New look for Matfen Hall in Northumberland after multimillion-pound makeover

Luxury Northumberland Hotel and wedding venue, Matfen Hall, is set to reopen next week following a multimillion-pound renovation. The property was snapped up in an undisclosed deal last summer by Northumberland hospitality firm, Walwick Estate Group, having been part of the Blackett family since the 1830s.

The Country Hotel, Spa and Golf Estate has been closed since last November, giving the new owners – which also owns Walwick Hall near Hexham, as well as the Chesters Stables luxury suites and properties in the Caribbean – a chance to invest in the venue. The company said it is now ready to reveal the results of the works, having carried out an extensive refurbishment of the Hotel, leisure and golf facilities, including restoration of 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, walk-in showers, and free standing baths.

There are a number of new dining and bar experiences, including the Emerald Restaurant, 1832 bar and Needham bar, with new bar furniture by Robinson-Gay and luxurious decoration and furnishing. The Retreat spa experience has also been reimagined as part of the changes at Matfen Hall, with investment into both the equipment and pool. Meanwhile, the golf facilities have been upgraded including the course, driving range and the Keepers Lodge clubhouse where members can relax, eat and drink after a round of golf. The multimillion-pound investment into Matfen Hall is part of the new owners’ pledge to retain the elegance, beauty and history of Matfen Hall, while 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 it’s 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.

“The project had a strong vision of the Hotel experience, driven by the owners and design team, and implemented by a team of local contractors and specialist craftsmen who have all achieved an excellent attention to detail and fantastic end result. This is testament to the commitment of the Walwick Hall Estate Group to ensuring a sustainable future for this significant historic asset in Northumberland.”