A new chapter for Matfen Hall

Walwick Estate Group buys stunning Matfen Hall.

Luxury North East venue Matfen Hall has been bought by the Walwick Estate Group, for an undisclosed amount.

The group plans to invest in the hotel, which earlier this year was named the favourite stately home wedding venue at the UK Wedding Awards, beating Blenheim Palace, Hampton Court House, Thornton Manor Estate and others in a public vote. It also won Large Hotel of the Year 2020 at the North East Tourism Awards.

Situated in the beautiful Northumbrian countryside, Matfen Hall opened as a hotel in 1999 with 31 bedrooms under the ownership of Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett.

In 2004, they oversaw a major expansion programme that resulted in the number of bedrooms increasing to 53 and the Aqua Spa and leisure facilities created. This transformed Matfen Hall and its grounds into a premier UK and international tourist and corporate destination hotel, restaurant, conference venue, spa and golf course.

As well as Matfen Hall, the Walwick Estate Group owns Walwick Hall, an elegant Northumbrian country estate complete with a boutique hotel and spa as well as the Chesters Stables luxury suites and properties in the Caribbean.

The group plans to continue the work of Matfen Hall’s previous owners and maintain its position as one of the UK’s finest and most luxurious hotels.

Walwick Estate Group chairman, David Harrison, said: “Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett have ensured that Matfen Hall has a well-earned and established reputation as an outstanding hotel, spa, golf, wedding and conference venue throughout the UK and beyond.

“It has an even longer history as a stunning venue and location with a rich North East heritage and has maintained its natural elegance while being modernised.

“We are delighted with the addition of Matfen Hall to the Walwick Estate Group, which goes from strength to strength. Matfen Hall sits perfectly alongside our other naturally beautiful and luxurious venues. Our aim is to continue Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett’s work of retaining Matfen Hall’s history while securing its future as a top destination for decades to come.”