With the summer underway and plenty of glamping locations getting plaudits in the national press, it's easy to forget that Northumberland is home to some great hotels too.
This weekend, we've had a reminder of that as one of the county's luxury hotel and spas was named among the 10 best hotel refurbishments in the UK, alongside hotels in popular tourist destinations such as London, the Lake District and Cornwall. Matfen Hall, a manor house close to the Military Road connecting Heddon-on-the-Wall and Greenhead, travelling along some of the most famed parts of Hadrian's Wall.
Owned by the Walwick Estates Group, the property was previously part of the Blackett Family since the 1830s. During the Coronavirus pandemic, an extensive refurbishment of the hotel and its leisure and golf facilities was carried out, along with the restoration of the Grade II listed building's great hall.
Read more: County Durham hotel named best small hotel in successful night for North East at VisitEngland Awards
Work was carried out by specialist tradesmen and builders, and included the installation of new bedrooms featuring Emperor sized beds, soft furnishings, marble bathrooms, walk in showers and free standing baths. Three new dining and bar experiences were added too: the Emerald Restaurant, the 1832 bar and the Needham Bar.
Peter Dawson, General Manager of Matfen Hall, said: "We’re absolutely delighted to have been named one of the best hotel makeovers in the UK. There has been a lot of hard work and investment poured into the renovations and it’s an honour to see that this has been recognised.
"We’re really pleased to be able to continue to invest in the hotel and its facilities and we are very excited to unveil our next project very soon. It’s so wonderful to welcome guests, old and new, to the hotel and see their reactions.
"From our turning circle, through our great hall and to our 1832 bar - it’s hard not to be awe-struck by the beauty of our building."
Of Matfen Hall, the Guardian wrote: "Closed between November 2020 and May last year, Matfen Hall re-opened with its historic Great Hall, elegant bar and sweeping grounds restored to their original beauty. New bedrooms have emperor-sized beds, marble bathrooms and unfussy, country-house décor.
"There’s a pool, and foodies will find much to please, with three restaurants, including fine dining in the new Emerald restaurant and bistro classics served in the booths in Needham. Whichever you choose, an after-dinner snifter in the gloriously grand 1832 bar is the only way to end the night."
To read the full article on The Guardian, click here. For more information about Matfen Hall, visit the website.
Have you ever stayed at Matfen Hall? Let us know!
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