The Priory Hotel & Restaurant
We are a quirky, heart-driven and community orientated boutique hotel.
Located in the historical market town of Louth.
We believe in warm welcomes, special but unpretentious food and a relaxed yet attentive service. We aim to be a refreshing place to stay, have a drink, have a bite to eat or even just to explore the historic market town of Louth, the Lincolnshire Wolds and Coast.
People are at the heart of what we do - you, our valued guests and our staff, most of whom may not have had the best start in life or have learning difficulties and whose potential has been overlooked - until now!
The Priory is a picturesque gothic villa built in 1818 by Thomas Espin FSA, artist and amateur architect. Thomas Espin is buried in the Mausoleum in the grounds. The plan of the house is essentially a series of intersecting cubes dressed up with gables, open work cresting and octagonal turrets. The Priory Hotel, was originally constructed as a mathematical and nautical academy for boys. It has Regency Gothic style architecture and combines history, great atmosphere and a highly charitable ethos.
Designed and constructed by Thomas Espin: FSA (learn more|) in the regency period, the Priory is a unique property. It started life as Thomas Espin’s Gothic Villa and we are just custodians of his vision. He was a noted mathematician, historian, artist and architect and realized all of his passions at the Priory. Which was built from remnants of Louth Park Abbey and architectural salvage from Louth’s Guildhall. It is an unpretentious but special place history is very much alive. Run as a Dr Mabletofts School for Nautical and Mathematical Studies. A charitable school for exceptional students who didn't have the means to study further. Thomas Espin was, from what we can gather, a maverick and somebody who cared deeply about what he did. As a team we run the Priory in this spirit, keeping one eye on Mr Espin’s unique dream and the other on creating a magical place where where life and possibility drive our business and memories add to the human history of this special home.
