The Old Hall Country House
Room Information Pack
The enclosed document is designed to give our customers/friends an insight into the
history of the building and what services are offered for you during our stay.
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The Old Hall Country House .
History
There is some debate as to the original true date of the Old Hall. Most literature states that it was built in 1647, this is
assumed as the wording which is on the front of the house ‘Walk knave what lookest at. 1647’states this date.
However we have been researching through the local archives and have found reference to the building going back to the
late Tudor period. There is certainly reference to Queen Margaret of Scotland (the sister of Henry VIII) having stayed at the
Hall in the late 16thC on her way to Eccleshall. to battle. Certainly the original timbers and design of the house would
substantiate a building date of c 1530.
The 1647 date that was written on the front of the house refers to a well documented visit of the then Prince Charles, soon
to become Charles II when he was fighting the roundheads in the area. He apparently hid in the house for four nights, in
what was then a priest hole.
This priest hole is now the closet in the Charles II bedroom and was originally accessed via the attic, it was designed in such
a way as it would be very difficult to find once covered over as it would appear to be part of the original large chimney
breast.
Once the visit of the Prince Consort became common knowledge in the area, the story goes that people used to come to
see the house and stare, the owners were that put off by people gazing in that they wrote the words on the front,
which effectively asks people not to stop but to look only and walk on by.
The house changed hands many times over the centuries, but was owned for the longest period by Lord Crewe who rented
it out as a farmhouse. It was subsequently passed to the Offley family as they married into the Crewe family.
In the Victorian period the house was extended and the current breakfast room, Victorian bedroom and Orangery were
added. At the same time the very large chimney was made much ‘grander’ by building around the original structure in
brick, in what can be seen today as an impressive structure. During these times the house was occupied by a large family
with up to 4 servants who also slept at the house.
The Hall was sold in 1921 as part of the sell off by the Crewe estate and has changed hands many times. Not much was
done to the house until 1978 when the previous owners a Dr and Mrs Hugh carried out a full restoration programme, which
included an extension to the kitchen and the addition of a further bedroom the ‘Garden View’ room. During this period the
house was also listed and was given a Grade II* status.
We bought the house in September 2007 and embarked upon a complete refurbishment programme ourselves as many
parts of the house had not been updated since the 70s. We created 4 bedrooms all en suite – the original house as we
bought it was 5 bedrooms with three bathrooms. The kitchen was replaced as were all bathrooms and the orangery had
new windows and roof lights installed. The rest of the house has been completely redecorated and re-furbished.
The Old Hall Country House
Information
Please note that in the case of an emergency or you need to contact us, then please ring the bell which is
situated on the landing.
The information below is designed to help you during your stay here at the Old Hall, if you have any other queries then
please do not hesitate to ask.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served between 0730 and 0930hrs Mon to Friday and 0830 and 1000hrs at weekends. It is
served in the breakfast room which is the first door on the left when you come down the stairs. There is
a comprehensive breakfast menu available to suit most tastes. Should you have any particular dietary
requirements then please inform us as soon as possible. If you would like breakfast in bed then there is
a menu in the room pack, please complete one together with the time you would like to dine and please
pass it to us before you retire.
Check in/out
Check in time is from 3pm and check out is 11am. Upon request if we can accommodate changes to
these times we will.
Dining
Whilst we do not generally provide a facility for evening dining at the Old Hall, if you are staying for a
number of nights with us we will be happy to discuss dinner arrangements. Also if you stuck for
something to eat and just fancy a snack, such as a pizza then we can arrange this for you. Alternatively
there are a number of good local pubs and restaurants in the area, some of which are named below and
there are menus in the guest information pack-:
The Swan with Two Necks, a stylish ‘Gastro Pub’ located about 4 miles from us and a £10 taxi fare or 10
minute drive away. Bookings are recommended and they can be contacted on 01782 680343
Evening Spice – a well renowned Asian eatery serving predominantly Indian food and open every
evening except Monday. Located in Madeley village opposite One Stop, A five minute walk away.Tel
01782 750088. Reservations are generally required on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Hand and Trumpet at Wrinehill, a 10 minute drive away offers a wide menu and good pub grub.
Reservations are normally required. Tel 01270 820048.
The Old Swan, Madeley Heath, is a 15 minute walk or 2 minutes in a car. A friendly traditional pub
serving good food. Tel 01782 751199
Dressing
Gowns
Dressing gowns and slippers are provided for your comfort
Drinking water
All the bathrooms in the house are supplied with fresh mains cold water that can safely be drank. There
are also two bottles of complimentary water on your tray.
Environment
Here at the Old Hall we take the environment and our impact on it very seriously, please help us be
ensuring that any lights in your room are switched off when you leave for any time. We also will
automatically replace your towels with fresh ones every day, if you think this is unnecessary then please
leave them on the towel rail; otherwise we will replace and clean them. Thank you.
Fans
Fans are located in your room for your comfort during the summer months
Fire alarm
Every room is fitted with a smoke alarm, all the smoke alarms in the house are linked and if one goes off
they all will, thus providing us with a basic fire alarm system. Should you hear the alarm (a continuous
pitch) then please leave your room and exit via the nearest exit. The side entrance that you will have
arrived through is the quickest and most convenient.
Gardens
The gardens at the Old Hall are a particular feature and you are welcome to enjoy them throughout
your stay. Watch out for all the wildlife, there are rabbits and squirrels freely wandering around and an
abundance of different birds including our own free range chickens.
Guest lounge
The reception lounge is also made available to guests should you wish to use it throughout your stay.
During winter roaring log fires are lit. Please feel free to use this facility at any time during your stay.
Hairdryer
A hairdryer is available for use in all rooms; please check the draws in the room.
Ice
Ice is available upon request.
Internet
There is a complimentary wireless internet service available in all rooms. Just log on as normal and type
in the security code ‘theoldhall’.
Ironing
An iron and ironing board are available by request.
Newspapers
A daily newspaper can be arranged, please place your request with either Simon or Gary.
Payment
Payment is accepted by cash and all major credit and debit cards with the exception of American
Express and Amex.
Pillows
We provide a combination of feather and foam pillows for your comfort. Should you wish to have only
one type then please let us know and we will change them accordingly. Ensuring that you have a good
night’s sleep is very important to us.
Printing
Printing is available at 20p per sheet providing your information can be transferred using a USB adaptor.
Photocopying at 10p per sheet.
Razor adaptor
We do have razor adaptors available for electric razors, you will find these in a draw in your room.
Room service
There is a room service menu for breakfast in your guest information pack. If you wish to have room
service please hand this into either Simon or Gary or leave under your door before you retire
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building and is only allowed in the grounds.
Taxis
Should you require a taxi these are a few of the more local -:
Roseville taxis 01782 613456 or 613245
A2B private hire 01782 619494
Tourist info
Tourist information is available in your room, if you need any further advice then please see one of us.
In your room there are Staffordshire tourist guides, walking guides for the Madeley area are
also provided.
Turn down service We do offer an evening turn down service and towel replenishment service, should you wish this please
let us know before 8pm
Umbrellas
Umbrellas are available to loan upon request.