FANS of the Netflix drama 'The Empress' will be able to stay in a popular venue outside Whitchurch where a former Empress of Austria lived.

Elisabeth von Wittelspach was Empress of Austria from 1837 to 1898 and came to Combermere Abbey in 1881 and she rented it for two years from Viscount Combermere, paying rent equivalent of £14,000 a month today.

Elisabeth travelled to England with 25 staff, horses and a lot of luggage and a special train was required meaning the platform was extended in Wrenbury Station and her life in the abbey was not 'without drama'.

The Empress remains one of Combermere's most distinguished guests and she considered the Abbey to be the 'most romantic place' in Europe.

Sarah Calander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey, is pleased to be able to share the story of the visit by the central European Royal.

She explained: "We have such a distinguished history here that not all know about.

"We’re so pleased to be able to share the story of Elisabeth’s visit.

"She was a real character (as portrayed by Netflix) and her time at Combermere and Cheshire was certainly very colourful indeed.

"I’ve made it my life’s work to restore the estate to its former glory and ensure others can enjoy it too and I’m very excited to share it with quests who stay in the North Wing and enjoy its elegance and style, being pampered by our in-house team as she would have been."

A spokesman added: "Rooms had to be re-furnished at the abbey to create an imperial bedroom, a sitting room, bathroom, gymnasium, dressing room, and even a Roman Catholic chapel.

"A private telegraph line was put in to keep her in touch with her husband and family in Austria.

"The Empress’ life at Combermere Abbey was not without the drama that seemed to follow her everywhere.

"She wished to take her meals in her apartments, unseen by others, but she also wanted her meals served hot.

"Thus, a completely new (secret) staircase to the kitchen was built, just for this purpose."

Today the stables where her horses were kept have been renovated into award winning holiday cottages available to rent, including one which is named 'Empress' to honour her time spent in the Combermere Estate.

To find out about upcoming tours in Combermere Abbey visit

https://combermereabbey.co.uk/