Elegance is the theme at The Goring, located in London’s swish Belgravia neighborhood. But it’s not the Gainsborough silks, bespoke furnishings and fine linens that most guests remember: It’s the sheep peacefully napping in their guestroom.

Built in grand Edwardian style and opened in 1910 by founder Otto Richard Goring, the hotel carries a Five AA Red Star rating and regularly plays host to royalty and dignitaries. It was most recently in the spotlight as the place where Kate Middleton spent the night prior to her wedding to Prince William.

When Otto’s grandson, George Goring, took over management of the hotel, he introduced a single, carved wooden sheep covered in soft fleece, affectionately called Barbara. Since then, the sheep concept has expanded into a private flock and has become integral to the property’s identity. A local farmer provided additional fleeces and more full-sized wooden sheep were crafted —  one for every guestroom.

Every day of the year, a staff member places a freshly cut flower into the buttonhole of a statue of Otto Richard Goring where it stands in the foyer. And in the shadow of his likeness, descendants all around run the hotel while replicas of “Barbara” continue to enchant guests.