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UK: The five-star hotel Matfen Hall in Northumberland has finished its six-year transformation, with the opening of its spa The Retreat next month marking the final phase of the project.
The Grade II-listed Jacobethan mansion now features an additional 10 guest rooms and suites, bringing the total to 63.
The property’s Gothic Great Hall has been returned to its original function as the main entrance. Adjacent to the hall is the fine dining venue Emerald, which occupies the former library.
A new seafood grill and champagne bar Cloisters was created by Northumberland-based Doonan Architects. Formerly an open courtyard used for service access, the venue sits beneath a glass roof with a brass spiral staircase leading to a glass-floored mezzanine.
Additional bars and lounges include the 1832 Bar and The Drawing Room.
Launching on 15 September is The Retreat – doubling the footprint of the hotel’s former spa. It will feature an 18-metre indoor pool, jacuzzi, Himalayan salt sauna, traditional sauna, aromatherapy steam room, experience showers, sunlight therapy room, red light therapy room, ice baths, a cryotherapy chamber and a hyperbaric chamber.
Extending the spa is six treatment rooms, a gym, pilates and yoga studio.
New for 2026 is the 18-hole championship golf course The Douglas. Facilities include The Academy driving range with a simulator and teaching bay, a short game practice area, an all-weather 18-hole putting course, and The Keepers lodge with a restaurant, bar, and retail.
James O’Donnell, head of commercial development of Matfen Hall, said: “Six years ago, we set out to transform Matfen Hall into one of the UK’s leading country house hotels whilst retaining its elegance and history. We have taken an architecturally beautiful building and breathed new life into it, creating excellent facilities and an enhanced guest experience. We are incredibly proud of the new offering, and look forward to welcoming guests to experience the estate in its new chapter this autumn.”
Highlights:
- Matfen Hall has completed a £50 million, six-year renovation, with the opening of The Retreat spa scheduled for 15 September 2026.
- The Grade II-listed Jacobethan mansion now has 63 guest rooms and suites, including 10 additions, alongside upgraded dining, bar and lounge facilities.
- The new Retreat spa will feature an 18-metre indoor pool, saunas, steam room, cryotherapy and hyperbaric chambers, plus six treatment rooms.
- Matfen Hall has also added The Douglas, an 18-hole championship golf course with a driving range, putting course, short-game area and clubhouse facilities.
