Plans to transform former Raby Hunt into homes approved

Last month, it was revealed that The Raby Hunt Inn, in Summerhouse, could soon become two residential properties, nine months after the building was put on the market for £750,000.

It came after efforts to sell “yielded no interest at all”, with the proposals submitted to Darlington Council noting how there was a “lack of viable interest from potential buyers”. 

Now, the plans have officially been approved by the authority, on the condition that the development takes place within three years. 

As previously reported, the listed building consent application wanted the original inn to be converted into a four-bedroom home over two floors. 

Meanwhile the Hunters End Cottage - which was incorporated into the inn back in 2018 - is set to be changed to a two-bedroom family home with one storey. 

The Raby Hunt Inn (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Grade II listed building had been on the markets for several months before the plans were lodged in October, with reasons behind the change to a home being a lack of interest, historic challenges, and financial issues. 

Plans also described the venue as being in the wrong location “to be profitable in today’s market” unless it offered something “unique” - like its former Michelin star rating - and could be a “significant burden” to the new owner in matching its former success.

Under chef James Close, who has since moved to Rockliffe Hall, The Raby Hunt Inn remained one of the top restaurants in the North East during its 15 year run. 

The venue, which became one of just 20 two-Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK, closed in January, with Mr Close since launching modern bistro TERRA at the luxury Rockliffe complex. 

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The Raby Hunt Inn was constructed around 1835 and originally served as a coaching in, playing a “vital” role in the Summerhouse community. 

It was operated by the Close family for 15 years when it shut for the final time, who previously took over the empty building once described as an “eyesore” before its transformation. 

It gained its first Michelin Star in 2012 and its second in 2017.