As you walk into the Great Hall at Matfen Hall, you get an instant sense of awe.

As breath-taking settings go - this has to be up there...

The grandeur of the Grade II-listed building is palpable, leaving a slight tingle of the senses and perfectly echoing its status as the first and only five-star hotel in Northumberland, North East England.

Breathing new life

The Great Hall has returned the building back to its former glory, breathing new life into a space previously dedicated to the original family’s chapel.

The dramatic entrance to Matfen Hall, following an extensive multi-million refurbishment programme undertaken by new owners Walwick Estate Group - totally reimagines the property.

The historic great hall has high ceilings and ornate decoration (Image: Matfen Hall) Prior to this acquisition in 2020, Matfen was owned by the Blackett family.

And previous to the refurbishment and renovation, you’d enter via a smaller, much less striking door, around the side of the building nearer some outhouses.

Epitome of refined elegance

Now though - pretty much the first thing you see as you enter is the historic Great Hall, with its stunning high ceilings, ornate decoration and impressive winding staircase.

This space is now the epitome of refined elegance, perfectly balancing its historical roots with modern luxury.

And it sets the tone for the rest of this press visit.

Every detail, from the carefully selected fabrics to the handcrafted furniture, speaks to a commitment to excellence and elegance.

Perfect place for chilled conversation

One of the most impressive new additions is the airy bar with a mezzanine, offering a perfect spot to unwind with drinks, fizz or food.

The space is bright and modern, connecting the historic building over what was previously an outdoor courtyard.

This is a bright, uplifting space, boasting lovely views and in the evening with the dusk settling and the lighting it presents the perfect place for chilled conversation and refined dining.

The Cloisters Restaurant and Bar is another highlight of the renovation project.

The space balances historical roots with modern luxury (Image: Matfen Hall) The ambiance is sophisticated but not ‘stuffy’.

Fresh, natural and extremely tasty

Matfen’s menu offers a selection of tasty dishes featuring seasonal and locally-sourced produce.

This is updated throughout the year reflecting seasons and produce, to ensure the food is always fresh, natural and extremely tasty.

Matfen Hall has a big focus on provenance with the estate’s restaurants committed to sourcing fresh local produce.

Views of the kitchen team foraging the Matfen garden grounds for ingredients are not an uncommon occurrence.

The interior of Matfen is clearly impressive but something that stands out is the exterior too.

Large windows offer views of the 300-acre parkland creating a sense of serene grandeur.

This is a place to refresh and reset.

Gold standard golf

Golf is a key attraction for the luxury country house too.

With 27 holes of gold standard golf and a 9-hole Par-3 course, guests have a range of options to enjoy 7 days a week.

Its clubhouse has also seen a tasteful renovation.

Utilising the original Keepers building overlooking the hotel’s golf course, Matfen Hall has made a number of modern adaptations.

This includes the first of its kind in the region, Foresight Hawk Golf Simulator using the very latest state-of-the-art technology to offer ultra-smooth virtual gameplay and practice sessions.

This is within The Golf Lab which includes two golf simulators, putt view studio and custom fit studio as well as the golf shop which stocks the very latest equipment.

In addition to providing the very latest cutting-edge golf technology, The Keepers now also offers a stylish contemporary restaurant and terrace area.

With an outdoor barbecue and pizza oven providing fresh stone-baked pizzas, steaks and traditional dishes, golfers and guests get an unforgettable dining experience set against the backdrop of the stunning Northumberland landscape.

A striking new mezzanine level along with a balcony which wraps around the building, provides panoramic views of the stunning parkland as well as a view of players finishing at the 18th hole of the impressive course.

Matfen Hall’s spa is a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation.

The hotel has been refurbished (Image: Matfen Hall) Named in the top 10 UK wellness retreats, the spa offers a diverse range of treatments and facilities designed to cater to every need.

The Germaine de Capuccini and Natura Bissé rituals are particularly noteworthy, providing an exquisite pampering experience.

The spa features five treatment rooms, an eight-bed relaxation room, an aromatherapy suite, a sauna, and a 15-metre pavilion pool.

Tranquillity of the setting

Matfen Hall comprises so many experiences and moments it is hard to quantify.

From the immediate grandeur, the tranquillity of the setting, the food and drink, the amenities such as the rejuvenating spa and stunning golf; all these combined create something far bigger than the sum of their parts.

Matfen is Northumberland's first and only AA 5-star property because it has pushed the boundaries and set the bar exceptionally high.

The Walwick Estate Group’s investment has not only restored but enhanced this beautiful estate.

Within a 1.5-hour road trip (and not much longer by train) from many parts of Cumbria, you are in the stunning Northumberland countryside at Matfen Hall.

Impressive transfer service

The building is a mere 25-minute drive from Newcastle train station and Matfen has an impressive transfer service to take advantage of.

A dedicated concierge team can provide an exclusive Private Chauffeur service for both your arrival and departure, including transport in Matfen’s BMW X7, with Laurent-Perrier Champagne available to enjoy en route upon request.

With the venue proving such a luxurious setting - it would be rude not to start the visit with such a touch of class!

Festive feeling

For those looking for a festive escape, Matfen Hall offers bespoke two-night and three-day lavish experiences from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day for the most magical time of the year.

These include a stay in classic, deluxe, luxury rooms or luxurious suites along with 3-5 course decadent meals solely for residents in the hotel’s Cloisters and Emerald restaurants, providing residents with an exclusive, personal dining experience.

To find out more, visit their website.