The new owners of a luxury 19th century hotel and spa in Northumberland have made a multimillion-pound investment into the venue.
Matfen Hall - which has beaten the likes of Blenheim Palace, Hampton Court House to win the title of wedding venue of the year - was bought for an undisclosed sum last summer by hospitality firm Walwick Estate Group.
The company, owned by True Potential founder David Harrison, closed the property last November to put plans into action for sweeping changes across the entire hotel, leisure and golf facilities, which will be unveiled to the public on Monday, May 17.
The property had been part of the Blackett family since the 1830s.
Walwick Estate Group – which also owns Walwick Hall near Hexham, as well as the Chesters Stables luxury suites and properties in the Caribbean – has made changes across the hotel, leisure and golf facilities, including work on the Grade II listed building’s Great Hall.
The work, carried out by specialist local tradesmen and builders, includes the installation of new bedrooms featuring Emperor sized beds, soft furnishings as well as marble bathrooms and walk in showers and free standing baths.
New dining and bar experiences include the Emerald Restaurant, the 1832 bar and the Needham bar, while ehe Retreat spa experience has also seen investment, into both the equipment and pool.
Meanwhile the golf facilities have been upgraded including the course, driving range and the Keepers Lodge clubhouse.
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The multimillion-pound investment is part of the new owners’ pledge to retain the elegance, beauty and history of the hall, whilst securing its future as one of the region’s most luxurious and premier destination hotels.
Walwick Estate Group chairman David Harrison said: “Matfen Hall has a natural beauty and elegance so our ambition with the work was to make the most of those natural assets. We have completely enhanced the guests’ experience, who now will arrive via the stunning Great Hall which has been carefully and delicately restored to its former glory.
“The experience within the hotel is first class, with great care and attention on the finishing touches around the hotel, restaurants, bars, bedrooms and facilities.
“This marks both a significant investment and an important moment in Matfen Hall’s future and I cannot wait to welcome back all our guests back. I hope they continue to enjoy Matfen Hall and its facilities for many years to come.”
Kate Wilson of Doonan Architects, who oversaw the work, added: “We have transformed the visitor experience of the hotel, starting with the journey from arrival at the new gateposts and landscaping improvements which enhance the setting and journey to the hotel. The entrance has been reinstated at the original front door, which leads to the Great Hall, which is a magnificent space and is now the focal point of the hotel.
“The historic features of the building including the intricate stone detailing, elaborate timber carvings and panelling and the decorative ceilings have been enhanced by careful restoration and the new rich and opulent decoration and furnishings.
“This is testament to the commitment of the Walwick Hall Estate Group to ensuring a sustainable future for this significant historic asset in Northumberland.”