Paradise found…

Knowle Grange Health Spa is the area’s go-to health and holistic destination thanks to its impressive redevelopment, which has seen new, state-of-the-art facilities built in its glorious grounds, a fantastic café open and pioneering skincare on offer. Eileen Leahy meets the spa’s owner and visionary Carol Barazzone to discover how a simple ad in the Evening Standard led her to swapping her prestigious career in the City to become a successful spa and business entrepreneur…

There aren’t many people who would buy a health spa if they had no former professional experience in this particular business sector, but that’s exactly what former financier Carol Barazzone did five years ago.

“I don’t know if that is of interest or not,” she says rather modestly as we sit down to have coffee on the sunny terrace of the newly built café she has put in at Knowle Grange Health Spa in Frant.

“Oh I think that’s an integral and very important part of your story,” I tell her. And it most certainly is given that someone who had worked in the high powered world of finance all of her working life suddenly took the opportunity to professionally pivot – and then expertly pull it off.

For those readers not familiar with Carol’s fascinating story of how she came to own and run this beautiful spa and wellness centre located between Frant and Wadhurst, just ten minutes or so from Tunbridge Wells, then here’s a quick recap…

Rewind back to 2020 and Carol, then living in London, was flicking through her daily copy of the Evening Standard when she spotted an intriguing advert in it.

“It was for a property that was up for sale in Sussex. It piqued my interest because of its beautiful gardens but also because it said it was a ‘private residence with a health spa’. 

“I have three daughters, two of whom lived in Sussex – one in Brighton and one in Hove. So I wondered if Wadhurst was anywhere near them. Although I quickly realised these places were nowhere near Wadhurst when I saw Knowle Grange I just fell in love with it. My daughters were keen too – I mean who doesn’t want their mother to own a health and beauty spa?!”

Carol then put her home in the capital on the market in August 2020 and started researching the area that had captured her heart. 

“I discovered Tunbridge Wells was nearby and I rather liked it,” she smiles.

“And despite being in and out of lockdowns it all went fairly smoothly. My house in London sold quickly and the purchase of Knowle Grange was pretty stress-free too.”

Once Carol had moved down to Wadhurst it was time for the real work to begin and although she readily admits that having had no former experience of running a health spa, her background in business and finance certainly helped with her overall vision.

“Over the first few months we had a lot to do in terms of the planning and building so this is where my financial background came in very handy as I could manage the mechanics of it all.”

Having opened as a health spa in the late 90s Carol admits that Knowle Grange, which was originally part of the grand 1000 acre Knowle House estate next door, was looking a little tired. And so she began working on plans for a cluster of new buildings. These included improved changing  facilities (which now include a steam room), an impressive super modern gym, a new spa area, plus a redeveloped entrance and exit.

“The refurbishment was only completely finished at the end of last year so it has taken a while but it has all been worth it,” affirms Carol. “And I know that I couldn’t have done any of it if it weren’t for the fantastic team I inherited when I bought Knowle Grange.

“The therapists, very ably managed by Spa Manager Claire Barrett-Hayes, are amazing and really experienced and most have worked here a really long time. They are incredibly supportive towards each other – and me. I have had a huge amount of help from them, as well as the gardeners and other members of staff since taking over. I can honestly say that I have certainly learned a lot along the way.”

As we sit and chat further, a steady flow of clients drift into Knowle Grange’s charming new café to order food and drink. Some are here post a workout session and are fuelling up on smoothies and healthy salads, while others are making the most of the clement weather and enjoying a glass of wine and a sandwich in the sunshine. 

“Since we built and opened our café it has become a focal point of Knowle Grange,” Carol continues. “It’s a very social spot during the day and we also host lots of different themed suppers and events here. Recently we had a foraging supper, a cocktail evening and a wine tasting and we’re planning a Greek BBQ here soon.”

Carol goes on to say that she and her team have just introduced a membership scheme where people who aren’t members of Knowle Grange can sign up for a nominal fee of just £40 a year to access the café.

“We have only just launched it but so far it seems to be popular. There aren’t many public places you can sit outside and enjoy locally sourced food and the glorious grounds we have here. You can come here to improve your physical health but also your mental health too.”

Talking of the grounds at Knowle Grange, Carol tells me they total three and a half acres and include a stunning folly that doubles up as a treatment space, a Victorian walled garden – which at the time of visiting was festooned in the most beautiful wisteria – an original John Weeks’ greenhouse – where lots of the café’s vegetables, fruit and herbs are grown – a traditional kitchen garden and plenty more.

But the jewel in the crown at Knowle Grange is its stunning open air 12 metre swimming pool which is filled with natural spring water and boasts a clever telescopic cover, meaning it can be used all year round. Guests can swim daily and there are plenty of welcoming sun loungers and classic striped deckchairs for when the weather plays ball.

“We have lots of other outdoor areas here at Knowle Grange some of which I think are currently underused and although we never want this special place to feel crowded, put it this way; there is a lot more we are planning on doing to enhance the outdoor aspect of the spa.”

This, Carol tells me, includes installing a hot tub, more comfortable seating, outdoor gym equipment and possibly a plunge pool.

“We’re also looking to add more to our classes repertoire such as T’ai Chi. Lots of our members have requested this and the practice lends itself well to the outdoors.”

But it’s not just the grounds that have been upgraded by Carol and her team (which now includes her daughter Laure), the actual spa has undergone a huge amount of work too.

As well as smart treatment rooms, there is also a sauna and jacuzzi too.

The two main beauty brands Knowle Grange works with are French cult label Caudalie and the pioneering South African brand Environ, which is a relatively new addition. 

“Our therapists have been expertly trained in both and are incredibly knowledgeable. Caudalie is a classic to work with as it serves so many different beauty needs – from skincare to fragrance. With Environ, which is the globally recognised brainchild of South African plastic surgeon Des Fernandes, we knew we were onto something good given the expert training the company provides, and of course, the impressive results. 

“For a long time our regular clients were looking for a non-invasive yet advanced skincare solution and I’m pleased to say Environ is delivering that courtesy of its active ingredients which deeply penetrate the skin and visibly enhance its appearance. The range focuses on the use of vitamin A – and is therefore proving to be very popular.” 

Knowle Grange also offers OPI manicure and pedicure treatments too and a raft of holistic offerings including Pilates, yoga and breathwork.

Clients are far ranging reveals Carol: “Our gym members are usually from Wadhurst, Frant and Tunbridge Wells but our beauty and wellness clients come from much further afield. We offer one-off treatments as well as half and full day options where you can enjoy lunch and snacks too.”

And this is one of the principal messages Carol says she would like to share with Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine readers: “We want people to know that anyone can book in for a beauty treatment or participate in a specialist class. There’s also the opportunity to avail of expert osteopathy courtesy of Knowle Grange’s onsite expert Timm Smith who is also Knowle Grange’s gym and operations manager. (See specialist services breakout above)

But if the enhancement of your physical and cosmetic wellbeing wasn’t enough, Knowle Grange can also supercharge your mental health courtesy, not only of its glorious grounds, but also the beautiful relaxation and social areas that are dotted around the estate.

“We have a number of  spaces to enjoy – from the Garden Room,  to our recently renovated private entertaining space which can be hired out exclusively.. In fact this is a wonderful place if you want to host a special event for a group of friends as it has its own kitchen, open plan entertaining area, private toilets and a terrace,” Carol explains.

“We always want to offer both our existing members and anyone visiting us for the day something that’s just a little bit different. But it’s important to note that we are still taking care to ensure that the club is not in any way crowded. We want to maintain the ethos of being able to escape here – whether that’s to tone up or simply relax in an atmosphere that is both friendly and private.”

Knowle Grange is open seven days a week, apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. For details of classes, opening hours and membership visit: www.knowlegrange.co.uk

Follow: @knowle_grange