Past and Present
The Story of Knowle Grange
From Victorian horticultural buildings to a cherished wellness retreat, discover the rich heritage and journey of Knowle Grange Health Spa.
Knowle Grange
A Hidden Gem
Knowle Grange Health Spa, described by many as a hidden gem, is a place of beauty and tranquillity, just minutes from Tunbridge Wells on the Kent/Sussex border.
A boutique health spa, set in beautiful Victorian country gardens, Knowle Grange offers a warm and friendly approach to wellness, where members and clients are made to feel at home.
Our testimonials bear witness to the fact that our team goes above and beyond what is expected of them. The level of care, professionalism and sense of pride in what they do help Knowle Grange go from strength to strength.
The Beginning
Our Story
Carol acquired Knowle Grange in August 2020. The purchase was not a planned business acquisition but rather the result of a chance viewing in a London paper of a residential property with health spa for sale in Sussex. Sussex is what caught Carol's attention as she has family in Brighton and Hove.
Carol's career was in investment banking and despite no previous experience of the spa industry, she could see the enormous potential of Knowle Grange. Originally part of the 200-acre Knowle Estate, Knowle Grange was a cluster of horticultural buildings, charming and quirky but in need of an upgrade.
She sold her London property in spring 2020 and arrived at Knowle Grange during Covid lockdowns ready to take on what turned out to be a major undertaking, involving architects, builders, planners, conservationists – even East Sussex Highways, who insisted on a bus stop outside the spa! We are however pleased to see members of our community regularly benefiting from the bus service.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the team, Knowle Grange was able to remain open throughout the building works, providing high quality treatments during what were sometimes difficult circumstances.
We wanted the upgrade to reflect what members and clients valued most about Knowle Grange - its sense of community, calm, and personal touch. Our aim was not to reinvent Knowle Grange but to build upon its strengths in a way that honoured its history and the people who make it special.
Four years later, Knowle Grange emerged as an idyllic retreat, offering a range of indulgent spa treatments that relax, restore and rejuvenate mind, body and soul. It is the perfect escape for its members, many of whom come every day to enjoy the warm and friendly welcome provided without fail by the whole team.
The Estate
Our Heritage
Originally part of the 200-acre Knowle Estate, Knowle Grange was a cluster of horticultural buildings set in beautiful grounds. Good use was no doubt made of the well, which now serves our swimming pool.
A splendid Victorian greenhouse still stands, though without its glass, making a perfect quiet spot to enjoy the gardens. The lovely Folly, which features on our logo, is now one of our most sought-after treatment rooms.
Today, we do our best to blend its Victorian heritage with contemporary comfort. Some of the old buildings are now treatment rooms opening onto beautiful gardens, and our kitchen garden provides seasonal produce for the café.
Knowle Grange was part of the Knowle Estate, an estate with a complicated but intriguing past. Recent stories came to light in a memoir titled The Girl from Station X, written by Elisa Segrave (Union Books hardback, Aurum Press and GBGG Productions paperback), granddaughter of the last owners of Knowle, Gladys and Raymond Hamilton-Grace. The memoir tells the story of Elisa's mother, Anne Hamilton-Grace, the only surviving child of Gladys and Raymond. Based on a cache of teenage and wartime diaries, it reveals Anne's hitherto unknown work at Bletchley Park and Bomber Command, having put the world of finishing schools and hunt balls behind her. The book contains many references to happy times at Knowle.
The gates to Knowle Grange — Then & Now
Gladys Hamilton-Grace passed away, marking the start of the break-up of the Knowle Estate. Knowle Grange, a cluster of horticultural buildings set in beautiful grounds, made an ideal garden nursery.
Transformed from garden nursery into a health spa, beginning a new chapter in the property’s history.
Knowle Grange was sold and the premises were upgraded. The swimming pool was enlarged, and the garden rooms were turned into treatment rooms, including the lovely Folly which features on our logo.
Knowle Grange was sold to Carol. Over the following years, we have upgraded and expanded the facilities whilst retaining its friendly and unique character.
We do our best to blend its Victorian heritage with contemporary comfort, ensuring Knowle Grange remains a special place where members and clients can enjoy its facilities and wonderful atmosphere.
The wall at Knowle Grange — Then & Now
The Folly: Then and Now
The Swimming Pool Garden Wall: Then and Now
The Barn: Then and Now
An Award Winning Spa
Established in 1998, Knowle Grange has provided an experience which allows you to escape from the subliminal stresses of everyday life, whilst toning up and feeling good from the inside out. Privately owned by Carol Barazzone, we deliver a personal spa experience that few of the big chains can match. If you are looking to join a club where you can relax in an atmosphere that is both friendly and private, then Knowle Grange may be just what you need. When you walk through the grounds of Knowle Grange, you will realise why it is so special and why guests return time after time.
Hospitality & Leisure Business of the Year
Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine Awards
Photo Gallery
Explore Knowle Grange
Browse through our collection of photographs showcasing the beauty of Knowle Grange.
A Haven of Peace and Tranquility
We’d love to welcome you to our beautiful spa. Explore our facilities or book a treatment and discover why guests return time and again.