Friars Court’s Digital Transformation
Thank you, Jordan and Elle at Akoca, for all your help in transforming my very old, outdated website into a sleek, modern platform. From our initial conversations to the launch of the new site, the entire process was smooth, easy and seamless. You listened to my thoughts and created a website that not only looks fantastic but is also incredibly user-friendly—both for my customers and for me when making updates. I couldn’t be happier with the result.
Charles WIlmer
Friars Court is an estate steeped in history, located in Oxfordshire at the edge of the Cotswolds. Renowned for its tranquil gardens, riverside retreat, and centuries-old heritage, the property offers visitors a range of experiences—from elegant weddings and garden tours to cosy holiday cottage stays. Their unique blend of tradition and warmth forms the heart of their brand, making every visit a memorable one.
Despite Friars Court’s rich legacy and picturesque setting, their old website was lagging behind modern standards. Feedback from both visitors and staff made it clear that:
The old site no longer captured Friars Court's heritage or welcoming atmosphere. Visitors arriving online were met with something that felt dated and disconnected from the elegant, characterful experience the estate offers in person.
Guests struggled to navigate the site to book the holiday cottage, enquire about weddings, or plan a garden visit. The result: missed opportunities online and extra time spent by staff answering questions over the phone.
Friars Court offers a rich mix of experiences, weddings, cottage stays, garden tours - but the existing layout didn't guide visitors toward exploring them. The estate's full offering was getting lost rather than showcased.
Working closely with Friars Court, we helped define a clear vision for their new website – one that celebrates their heritage without feeling dated.
Although it’s too soon to measure major changes in search performance, early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Friars Court now has a digital platform that:
Drone footage, refined visuals, and a cohesive design capture the essence of Friars Court, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its history.
A streamlined layout and clear navigation make it easyto explore wedding options, garden tours, or cottage bookings.
Our technical optimisations ensure the site remains fast and stable despite using rich media, embedded reviews, and engaging background videos.
Friars Court’s story is one of heritage, hospitality, and quiet character – and the new website now tells that story from the very first click. By pairing modern design with the estate’s timeless charm, we’ve given the team a platform that welcomes guests, supports the business behind the scenes, and is ready to grow alongside Friars Court for years to come.
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