The Story of Ashridge House
A venue filled with stories, hidden gems and pasts that many don’t know – Ashridge House, located in Hertfordshire’s quiet forest, tells Conference News about the historical background of a 700-year-old venue for conferences and events.
Managing Director David Evans and Ashridge House Business Development Manager Nicky Moss Glover reveal some of its untold stories and how the venue balances the historic heritage and modern amenities for event organizers.
The story of the Ashridge House dates back to the 13th century, originally founded as a monastery by the seven monks who brought a handful of Christ’s blood to sanctify the site. Until the monastery disbanded under King Henry VIII, it was a religious and educational center, seized it and used it as a hunting lodge.
Following this, Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I) lived in Ashridge House and was arrested in 1554 by her sister Mary. Elizabeth later sold the estate to Thomas Egerton, and eventually passed to the Bridgewater family, the Dukes and Earl’s line.
In the early 19th century, Bridgewater rebuilt real estate in a neo-Gothic style.
Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Staircase
The home has become known for having the widest opening of any home in the country, and is characterized by engineering marvels. This is a cantilevered staircase that influenced Harry Potter’s Hogwarts staircase.
During World War I, it served as a resting house for soldiers, and during World War II, it became a maternity ward. In 2024, the venue celebrated the 80th anniversary of the “Ashridge Baby” born during the war and invited over 100 people to a special afternoon tea.
Ashridge House was then turned into a finishing school, and in 1959 Ashridge Management College was founded with support from Guinness and Unilever. Today, this is part of a well-known hospitality venue owned by Hult International Business School and Global Education Company EF Education First.
How can you balance maintaining that legacy while dealing with modern conference and event spaces?
“We’ve been working hard to get the most out of our business,” said David Evans, managing director of Ashridge House. We invest in state-of-the-art AV and conference facilities in our 190-acre tranquil gardens.
What are the organisers increasingly looking, seeking, and even asking for the venue? And how does this shape the way historical spaces adapt to the needs of modern events?
There has been a change in the type of venue the organizers are looking for. The empty meeting room is no longer cutting it.
The representative wants to tell a richer story than “We’re here for meetings and events.”
They want experiences – a story that they can participate and contribute through the surroundings, atmosphere and location.
Evans said: “We offer both historical character and modern convenience. The main house offers grandeur and ‘awow’ dining space, while the new wing has an AV-enabled suite. We are located in a calm countryside, but close to London, Heathrow and Luton.
In addition to this, Moss Glover reaffirms its statement. “We are a hidden gem, and the flexibility, especially as an independent venue, allows us to adjust our experience and fees. Clients want a personal retreat style experience of wellness and team building, workshops, and even knockout games.
“It has 189 bedrooms, 50 meeting spaces and strong sustainability qualifying. We have established partnerships with local golf clubs and leisure providers to provide additional services.”
Sustainability, Accessibility and Limitations in Historic Places
Looking at the lens of sustainability at the historic venue, Ashridge House will work with sustainability experts at the venue’s business school to develop responsible policies and practices.
Evans said: “Sustainability is important. We have replaced the oil boiler with an air source heat pump and have a green power contract. We are working to introduce LED lighting, delayed miles of plumbing and to zone the heating digitally.
Accessibility at venues from 700 years ago
Regarding this, Evans stated: “We’re installing lamps and adding electric buggies to help guests explore the gardens. We’re also reviewing bedroom layouts and entrances, including inputs from students 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 ask, “But what about the restrictions?”
Regarding this, Evans stated: “We’re proud that others say ‘Yes.’ Without compromising the safety of the building, we are flexible, practical, and work with our health and safety team to approve creative event ideas.
What the future holds: From first education to hospitality
As the venue continues to be maintained, Evan says Ashridge House is undergoing a major transformation. In addition to the latest brands, the venue is set to launch a new website in April 2025. The venue renovated 94 bedrooms in 2024 under an investment of £5 million. Evans said: “Our focus is changing. Ashridge continues to be home to major business schools, but we are now also a major hospitality venue.”
The Ashridge House was exhibited at International Confex in Excel London from February 26th to 27th, 2025. The venue received 120 scans, already had 60 strong leads and 4 confirmed bookings. Many participants had not heard of Ashridge and were blown away by the visuals of the venue. In addition to their brand, new websites and major transformations, the venue hosted a FAM trip for agents and clients in June 2025, bringing in-person information to the venue.
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