CLOSER TO THE ACTION

Eagle-eyed viewers of this year’s Formula 1 British Grand Prix will have noticed something different skirting the world-famous Silverstone Circuit: prime real estate and a stunning new hotel. 

Nestled within the hallowed grounds of the home of British motorsport, Escapade Silverstone is a fusion of high-end hospitality and exhilarating trackside access. Crafted by Twelve Architects, its 184 en-suite bedrooms, across 60 meticulously designed residences, plus restaurant and bar, officially opened in February 2025 to deliver an unparalleled experience for discerning race fans. 

A short ride from the Air Charter Service heliport, Cloud was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Escapade in the days leading up to the 2025 British Grand Prix, and it soon became clear this is a destination that immerses guests in the heart of motorsport culture.

Located just 12 metres from the track’s crash barriers, the 14–acre development overlooks the legendary Copse, Maggotts and Becketts corners – arguably the most thrilling sequence on the motorsport calendar, where drivers navigate speeds approaching 200mph, enduring forces up to 6.5 g. The experiential living concept isn’t new – in the U.S. sports venues like the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles increasingly offer luxury dwellings – but it’s certainly a first for a British racetrack. 

The sound of a Formula 1 car or Moto GP bike outside your bedroom is slightly different to a football game, however, so while the noise is there if you want it, Escapade has also been considerately designed as a peaceful retreat with an element of calm should you need it. 

HOME FROM HOME 

The residences, available in one-to four-bedroom configurations, are divided into three distinct types: Trackside, offering direct views of the circuit; Dual-Aspect, balancing partial track views with countryside tranquillity; and Countryside, providing a serene escape with pastoral vistas. 

Each one is a masterpiece of modern design, featuring cantilevered terraces, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and interiors by Michaelis Boyd that blend plush furnishings with motorsport-inspired aesthetics. Features such as underfloor heating, comfort cooling, and high-acoustic specifications ensure a sophisticated private sanctuary, while intelligent, sound-insulated movable walls allow the flexibility for residences to be sub–divided according to guests’ needs.

THE GALLERY 

While privacy is sacrosanct, you’re certainly not confined to your quarters. The Gallery’s restaurant, bar and roof deck combine luxury and functionality, offering panoramic views of what many consider the best vantage point at Silverstone. Head chef Matt Tsistrakis crafts a refined menu rooted in British ingredients with global influences, featuring dishes like Old Winchester cheese soufflé and North Sea stone bass with caviar. 

The ground floor houses a wellness zone, including a 15-metre indoor swimming pool, a Finnish sauna, and a driver-focused gym, all with circuit -facing views. Whether you want to be near the action or not, it’s up to you, while Escapade cites drivers and team owners who will stay over a race weekend without having to commute in every day. 

The Formula Health offering, led by human performance specialist Gemma Fisher, known for her work with F1 drivers like Kimi Räikkönen, offers tailored therapies such as deep tissue sports massage and nutrigenetics. The IV drips catch my eye – not least because the roof deck is currently being dressed for a takeover by Möet & Chandon. I’m planning ahead. 

Escapade also offers a tailored experience depending on your requirements. Need an event space, private dining, a conference suite, or a residence to be dressed a certain way, it’s all possible, leaving VIPs to step off a helicopter and be whisked across by car in minutes. Alternatively, for private jet arrivals, Silverstone is served by multiple nearby airports, while guests arriving by car can simply drive up to a private carport underneath each residence.

A UNIQUE OWNERSHIP MODEL 

Primarily a premium hotel and restaurant for shorter stays and getaways, Escapade also employs a novel ownership structure. Owners purchase a 125-year lease on a residence, gaining access for up to 100 days annually (with high-demand events like the British Grand Prix counting as multiple days). When not in use, residences become part of Silverstone’s guest accommodation portfolio, generating a projected net yield of approximately 5.5 per cent per annum, with all maintenance and management handled by Silverstone. So, there is an opportunity to own one, with some on the market right now.

Owners also enjoy exclusive privileges, including complimentary tickets to major events, priority track access, and invitations to owner-only track days and experiences. A choice of high-adrenaline activities will also catch your eye – the Porsche Human Performance Centre, or a visit to F1 teams Aston Martin, Mercedes and Red Bull. Not forgetting Silverstone’s Lap of the Lights Christmas event or worldclass Kart Silverstone track opening later this year. 

With Silverstone attracting over 1.2 million visitors annually, bolstered by its proximity to attractions like Oxford and the luxury shopping destination, Bicester Village, the potential is significant. 

Nearly every weekend of the year, an event, festival, race, or track testing is taking place, meaning one is rarely short of action. 

Silverstone’s Shift to Zero sustainability initiative means Escapade incorporates 400 newly planted trees, sedum roofs, and a large swale to promote biodiversity and reduce water runoff. Energy-efficient A-rated residences feature timber cladding and angular tensile mesh canopies, inspired by the slipstreaming technique of Formula 1, creating a dynamic aesthetic mirroring the circuit. 

Each residence features a ‘living green roof’, and from my lofty vantage point, it’s easy to pan across and see them bathed in golden light and bursting into life. There’s also a sculpture park and landscaping set to grow into a mini forest over time. 

The sculpture park is curated by Brazilian art director Renata Fernandes, who worked diligently to select pieces to display for the British Grand Prix weekend, some of which featured at the ACS heliport. The collection is vast, exhibitions are planned, and it offers guests something different to immerse themselves in during their stay. 

“We have an all-year art programme and everything has to be linked to motorsport or automotive,” she tells Cloud. “We even have pieces by ex-Formula 1 driver, Stefan Johansson, who is now a full-time artist. Every piece is for sale, which means it rotates frequently.” 

It’s fair to say the site, once an under-utilised car park, has been transformed into Silverstone’s most exclusive destination, catering to a diverse audience, from passionate motorsport fans to corporate clients and families. 

With motorsport’s appeal amplified by Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive and a growing female fanbase, now comprising 40 per cent of Formula 1’s audience, Silverstone’s switch to a luxury destination is arguably its biggest transformation since it went from a Royal Air Force base to a racetrack in 1948. It’s also a blueprint for others to follow.

Image Credit: Escapades