Restoration has a new home
The Drawing Room. Photos courtesy of Grantley Hall
by Vaila Erin Bhaumick
Grantley Hall, a 17th century estate in Ripon, North Yorkshire, has been reborn time and time again; its latest incarnation as a five-star luxury hotel and wellness retreat is rather fitting. Andrew McPherson, General Manager at Grantley Hall, takes us on a tour.
Restoration is a word naturally associated with historic buildings, but in the case of Grantley Hall, it truly fits the bill. It has played host to Royals, convalescing WWII soldiers, locals and learning pursuits—and now Grantley Hall has opened its doors once again to those looking to relax, and aptly, restore.
Boasting an award-winning spa and wellness centre, a host of sumptuous dining experiences, Japanese gardens dating back to 1910, and an attention to detail throughout that encapsulates the glamour that punctuates the building’s history, Grantley Hall has become the place to staycation this year.
Bar EightyEight. Photos courtesy of Grantley Hall
The juxtaposition of history and modernity creates a captivating visual and sensory experience for guests. The interiors of pan-Asian restaurant EightyEight have a sleek, nocturnal ‘Lost in Translation’ feel, contrasting with the traditional decor of the Hall. In the grounds stands a striking semi-spherical coloured glass and metalwork seating arbour designed by Alistair W Baldwin and procured from Kendrews of Harrogate, which lends the Edwardian-inspired gardens some contemporary verve.
General Manager Andrew McPherson told us it's too difficult to decide what the ‘pièce de résistance’ is at Grantley Hall. “We have so many spaces that surprise and delight our guests. From our magnificent split-level Royal Suite that has breathtaking views over the Rill Garden and front lawns, to our subterranean Champagne and cocktail bar, Valeria’s, which oozes opulent 1920s glamour.”
After four years of renovation works led by its passionate owner Valeria Sykes, Grantley Hall relaunched in July 2019, just before the pandemic. Through additions such as the alfresco dining area, The Orchard, and staying actively connected with customers and staff, the forced closures have only encouraged guests to flock back to the newly opened luxury destination. Accordingly, it has adjusted its offerings and renewed its warm Yorkshire welcome.
Grantley Hall gardens. Photo by Jack Hardy, courtesy of Grantley Hall
A warm Yorkshire welcome is indeed the vision. McPherson describes the ethos as relaxed and friendly, crediting the staff for being at the heart of this. They were keen to steer away from preconceptions about country house hotels: “Grantley Hall prides itself on our warm Yorkshire welcome. We are not a traditional country house hotel and we never wanted to become a stuffy, five-star hotel that focuses too much on the pomp and ceremony,” he told ALHAUS magazine.
A passion for local Yorkshire produce is prevalent throughout Grantley Hall's dining experiences, including at the Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin fine dining restaurant. Using local ingredients wherever possible, his commitment to creating sustainable food that delights has been recognised with this accolade.
McPherson shared the team’s joy following the awarding of its Michelin Star. “We were all absolutely delighted to be awarded our first star earlier this year. Sustainability and highlighting the incredible produce and suppliers around Yorkshire are of huge importance to Shaun Rankin and the team, which is why we try to source all ingredients from within a 30-mile radius and never from outside of the UK.”
Grantley Hall’s robust sustainability policy begins but doesn’t end with their kitchen garden, where fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs are grown to inspire menus. All hotel water comes from a 2000-year old borehole, and an open-loop system generates heating and electricity, meaning no fossil fuels. “During the restoration, we placed sustainability at the forefront of construction and we have developed many innovative sustainability solutions to minimise the environmental impacts of our business.”
An aerial view of the estate. Photos courtesy of Grantley Hall
This year, with many opting to stay local and holiday in home surroundings, the ethos of hospitality businesses comes under greater scrutiny; we’re looking for accountability and responsibility, as well as quality.
Grantley Hall appears to have held onto the energy of those who have passed through its doors in days gone by. It blends regal flair and opulence with warm hospitality and sustainability, inviting guests to convalesce and escape from the outside world with the help of its award-winning wellness elements, all the while dazzling with its details.