Having been diagnosed with a seemingly incurable heart condition as a child in 1890, Stanley Leif sought a solution in the practice of osteopathy and diet.
Self-cured by the age of 16, he went on to study naturopathy and opened Champneys in Tring, in 1925, after acquiring the estate from the Rothschild family.
It was a pioneering health farm and the first of its kind in the UK, focusing on holistic health and naturopathy.
Later, another three Champneys venues opened up – Henlow Grange, Bedfordshire, in 1981, Springs Health Farm, Leicestershire, in 1990, and Forest Mere, Hampshire, in 1995.
And the health resort has welcomed many famous faces over the last 100 years – including Naomi Campbell, Princess Diana, Kate Moss and Brad Pitt.
In fact, in the 1940s, during the Second Word War, Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s wife Clementine Churchill sought refuge at Champneys.
Lief sold Champneys – which takes its name from former estate owner Ralph de Champneys – in the 1950s, with the brand changing hands several times before it was acquired by Stephen Purdew and his late mother Dorothy in 2002.
They guided the brand to even greater heights, making significant refurbishments to the resorts, and adding two hotels – Eastwell Manor, Kent, and Mottram Hall, Cheshire – plus two city spas in St Albans, Hertfordshire, and Enfield, London.
And now, as the spa brand celebrates its big 100, the Daily Mail takes a look at just how much it’s changed in the last century through fascinating photos…
The Finnish sauna culture began to make waves after the Second World War, as Finnish expats set them up around the country. By the 1950s, Champneys had one in Tring and still has them in all their resorts to this day
Facials have been on offer at Champneys since it first opened in 1925, leaving men and women glowing through the ages
The Henlow Grange Champneys opened in 1981. On the left, is the resort’s conservatory back then, while the right is how it looks now
The pool at Henlow has had a refurbishment since the 90s (left)
It was during the 70s that Champneys began introducing practices like yoga to a wider audience – and now it hosts regular Pilates, Yoga and Barre Retreats
With Champneys Tring’s grounds spanning 170 acres, the resort has long used its outdoor space for exercise classes
Tring’s grounds are seen here in the 80s (left) and now
Forest Mere has had a tennis court available for guests to use since it opened in 1995 (left) and it’s been updated for Padel in more recent years (right)
Champneys introduced hydrotherapy in the 50s, using water to stimulate circulation and promote detoxification. LEFT: A woman has a steam treatment in the 80s at Tring. RIGHT: A woman has a toning treatment using a toning machine in Tring in the 80s
Champneys has always been about ‘healthy, delicious and beautiful food’. In the left picture, is a dinner by the pool in Tring, in the 80s, and on the right is a more modern meal available to eat
Meals are eaten via a buffet. LEFT: A chef in the 80s. RIGHT: A chef in 2025
Champneys has had many celeb guests over the years. Above is owner Stephen Purdew working out with Sinitta (left) and Jet, one of the original Gladiators (right)
Pictured: Former professional boxer Frank Bruno having a manicure in Tring
