A LUXURY hotel in Northumberland is to close for refurbishment, with staff at risk of losing their jobs.

Phase two of the £10m pound investment into Matften Hall will see the historic venue close from November for five months.

The hotel, which was sold to Walwick Estate Group in 2020 for an undisclosed amount, has said staff will be relocated at sister venue Walwick Hall Hotel and Spa, at Humshaugh, and Chesters Stables luxury suites - where possible.

The estate's golf services will also remain open throughout the development work.

Work will further rejuvenate the fabric of the property and the experience at the grade II listed building, the hotel has said.

It comes after work was completed in 2020/21 during the Covid pandemic to bedrooms and the installation of a new kitchen facility.

A further £5m will now be invested into the courtyard area, as well as adding two lifts, a new cloakroom, restrooms and walkways. There will also be refurbishment work to the private dining room and orangery.

Work is being carried out by local tradesmen, architects and suppliers, the hotel has said.

"Our commitment to invest, develop and create a genuine world-class, luxurious experience for our guests is at the forefront of our aims and ambitions across the whole estate", said a spokesperson.

"Due to the scale of the works being undertaken, involving extensive machinery, noise and building work, we have taken the decision to close the hotel for a number of months.

"This will ensure that our guests’ safety and experience are not diminished during this time and will allow us to fully concentrate on this transformation."

"This is very much a temporary closure and we would hope in time, to add further job opportunities to the hotel, golf and spa estate at Matfen", added James O'Donnell, head of commercial development.

"In the lead-up to the closure, we are focused on working with the team to find suitable alternate roles for as many of them as possible."

The house, which had long been part of the Blackett family, opened as a hotel in 1999 with 31 bedrooms.

In 2004, a major expansion programme resulted in the number of bedrooms increasing to 53. Spa and leisure facilities were also created.

Last year, Matfen Hall faced a huge backlash when they told couples they must pay £10,000 extra or face their wedding being cancelled.

In a U-turn, the hotel apologised and reversed its decision to hike prices of dozens of pre-agreed weddings.