ mess’ for nearby Arborfield Garrison.
It was not seeking to make any external changes or extensions to the building.
The army left the site in 2015, and the building needed to find an alternative use to avoid falling into a derelict condition.
Grade II-listed West Court is a former manor house with a 17th century core, and with substantial additions and rebuilding in 1800, 1835, 1901 and 1964.
Situated on the Roman road known as Devil’s Highway which linked Silchester to Staines, the site of West Court has been occupied since the Middle Ages.
The earliest part of the present house dates from the 17th century, and was built for Charles Howard, the Earl of Arundel’s youngest son.
In 1941, the building was requisitioned by the War Department for use as a training establishment by the Special Operations Executive.
It was then purchased by the War Department in 1950, and in 1964 was greatly extended, adding a dining room, bedroom wing and service rooms.
The building was most recently used as the officers’ mess for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).
Prior to approval being granted, a spokesperson for Nirvana Spa told Wokingham Today: “West Court Retreat is set to join the prestigious Nirvana Collection, operating alongside Nirvana Spa to offer overnight accommodation to both members and guests.
“Nirvana is embarking on a significant investment to restore this Grade-II listed building to its former glory, with a finish that mirrors the distinguished Nirvana brand.”
The company expected to open the hotel in about nine months following the approval, which was granted on June 3 following a public consultation.
