EGN NEWS DESK
Since Saudi Arabia snapped up Newcastle United in 2021, the North East of England — as soon as identified mainly for its coal mines, chilly winters and thick Geordie accents — has change into the apple of the Middle Eastern eye.
A little bit over three hours by practice from London, Newcastle straddles the River Tyne with medieval bridges, previous pubs and looming Gothic spires. But don’t let the robust exterior idiot you—inside, it’s a hive of tradition, music, and refined eating.
You’ll discover world-class artwork on the Baltic, Roman historical past on the remnants of Hadrian’s Wall, plus a relentless nightlife that famously doesn’t care a lot for coats, regardless of how low the temperature drops. Yet simply past town’s buzz lies a peaceable, but grand, escape amid the serene fantastic thing about the plush, rolling Northumberland countryside.
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Just half-hour from the center of town, the grand Victorian-era manor of Matfen Hall presents a quintessentially British nation property expertise that’s the right retreat after a day of cheering on the motion at close by St. James’ Park — the house of Saudi-owned Newcastle United. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s emerged as a quick favorite amongst guests from the Middle East seeking to expertise a heady dose of UK’s historical past and tradition in type.
After winding up the dramatic driveway and watching the mansion step by step reveal itself, step into the majestic Great Hall, the place comfortable beams of sunshine filter via stained-glass home windows — then retreat to your plush bed room for sweeping views of the sprawling grounds that unfold like a scene from a panorama portray.
Yet it’s not simply the opulent environment that make Matfen Hall particular. Beyond its luxurious rooms, the property boasts three excellent eating places, an indulgent spa with a glass-roofed swimming pool, three golf programs, and a wealth of actions to maintain each member of the household entertained.
Middle East Traveller checked in to a Classic Room at Matfen Hall for glimpses of the Scottish skyline from one of many latest inns on the block.
The Hotel
Matfen Hall’s roots stretch again to 1836, when Sir Edward Blackett, an formidable determine from one in all Northumberland’s most distinguished households, took cost of constructing the property after firing his architect.
The Blacketts had been well-established aristocrats, holding huge estates and taking part in influential roles in British politics and society. Now, with its authentic carved doorway, the Blackett coat of arms proudly displayed, and a grand entrance exuding Gothic grandeur, the corridor nonetheless stands as an enduring monument to that energy and status.
The Blacketts had a penchant for accumulating the extraordinary — all the things from nice masterpieces by Caravaggio and Van Dyck to a risqué hearth rejected by Buckingham Palace for its scandalous bare carvings. This aptitude for the dramatic and the uncommon ran via generations of Blacketts, lending Matfen Hall an air of eccentricity that also captivates guests.
Fast ahead to 1999 and Matfen Hall was reimagined as a luxurious nation home lodge, respiration new life into its partitions. Extensive refurbishments have since elevated the expertise, combining old-world class with trendy comforts — from stylish interiors to state-of-the-art facilities.
The Arrival
We’re whisked away from Newcastle station by Matfen Hall’s sharp-suited chauffeur, and very quickly, town buzz fades into the rolling inexperienced hills of Northumberland. As we wind up the driveway, the grand property slowly emerges — an imposing manor with centuries of historical past etched into its elegant façade and mullioned home windows.
Porters swoop in to your luggage, letting you stride straight into the Great Hall. Stained glass home windows scatter splashes of color throughout the stone flooring, whereas wealthy tapestries hanging from the partitions and a staircase lead your gaze to the intricately painted ceiling above. Antique furnishings, polished to a gleam, stands proudly all through the room, whereas imposing stag heads watch over you from the partitions, including to the manor’s old-world grandeur.
It’s like stepping again in time, with grand leather-based armchairs and picket chests anchoring the sense of historical past — however don’t fear, trendy comforts are in every single place. This is your cue to loosen up, unwind, and soak within the luxurious attraction of this storied property.
The Room
Matfen Hall’s 63 rooms, unfold throughout the historic major constructing and a more moderen wing off the Great Hall, really feel extra like a personal property keep than a lodge. The Classic Rooms provide cosy attraction, with idyllic views of the gardens or village, and have tremendous king-sized Hypnos Lansdowne Cashmere beds draped in Egyptian cotton. Sink your ft into comfortable carpets, and unwind in Italian marble loos stocked with Penhaligon’s toiletries — a favorite of the British Royal Family.
For the final word Matfen expertise, guide one of many grand suites above the Great Hall. These rooms ooze sophistication, with muted shade schemes, towering corniced ceilings and trendy luxuries like Dyson bladeless followers and Bluetooth audio system. The standout is the bridal suite, decked out in placing eggshell blue, with a press release vintage armoire, customized tufted headboard and spacious seating and eating space that appears out over the sprawling grounds.
As a collection visitor, you’ll get pleasure from added perks like chauffeur pickup inside 20 miles of the lodge, a calming bottle of champagne (or non-alcoholic different) on arrival, plus a seasonal floral association to make your keep much more particular.
The Activities
There’s no scarcity of actions at Matfen Hall, whether or not you’re seeking to good your swing on one of many lodge’s three sprawling nine-hole golf programs, unwind at The Retreat spa or discover close by historic websites tracing their roots again to Roman instances. The lodge will quickly unveil its new clubhouse, that includes an ethereal restaurant, cutting-edge sports activities simulator and educating studio the place passionate golfers can have customized golf equipment tailor-made to their taking part in type.
The spa, set beneath a glass ceiling, is dwelling to a 15-metre indoor swimming pool, a thermal suite with a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, plus remedy rooms the place skilled therapists present bespoke massages utilizing detoxifying oils from Germaine de Capuccini and Natura Bissé.
Just 10 minutes from the lodge, Chesters Roman Fort presents the possibility to discover the ruins of well-preserved officers’ quarters, historical baths and a steam room — all set in opposition to the scenic backdrop of rolling countryside and the meandering River Tyne. During our go to, we caught a vigorous group of children reenacting Roman defend formations on the lawns led by an actor decked out in genuine Roman regalia.
Nearby, historical past buffs can discover Prudhoe Castle, a Twelfth-century fortress that withstood a number of sieges, a 14th-century jail with eerie underground dungeons, and Hexham Abbey, one of many nation’s earliest Christian websites. Just two miles from the lodge, you’ll discover remnants of Hadrian’s Wall that after divided Scotland and England.
For a style of contemporary life and a few retail remedy, Newcastle’s metropolis centre is only a brief drive away, boasting Fenwick, a five-floor division retailer that’s the Northern reply to London’s Harrods. Or take a leisurely stroll to Matfen village, a couple of minutes’ stroll from the lodge, to find conventional tearooms and charming native outlets.
The Restaurants and Bars
Matfen Hall’s cosy, wood-panelled Emerald Restaurant is a must-visit. Botanical wallpapers and cabinets stacked with leather-bound books line the eating house, all beneath a placing moulded ceiling with gilded edges that gleam within the night gentle.
Sink right into a deep-green velvet chair and tuck into the eight-course tasting menu (or go for the five-course when you’re not that hungry). Expect daring, up to date pairings like scallop with elderflower and the chef’s well-known banana bread with caviar. For vegetarians, the menu isn’t only a meatless copy however an journey via a collection of equally thrilling plates.
After dinner, head to the intimate 1832 bar subsequent door, the place Gothic-inspired arches set the scene for a top-notch choice of champagnes, cigars, cocktails and Scotch served nicely into the early hours. By day, the house transforms for the lodge’s distinctive afternoon tea, a celebration of the good British custom of finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and freshly baked scones with dense dollops of clotted cream. Halal, vegan, and vegetarian choices can be found, with dietary necessities deftly dealt with by the attentive employees.
Across the Great Hall, beneath a powerful stained glass window, Cloisters presents a breezy, all-day eating expertise with hearty steaks and shareable starters like crispy potato terrine and parmesan polenta chips. The house, as soon as open air however now wrapped in glass, cascades from the foyer and results in a personal wine tasting cellar, the place you possibly can sip on choices from Laurent Perrier, the famed French Champagne home.
Why Stay?
Matfen Hall oozes historical past and delivers the quintessential English property expertise inside straightforward attain of London. With first-class eating, limitless actions and heat, welcoming employees well-versed in Middle East hospitality, it’s the right weekend escape to cap off a UK journey.
The Essentials
- Rates: Rooms begin at GBPxx per night time
- Phone quantity: +44 1661 886 500
- Website: matfenhall.com
- Address: Matfen, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom NE20 0RH
