Trend Report: THE GREAT MEMBERS' CLUB MIGRATION
Club members are migrating, en masse, from polluted overcrowded cities to green and tranquil country clubs. But will they fly back?
-Written for CuratedSpaces.Club by Isaac Twidale
Imagine, it’s Summer, and you’re rolling up to a manor house fit for Jane Austen. The type of building Americans think we all live in. Gravel driveway crunches beneath your brogues as you step from a chauffeured ride to the grand entrance, to be greeted upon arrival. The grounds hum with activity, but it is not busy. It is organised, but personable and not corporate. You needn’t only imagine. It is a reality, for some.
With Summer practically signing in at reception, the UK’s outdoor spaces poise to become the place to unwind in these sacred months.
High on life, anaemic from the Winter and drunk on Pimms, Brits flood pub gardens, leisure centres and outdoor spaces, soaking up every last ray of sunshine. Specifically, the rural economy literally revolves around the sun. Rural hospitality and leisure explodes in the Summer. And there’s one type of countryside institution, particularly hoping the warmer months aren’t fashionably late.
Country Clubs, if you can call them that over here, are fast becoming the private class’s destination of choice. Venues like Fritton Lakes are riding the wave of ‘Staycations’ and city dwellers relocating to the country post-COVID, these Private Members Clubs (PMC) are fast becoming the preference, and not the alternative, to city venues as revellers tire of hustle, bustle and overcrowded spaces.?
Migrational patterns aside, these clubs’ rise in popularity is a result of their unique offering. Sprawling countryside landscapes open for exploration, dog-friendly, almost always rooms for you to stay in overnight and an abundance of amenities including fine dining restaurants, gyms, spas & of course, bars and dance floors.?
And did I mention they’re almost always the same price, if not cheaper than their city counterparts? Some memberships like Soho House, can include access to their rural counterpart Soho FarmHouse.?
A trend only just finding pace in the UK, but one that has been firmly rooted in America’s cultural tapestry since Alexander Graham Bell first picked up the phone in 1876 and uttered the words “It’s gonna be bloody stunning this Friday, fancy the Farmhouse?”.
Yet, this ‘trend’ I believe is more a seismic shift and will fast become the status quo. Contrary to popular belief, and this may come a as shock to some, but 90% of our population live outside of London. Country clubs provide a much-needed alternative to London venues. They open the floodgates to the underserved rural audience, who are always excluded from the fun. But definitely not short of the required funds.
It’s hard to argue with Country Club's rise in popularity. Just take a look at the grand, Cowley Manor, or the chic ‘The Club by Bamford’. Their unique combination of natural tranquillity, rural luxury and utter privacy to enjoy yourself as you please, is a far cry from what you’ll experience in London. Attending these venues feels like you’re stepping into how the world of Members’ Clubs should operate.?
So, if you’re sold on the promise of escaping the trappings of urban sprawl. Instead swapping it out for the far more civilised pursuit of country clubbing, enjoy Curated Spaces’ list of our favourite rural destinations poised to take clubland in 2024
A private holiday club set within a rewilding project on the Somerleyton Estate, offering luxury accommodations and outdoor activities.
A prestigious venue known for its stunning manor house and picturesque gardens, perfect for exclusive retreats and events.
An exclusive members' club that emphasizes wellness, organic farming, and sustainability, located in the heart of the Cotswolds.
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A country house hotel and private member's club that combines art, wine, and fine dining in a historic setting.
Part of the Soho House group, this countryside retreat offers cabins, a spa, and dining, set in 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside.
A Georgian estate turned private members' club and hotel, offering luxurious accommodation, a spa, cinema, and restaurants.
A luxurious country house hotel with a rich history, set in beautifully landscaped gardens and offering world-class hospitality.
A contemporary country house hotel and spa known for its modern design, set within a historic manor and beautiful grounds.
A luxury hotel resort set in 300 acres, offering a championship golf course, spa, and exquisite dining options.
A renowned resort offering golf courses, spa, fine dining, and outdoor activities, set in the stunning landscapes of Perth, Scotland.
Loved this article? Check it out on the Curate Spaces Spaces Journal, where you can also find loads of other writing and content on other incredible UK spaces.
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