The construction of the present building dates from 1656. It was built on the site of the previous
manor house of the Sondbache family that had been built in the 13th century, but had been destroyed by fire. There is evidence of an even older building on the site dating from the 12th century. This had been a rectangular
wattle and daub structure with a turf roof serving as a
seminary for the priests serving the nearby church. The present building was built by John Radclyffe, the son of Sir John Radclyffe, the
lord of the manor of Sandbach. The first phase of the building was rectangular, and was constructed in oak
timber framing with wattle and daub
infill. Later an extension was built to the left; this was also timber-framed, but some brick was used at the rear. The building was further extended in the 18th century and the stables at the rear were enlarged. It then functioned as a
coaching inn, and the
Liverpool to
Lichfield coach stopped to change horses. Passengers were encouraged to stay, and the inn was reclassified as a hotel. In the 19th century the hotel was part of the
Crewe estate, and it was extended again, this time adding a carriage arch to the right wing. During the Second World War the hotel was used to house American officers, who were visited here by
General Patton. In 2004 it featured in Series 5 of the television programme
Most Haunted. In 2010 the building was purchased by the Brunning and Price group of public houses, who rebuilt and restored it. It opened as a public house and restaurant in June 2011. ==Architecture==