Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire
The Berystede is haunted by the spirit of Eliza Kleininger, who served as lady's maid to Mrs. Hélène Standish. On the night of October 27, 1886, a catastrophic fire consumed the original house. According to historical accounts, Eliza perished in the flames after running back into the burning building to retrieve her jewelry box from her bedroom - likely containing precious gifts accumulated over her years of faithful service, as was common for Victorian lady's maids. Her charred remains were discovered at the foot of the servants' staircase. Known as 'The Blue Lady', Eliza's ghost is said to continue her eternal search for the jewelry lost in the fire. Her apparition has been witnessed throughout the hotel, but particularly in areas corresponding to the original servants' quarters where she met her tragic end, especially under the central gable where the servants' staircase was originally located.
Eliza Kleininger, known as 'The Blue Lady' - an intelligent haunting of a loyal servant
Eliza Kleininger appears as a melancholic figure in Victorian servant's attire, often described as wearing a blue dress that gives her the nickname 'The Blue Lady.' Witnesses report seeing her searching through rooms, opening drawers, and examining surfaces as if looking for something precious. Her presence is most commonly felt in the north wing areas that correspond to the original servants' quarters, particularly under the central gable where the servants' staircase was originally located. Staff and guests describe her as a gentle, non-threatening presence who seems focused on her eternal quest rather than interacting with the living. Some witnesses report seeing her kneeling by fireplaces, apparently still searching through ashes for her lost treasures. The apparition often appears translucent and her expression is described as worried. Her manifestations are often accompanied by the faint scent of smoke and the sound of rustling fabric.
Eliza Kleininger, a devoted lady's maid, died in the devastating fire of 1886 while trying to save precious jewelry. Her spirit, known as The Blue Lady, continues to search the hotel for her lost treasures.
Original house built 1870s, current hotel structure post-1886
Victorian country house built for the wealthy Standish family
The original Berystede was built in the 1870s by Henry Noailles Widdrington Standish and his French wife Hélène de Pérusse des Cars, daughter of a French Comte. The house was designed to accommodate their close friendship with the Prince and Princess of Wales (later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra) and was associated with Royal Ascot from its earliest days. The original house was destroyed by a devastating fire on October 27, 1886, which tragically claimed the life of Eliza Kleininger, Mrs. Standish's loyal personal maid. The house was rebuilt shortly after, incorporating Victorian Gothic elements including French-style turrets. During WWII, it housed titled refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe, including King Zog and Queen Geraldine of Albania, and later served as quarters for US Air Force officers.
Victorian Gothic revival with French influences, featuring distinctive turrets (one original, one rebuilt after the fire). The hotel combines period Victorian architecture with modern luxury amenities, maintaining many original features while incorporating contemporary comfort.
Guests and staff report various supernatural phenomena throughout the hotel, particularly in the north wing. Rooms experience unexplained temperature drops, and guests often hear the sound of footsteps in corridors during night hours. Objects, particularly jewelry or shiny items, are sometimes found moved or rearranged without explanation. Some guests report waking to find their belongings neatly organised, as if a conscientious maid had attended to them. Drawers and wardrobes are sometimes found opened after being securely closed. The sound of crying or sobbing is occasionally reported in the early morning hours, believed to be Eliza mourning her lost treasures. Electrical disturbances occur in certain rooms, with lights flickering and heating systems behaving erratically.
The north wing of the hotel is considered the most active area, as it corresponds to the location of the original servants' quarters where Eliza died. The central gable area, where the servants' staircase was originally located, shows the highest level of activity as this is where Eliza's body was found. The main staircase areas, particularly those that would have been servant access routes in the original house, frequently experience supernatural phenomena. Victorian-era corridors and areas near original fireplace locations also report heightened paranormal activity.
Hotel staff have reported numerous encounters with The Blue Lady over the decades. Housekeeping staff describe finding rooms mysteriously tidied overnight, with personal items carefully arranged. Guests have reported seeing a woman in period dress briefly reflected in mirrors before vanishing. A former manager documented several sightings in the hotel's incident logs. Multiple independent witnesses have described identical encounters with a sad-looking woman in blue clothing searching through furniture. Some guests have reported waking to find a figure standing by their dresser or wardrobe, only to have it disappear when fully awakened.
The Blue Lady haunting has been documented in various paranormal publications and local ghost tour guides. The hotel's reputation for supernatural activity has made it a subject of interest for researchers studying Victorian-era hauntings in Royal Berkshire. The hotel management acknowledges the haunting and the story has become part of the local supernatural heritage, with the ghost appearing in regional paranormal literature and guides to haunted locations in the area.
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📅 Sample dates:2025-08-30 to 2025-09-01 • 2 adults
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near the north wing of the hotel is considered the most active area for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Address:
Bagshot Road, Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 9JH
Phone: +44 1344 623311
Status: Operating (4-star luxury hotel and spa)
Offers various packages including spa breaks (e.g., 'Divine Spa Day', 'My Rest & Reset Spa Day', '1 Night Indulgent Spa Break'), seasonal deals (e.g., 'Escape The Ordinary' summer offer), and event packages like Halloween parties and tribute nights.
The hotel is described as fully accessible, with accessible bedrooms featuring extra space, wet rooms, handrails, and reachable alarm facilities. The spa has a hoist for pool access, accessible changing rooms, and treatment rooms. Lifts and ramps are available.
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