Deep Purple rock legend’s mansion and gardens open to public

The Springs Resort & Golf Club in North Stoke near Wallingford reopened three years ago following a multi-million pound refurbishment.

Formerly owned by legendary Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan, the resort – part of the Talacre-based Darwin Escapes portfolio – is one of the major employers in the region with more than 70 staff and 500 members.

READ MORE: New Deep Purple album features dynamics of 1970s

The rock star’s guitar-shaped swimming pool is no more, but manager Ben Scholes said in 2024 renovations and new facilities – including the 1893 spa and Ridgeway Restaurant – have proved incredibly popular with visitors from across the UK and beyond.

Originally from Flintshire, Mr Scholes said earlier the historic former 19th century manor house is one of the local area’s “hidden gems”.

“We are of course recognised for our first-class golfing facilities and are incredibly proud to have one of the best courses in the South-East, but following a period of significant investment the Springs has grown to become a high-quality holiday destination,” he added.

The Springs Resort & Golf Club (Image: The Springs Resort & Golf Club)

“Our restaurant is exceptionally busy throughout the week and the spa complex, which also features a sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool, has attracted many visitors to the resort.

“And with more living space now on-site – the 19 luxury self-contained Alder Lodges, in addition to bespoke rooms in our boutique hotel – we are able to accommodate more guests than ever before.”

Mr Scholes added: “This in turn has led to us creating jobs, doing more to support the local economy and provide part-time and seasonal jobs in this picturesque rural area.

“The Springs is one of Oxfordshire’s hidden gems, but our reputation is now spreading across the UK, which will have a positive knock-on effect for the region.”

Inside The Springs Resort & Golf Club (Image: The Springs Resort & Golf Club)

Sir Michael Caine and renowned contralto Dame Clara Butt are among the other famous faces to have visited North Stoke.

“The major USP we have is this beautiful part of the world, and as a result we are now getting more bookings for weddings, corporate events and hospitality packages,” said Mr Scholes.

“Even to the locals we are considered remote, so for us to now be bringing in people from across England and other parts of the country is heartening.”

He added: “People come here to get away from it all, on the banks of the River Thames surrounded by wildlife and nature.

“We are thrilled with how things have progressed since the redevelopment and how well our new facilities and luxury offering has been received nationwide and here in the community, but we won’t rest on our laurels – this is just the beginning.”

Ian Gillan, Ian Paice, and Roger Glover (Image: PA)

Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan bought the mock Tudor building in 1973 for £100,000 and invested £443,000 of his own money into its restoration.

It was sold in 1995 to Svenia and Paul Franklin who ran the hotel until they left in 2014.

Last month the Deep Purple frontman said the new album Splat! is returning to the “dynamics, the balance and the fun” of the music the band made in the early 1970s.

The group, formed in 1968, will release their 24th studio album on July 3.

The band has teamed up with renowned producer Bob Ezrin, who has worked with Kiss, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed and Alice Cooper for the new music, described as “the heaviest Deep Purple album in many years”.

Ian Gillan said: “Gillan said: “Where we are now with this incarnation of Deep Purple feels very much like a very ‘now’ version of Deep Purple as it was in the 70s.”

He added: “I have to say, now we are very much back in with material that is compatible with Highway Star, Smoke On The Water, Lazy – the dynamics, the balance, and the fun of the music we made from ’69 to ’73. Deep Purple is in a great place right now.”