A Glimpse into The Clavadel’s Rich History

While The Clavadel in its current form has been offering outstanding post-operative rehabilitation since 2014, the story of this much-loved site stretches back over a century, with roots deep in Guildford’s local heritage.

The story begins in 1894, when Mark Smallpiece purchased a parcel of land at the top of Pit Farm Road from William Hillier, the 4th Earl of Onslow. He built an elegant Victorian villa and named it Clavadel House. Though records don’t tell us precisely why he chose the name, it’s likely he drew inspiration from the serene Swiss village of Clavadel, nestled in the mountains near Davos. Known for its clear air, sunny climate, and reputation for rest and wellness, the name may have been selected to evoke those same qualities—an ideal image for a peaceful residence in the Surrey Hills.

As time moved on, so did Clavadel’s purpose. In 1962, the house transformed into The Clavadel Hotel, embracing the architectural elegance of Queen Anne Revival with elements of the Arts and Crafts movement. A contemporary neon sign adorned the front—a bold contrast to today’s more traditional signage.

Under the guidance of local entrepreneur Colonel Peck and his wife Joyce, the hotel quickly became a cherished venue for weddings, events, and lively social occasions. Many long-time Guildford residents still remember La Pergola, the Italian restaurant run by husband-and-wife team Marissa and Rudi Villardo, which brought warmth and flavour to the site well into the early 2000s.

Then, in 2012, The Geoghegan Group purchased the site with a new vision in mind: to create the UK’s first purpose-built rehabilitation centre dedicated to post-operative recovery. After extensive redevelopment, The Clavadel as we know it opened in 2014, combining forward-thinking care with deep respect for the site’s history and spirit.

Today, The Clavadel continues to grow and evolve, firmly rooted in the community it has long been part of—an ever-present link between past and present, tradition and innovation.

And every so often, we still welcome people who arrive thinking it’s the hotel they once knew. It’s a gentle reminder that this place has touched many lives in many ways—and its legacy continues to live on.