De Niro’s Nobu heads to the country with first rural hotel in Rutland

Luxury brand Nobu is taking over and redeveloping the existing Woolfox members’ club in Rutland, marking its first countryside hotel concept

Nobu Hospitality is heading to the English countryside for the first time with plans to open a rural hotel, restaurant and branded homes in Rutland.

The luxury hospitality brand, co-founded by Robert De Niro, is partnering with Woolfox to rebrand and redevelop the existing Woolfox members’ club near Stanford.

Once complete, Nobu Woolfox will feature lake-view rooms and suites, a signature Nobu restaurant and bar, curated food and drink spaces, a spa and a collection of branded residences.

Plans also include a swimming pool, gym and landscaped grounds, with the 185-acre site set to operate as both a destination and members’ club.

The project marks a new direction for Nobu, which has built its name in cities and high-end resort locations. 

Trevor Horwell, chief executive of Nobu Hospitality, said: “This is a truly special location in the heart of England, surrounded by rolling historic landscapes and quintessential English countryside.

“For the first time within our portfolio, we have the opportunity at Nobu Woolfox to create a special countryside retreat experience – one that offers all the hallmarks of Nobu, but in a setting defined by nature, tranquillity, and a sense of escape.

“We look forward to working closely with Woolfox to envision and curate a truly distinctive English countryside retreat.”

Chris Riddle, co-founder of Woolfox, added: “We’re excited to be partnering with Nobu to bring its first rural destination to a truly special part of the English countryside.

“From the very beginning, our dream for Woolfox has been to create a place where people can slow down, reconnect, and spend meaningful time together away from the pace of everyday life.”

Nobu Hospitality is also pressing ahead with a £360 million scheme in Manchester including a hotel, restaurant and branded residences.

READ MORE: Tourist wins €900 after ‘sunbed wars’ ruined Greek holiday. A German holidaymaker has won £850 compensation after telling a court his family could not use poolside loungers at a resort in Greece because other guests reserved them with towels before sunrise. 

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