Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, will close for redevelopment in January 2026, marking a new chapter for the Oxfordshire hotel founded by Raymond Blanc more than 40 years ago. Olivia Palamountain reports

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is preparing for a significant redevelopment as it moves into a new phase of its history. The Oxfordshire estate, opened in 1984 and long celebrated for its garden-led gastronomy, will begin an extensive transformation in January 2026 before reopening in summer 2027.

The project signals Belmond’s intention to preserve the property’s heritage while elevating it for a new generation of guests, with enhancements planned across the accommodation, culinary programme and landscaped grounds.

The redevelopment will reinforce Le Manoir’s enduring philosophy of seasonal, sustainable cooking, a vision introduced by its founder Raymond Blanc OBE and one that reshaped the evolution of British hospitality.

Over four decades, Blanc established the manor as both a gastronomic destination and a training ground, cultivating a generation of chefs whose names now carry international acclaim, from Michael Caines and Ollie Dabbous to Luke Selby, Marco Pierre White and Eric Chavot. The property has retained two Michelin stars every year since its opening, a rare testament to its consistency and influence.

Reflecting on the next chapter, Blanc describes Le Manoir as “the canvas of my life’s work”, noting that the transformation represents not just a renovation but a reinvestment in creativity, sustainability and the values that have shaped the hotel since its inception. As part of the transition, he will move into the role of Lifetime Ambassador, continuing to guide its ethos while allowing the estate to evolve for future decades of hospitality leadership.

Before its temporary closure, the hotel will host a programme of celebratory events, inviting guests to revisit the gardens, dining rooms and bedrooms that have formed the backdrop to countless anniversaries, proposals and special gatherings. For many, it will be a final opportunity to experience the property as it has looked for the past 41 years, before redevelopment work begins.

Belmond, the hotel’s custodian since 2002, views the project as part of a broader commitment to heritage preservation across its global portfolio. Le Manoir now joins the ranks of recently rejuvenated properties such as Villa San Michele in Florence, Splendido in Portofino and Maroma on the Riviera Maya – each a historical asset reimagined with respect for its cultural foundations.