Located close to Alnwick within the verdant Northumberland countryside, Charlton Hall was as soon as an 18th-century stately residence to a few of England’s notable gentry. Today, it’s a quite magical UK retreat. My new husband and I (nope, nonetheless not uninterested in saying that) have been invited to spend the night time there not too long ago, and I couldn’t wait to share my evaluate of Charlton Hall with you!
Now a luxurious marriage ceremony and occasions venue which sleeps 54 folks throughout the Main House and cottages, Pole Barn, Farmhouse and Lookout with extra lodging on the best way, the grand outdated home has been renovated with its previous in thoughts.
I’ve stayed in sufficient bland resort rooms to final a lifetime, so I used to be intrigued to learn that Charlton Hall’s décor was conjured up by Jo Aynsley of award-winning Jeffrey’s Interiors of Edinburgh.
Sharp eyes would possibly choose up on bits and items from Mulberry, Pierre Frey, House of Hackney, Manuel Canovas, Emma J Shipley and Diane von Furstenberg.
Once you tear your eyes away from the assertion wallpaper and eclectic assortment of tongue-in-cheek artwork, you’ll discover restored antiques and authentic options that hold the property’s previous alive.
Setting the tone in your keep, friends are welcomed to the primary home by George the giraffe, who seems to be over a pink-carpeted grand staircase.
Facing George, you’ll discover a portrait of a woman in interval costume necking a glass of wine. She’s a critical vibe and I really feel like all the one ladies attending weddings at Charlton Hall can determine together with her.
Each of the six rooms in the primary home is individually styled, so no two stays ever need to be the identical. We opted to spend the night time in ‘Charlotte’, Charlton Hall’s bridal suite.
The Charlotte suite
An elegant French mattress sits under a neon pink Kiss Me signal on Pierre Frey and Matthew Williamson wallpaper. The wardrobe is mirrored and ornate brass peacocks assist the bedside tabletops.
In the en-suite toilet, a free-standing roll-top tub sits beneath a picture-book window that gives an idyllic view out onto the 150-acres of land surrounding the property.
The decor is Alice in Wonderland impressed, although undoubtedly not ‘themed’. We all know the way cheesy themed lodges will be!
At Charlton Hall, friends really feel like they’ve fallen down the rabbit gap and right into a barely eccentric however pleasantly soothing world of luxurious and indulgence.
Our room had a espresso machine with cookies, a big fridge (my pet peeve is tiny resort room fridges that don’t match my wine bottle) and luxurious toiletries.
Crucially, we had a incredible night time’s sleep within the suite and an much more pleasurable soak within the bathtub.
Charlton Hall’s amenities
Charlton Hall’s intimate onsite bar serves an array of tipples from native manufacturers like Alnwick Rum and Marlish mixers. You can even order from a small menu of bar snacks. We had a scrumptious cheese and charcuterie board.
There are some lovely reception rooms you may make full use of if the bar isn’t your scene. Recline on one of many sofas in the lounge and a fellow visitor would possibly simply entertain you on the grand piano.
In the library, you’ll discover board video games to maintain you entertained.
Weddings at Charlton Hall
We couldn’t resist peeking into the marriage ceremony venue on the property. Once upon a time it was the stables, however nowadays it’s decked out in glittering lights and floral partitions.
How glamorous is it?! Having simply paid for marriage ceremony flowers ourselves, we each commented on how superb it will be to simply rock up and have the place already wedding-ready.
The occasions room the place marriage ceremony events eat dinner is simply as spectacular. The flooring to ceiling home windows imply you actually get to profit from the gorgeous setting.
After darkish, you may sneak down into The Vault, a cellar bar with a speakeasy really feel. It jogs my memory loads of the underground bars in Edinburgh I’d drink in as a scholar. Only, somewhat extra refined!
The loos
Am I actually going to dedicate a bit of my Charlton Hall resort evaluate to the loos? Yes, sure I’m.
The creativity was actually allowed to run wild within the lavs. Think clashing colors, psychedelic prints and neon lights, nevertheless it works!
I can’t determine whether or not the award for whackiest designs goes to the gents or the women. What do you suppose?
Breakfast at Charlton Hall
We woke to the blissful sound of birdsong and I threw again the curtains to soak up the view. For so far as the attention can see, there may be nothing however rolling Northumberland hills and sheep.
Oh, and Farmer Tom in his tractor! Father Tom is Charlton Hall proprietor Richard’s dad and it’s very a lot a household enterprise.
Breakfast is served in a sun-filled room with clear glass furnishings till 10am throughout the week, which happy me to no finish.
The menu provides the standard full English breakfast with native produce, in addition to a vegan fry up, American pancakes, eggs any means and French toast with pancetta and peaches.
There’s additionally a small continental choice: recent fruit, yogurts, cereals and toast.
Overall, we totally loved a blissful keep at Charlton Hall and the one dangerous bit was having to depart. The workers are welcoming, the décor is actually one thing to write down residence about and the agricultural setting makes this resort a memorable countryside retreat.
Now, is it too early to resume our marriage ceremony vows? Because I occur to know the right venue…
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