A 32-bedroom country house hotel in County Durham has re-launched its newly renovated Knights Hall wedding and function suite.
The Manor House Hotel and Spa, near Bishop Auckland, has undergone a complete transformation with a new bar area and Minstrels Chapel.
Among the extensive work, the original roof trusses have been exposed to create vaulted ceilings that have transformed the main room's feel.
Soft leather panelling, scenic tapestry wallcoverings, statement lighting and new grand entrance doors have added drama to the refurbishment, according to its owners.
Original spears, shields and armour which have long played a part in the furnishings of the Knights Hall have also been renovated and moved into a more prominent position, while the re-imagined space now features a new log burner fire and a reconfigured dance floorspace.
The renovations to-date have concentrated on the Manor Spa, bedroom updates and a new restaurant.
The designs were created and developed by Suzy Sanderson, STR's group designer, who said, "The historic building features of the Manor House Hotel have helped me to focus on a sophisticated and elegant design.
"The Manor House is wonderfully quirky with many historic features; all the rooms are different shapes and sizes, which has helped us create different stories as you move throughout the building."
Chris Sanderson, Managing Director of STR, his family-owned hotel and leisure business, added: "Planning of this project began long before the pandemic, so it feels even more special to fulfil now.
"We are very proud of all the Manor's upgrades and refurbishments over the past few years, and the re-opening of the Knights Hall is a key milestone towards completing our £1.5 million refurbishment programme.
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"Our in-house design and build team have delivered amazing spaces throughout the hotel, and we still have some exciting plans that will be revealed in the final stages of the hotel's refurbishment.”
The Manor House Hotel itself has links to Henry VIII and so has a rich history when it comes to weddings, while the versatile space can also be used for conferences, showcases, cocktail nights, Christmas parties and special dinners.
Johnathon Cairns – General Manager at the hotel, said: "We feel that the re-born Knights Hall will put us back on the map for weddings and special occasions. It has been lovely to see our current brides and grooms come in and be blown away by the transformation. It has been so emotional seeing people’s tears of joy”.
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