An Oxfordshire hotel which has been declared one of the world’s best has been forced to close after a chemical gas leak.

Estelle Manor in North Leigh is a Grade-II Listed property that includes 108 hotel rooms as well as four restaurants, tennis courts and a gym.

It was named among the best hotels around the globe by Travel & Leisure magazine in April with its original house dating back to the 1770s making it a desirable tourist spot.

However, a chemical leak at the site at around 8am on Sunday, June 30 caused a mass evacuation of guests staying at the luxury digs.

READ MORE: Public warned to CLOSE WINDOWS after chemical leak causes gas plume scare

An Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service fire engineAn Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service fire engine (Image: Supplied)

A chemical incident was discovered in the South Terrace swimming pool pump room and fire crews and Thames Valley Police were called to the site.

The room was ventilated by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Manor House building was closed during the ventilation process.

A spokesperson from Estelle Manor on Monday morning said: “We want to apologise to our guests, members and neighbours for the disruption caused by yesterday’s incident.

“The fire service has been working hard to safely ventilate the South Terrace swimming pool pump room and we expect this process to be completed shortly.

“We will be in touch with guests to compensate them for the inconvenience and look forward to opening as normal tomorrow.”

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The operation at the estate, which covers 60 acres, took longer than expected due to the complexity of the pump room’s position.

Guests staying in the Manor House were looked after by the Estelle Manor team in other parts of the estate and those affected guests will be compensated for their inconvenience

A small number of staff and guests were checked over by medical professionals, as a precaution but there have been no injuries.

Speaking on Sunday afternoon, an Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service alongside Thames Valley Police have attended an incident this morning in North Leigh.

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Estelle Manor had to be evacuated.Estelle Manor had to be evacuated. (Image: Estelle Manor)

“Sodium Hypochlorite, a chemical used for cleaning swimming pools has leaked and caused a reaction.

“The fire and rescue service are ventilating the building and residents between Eynsham Hall and the A40 should shut windows and doors until the plume has dissipated, which may take several hours."

Oxfordshire County Council added in a statement: “Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police are attending an incident in North Leigh.

“A chemical for cleaning swimming pools has leaked and caused a reaction.

“Residents between Eynsham Hall and the A40 should shut windows and doors until the plume has dissipated which may take a few hours.”

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The hotel is expected to reopen as normal from tomorrow (Tuesday, July 2).

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