The story of Ashridge House
A venue full of stories, hidden gems, and a past that not many know of — Ashridge House, located in the quiet woods of Hertfordshire, talks to Conference News about the 700-year-old venue’s historical backdrop for conferences and events.
David Evans, managing director, and Nicki Moss Glover, business development manager of Ashridge House, reveal some of its untold stories and how the venue balances its historical heritage with modern amenities for event organisers.
The story of Ashridge House dates back to the 13th century, originally founded as a monastery by seven monks who brought a phial of Christ’s blood to sanctify the site. It remained a religious and educational centre until the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, who seized it and used it as a hunting lodge.
Following that, Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I) lived at Ashridge House and was even arrested there by her sister Mary in 1554. Elizabeth later sold the estate to Thomas Egerton, and it eventually passed to the Bridgewater family, a line of Dukes and Earls.
In the early 19th century, the Bridgewaters rebuilt the estate in a Neo-Gothic style.
The Hogwarts staircase in Harry Potter
The house became known for having the widest frontage of any house in the country and features an engineering marvel — a cantilevered staircase that inspired the Hogwarts staircase in Harry Potter.
During World War I, it served as a rest home for soldiers, and during WWII, it became a maternity ward. In 2024, the venue celebrated the 80th anniversary of the “Ashridge Babies” born during the war, inviting over 100 of them back for a special afternoon tea.
Later, Ashridge House became a finishing school, and in 1959, Ashridge Management College was founded with backing from Guinness and Unilever. Today, it is part of Hult International Business School and a prominent hospitality venue, owned by EF Education First, a global education company.
Striking a balance between preserving its heritage while accommodating for modern conference and events spaces, but how?
David Evans, managing director at Ashridge House, says: “We say we offer ‘modern service in a historical setting.’ We’ve invested in cutting-edge AV and conference facilities while retaining the grandeur of the house. With 190 acres of tranquil gardens, it feels like a true escape — yet we’re just 35 minutes from London Euston and close to the M25.”
What are organisers increasingly looking for, asking for, or even demanding from venues — and how is this shaping the way historical spaces adapt to modern event needs?
There has been a shift in the type of venues that organisers look for. Empty conference rooms are just not cutting it anymore.
Delegates want to be told a story that is richer than ‘we are here for a conference or an event.’
They want an experience — a narrative they can be part of and contribute to, through the surroundings, atmosphere, and location.
Evans says: “We offer both historical character and modern convenience. The main house provides grandeur and ‘wow’ dining spaces, while the newer wing houses AV-ready suites. We’re close to London, Heathrow, and Luton, yet located in serene countryside — ideal for wellness-focused retreats and standout events.”
Adding to this, Moss Glover reaffirms the statement: “We’re a hidden gem, and our flexibility, especially as an independent venue, allows us to tailor experiences and rates. Clients want personal, retreat-style experiences with wellness and team building. Guests often stay two to three days, and there’s strong demand for outdoor activities. We offer bikes, tennis courts, and partner with team-building companies. We’ve hosted yoga sessions, breathing workshops, and even It’s a Knockout games.
“We have 189 bedrooms, 50 conference spaces, and strong sustainability credentials. We’ve built partnerships with local golf clubs and leisure providers for additional offerings.”
Sustainability, accessibility, and limitations at a historical venue
Looking through the lens of sustainability at a historical venue, Ashridge House collaborates with a sustainability expert from the venue’s business school to develop responsible policies and practices.
Evans says: “Sustainability is critical. We’re replacing oil boilers with air-source heat pumps and have a green electricity contract. We’ve introduced LED lighting, lagged miles of pipework, and are working to digitally zone our heating. Food sourcing is local, with short food miles, and all meals are freshly prepared on-site.”
Accessibility at a venue that is 700 years old
On this, Evans says: “We’ve installed ramps and are exploring adding electric buggies to help guests explore the gardens. We’re also reviewing bedroom layouts and entryways with input from a student with accessibility needs. Renovations must meet building standards, but our team is proactive in making the site as accessible as possible.”
Many do — and many will — ask,’But what about restrictions?‘
On this, Evans says: “We pride ourselves on saying ‘yes’ where others might say ‘no’ — without compromising the building’s safety. We’re flexible and pragmatic, working with our health and safety team to approve creative event ideas. We’ve hosted owls in wedding ceremonies, for example — something you wouldn’t usually expect in a Grade I listed venue.”
What the future holds: From education first to hospitality first
Keeping the venue elevated, Evan says that Ashridge House is undergoing a major transformation. In addition to their recent rebrand, the venue is set to launch a new website in April 2025. The venue renovated 94 bedrooms in 2024 under a £5m investment. Evans says: ‘Our focus is shifting – whilst Ashridge continues to be home to a leading business school, we’re also now a leading hospitality venue.”
Ashridge House exhibited at International Confex at Excel London on 26-27 February 2025. The venue received 120 scans, with 60 strong leads and 4 confirmed bookings already. Many attendees hadn’t heard of Ashridge and were blown away by the venues’ visuals. In addition to their rebrand, new website and major transformation, the venue is organising fam trips for agents and clients in June 2025 to showcase the venue first-hand.
