A leisure group based in the North East has announced plans for two luxury hotels in the region.
Newcastle's Apartment Group, which owns a number of popular bars in the city, has bought Whitworth Hall Hotel & Deer Park and Jersey Farm Country Hotel, both in County Durham, and outlined plans to turn them into luxury boutique hotels.
The company already runs two boutique hotels in Northumberland, and is tapping into the expertise of chief operating officer Debrah Dhugga, who previously managed luxury hotels in London and Dubai.
Mrs Dhugga said Jersey Farm Hotel, based outside Barnard Castle, is set to be transformed into Runa Farm – taking its name from the first two letters of ‘rural’ and ‘nature’ - while Whitworth Hall & Deer Park, based close to Spennymoor, will be made into an opulent hotel and wedding venue.
Mrs Dhugga said: “The hospitality and leisure industry has been under a lot of strain as it deals with the current Covid-19 pandemic and our industry has seen many casualties.
“However, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are thrilled to welcome to the Apartment Group family Whitworth Hall and The Jersey Farm Hotel and thank Christie & Co for helping us, once again, to find such ideal sites.
“We have a reputation for creating innovative and marketing leading venues, and I can assure you that both these hotels will be exactly that. We’re so excited.
“It is our plan to create an individual and special destination for ‘boho, honest and earthy’ experiences, with the farm and its produce at the very heart.
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“As well as laid back and luxurious standout bedrooms and suites, you will also find cool glamping at Runa Farm, courtesy of the fabulous Shepherd’s Huts and Pig Houses, intended for guests looking to spend time learning about nature, life on the farm and each other.
“Our plans for Whitworth Hall are completely different to Runa Farm. Where Runa Farm will be luxurious boho and earthy, Whitworth will be an excess of opulence, sophistication and glamour, with a chapel, ballroom, and bedroom suites like nothing else in the 海角视频.”
The sales were completed by Mark Worley, director at Christie & Co, who said: “We are delighted to have sold these wonderful sites to The Apartment Group, continuing the long and successful relationship between our two firms.”
Runa Farm will be open at the end of 2020, with Whitworth Hall following on in early 2021, with both venues already taking bookings from couples eager to secure wedding dates at the venues.