Bush Hall Hotel set for 2025 reopening after renovation

A former hospital, private house, school and hotel, work has been taking place at Bush Hall since 2018, with the building set to include 14 boutique hotel rooms, a modern pub and restaurant with riverside terrace, and a standalone function venue with formal gardens for weddings, family parties and corporate events.

But, after Hatfield residents noticed work on the site had slowed, a number of concerns were raised about when the hotel would actually open.

Now, building owners Gascoyne Estates have revealed that "various design and procurement issues" have delayed fitting the interior of the building, with a proposed opening date of autumn 2025 now set.

Bush Hall Hotel. (Image: Archant)

"Gascoyne Estates completed the external renovation works for the Bush Hall Hotel at the end of 2023, with various minor finishing works being completed in early 2024," a spokesperson told the Welwyn Hatfield Times. 

"The property has been let to Oakman Inns and Restaurants Limited, a well-established leisure operator in Hertfordshire and the Home Counties. 

"The initial build included a significant amount of first fix wiring and mechanical and engineering works.

"Whilst it was anticipated that the main fit out works would commence during 2024, due to various design and procurement issues it is not anticipated that work will start until early or mid-2025, with a proposed official opening date during late summer to late autumn 2025. 

"The property is expected to create approximately 40 new jobs."

Originally constructed in the 17th century - although with some sections dating to Tudor times - the building is said to have belonged to Sir Robert Chester, who lived in the house in the early part of the 19th century and was Master of Ceremonies to George III, George IV and William IV and Queen Victoria. Beatrix Potter also used to stay there and made sketches of the site.