Rockliffe Hall has been transformed into a hotel

Rockliffe Hall has been transformed from a derelict 18th Century mansion house into a hotel, complete with spa and golf course.

The venue, in Hurworth, near Darlington, is to open on November 23, and will create 300 permanent jobs, as well as the 200 it created during construction.

The golf course opened earlier in the year and could bid for tournaments within the next five years.

Rockliffe Hall is being created by Rockliffe Developments, founded by Middlesbrough Football Club chairman Steve Gibson, through a rumoured £50m investment.

Nick Holmes, managing director of Rockliffe Hall, said from the outset, the venue will pride itself on quality.

“This has been many years in the planning and we are now finally in position to throw open our doors to guests,” he said.

“Anticipation has been building among staff and everyone is now so keen to create what we want to be a quite unique atmosphere for guests at Rockliffe Hall.”

“Millions have been spent on creating a simply jaw-dropping facility, but that will count for nothing if our guests don’t experience the exacting service levels which should be expected of such a location. Now, we are ready.

“Everything is now in place, so we’re all working hard to make sure every teaspoon, every napkin and every bar of soap is in the right place for November 23.”