Grantley Hall Hotel and Wellness Retreat – Ripon
The magnificent Grantley Hall opened in the summer of 2019 as one of the UK’s most luxurious hotels and spas in the UK. This five-star country retreat is the only member of Relais & Châteaux in Yorkshire, was named ‘Best Newcomer 2020’ by Conde Nast and labelled the second-best new luxury hotel in the world by Luxury Travel Intelligence.
Bowman Riley delivered the transformation of the elegant Grade II* listed Grantley Hall into one of the UK’s finest country hotels and wellness retreats.
Surrounded by 30 acres of beautiful Yorkshire countryside, the magnificently imposing Grantley Hall is set on an artificial island created by the canalisation of the River Skell in Ripon.
The 17th century classically styled property was built as a private residence for the Grantley family. Extensions in the 18th and 19th centuries followed leaving a principally Georgian elevation. The building has enjoyed a colourful history which includes its use as a shooting lodge, convalescent home during the Second World War and an adult education college.
Inspired by its grandeur, the renovation of Grantley Hall accentuates the historic details of the imposing property featuring a magnificent dual height presidential suite, signature restaurant, brasserie and cocktail bar set in exquisite formal gardens.
To complement the historic Hall, a new spa building and bedroom wing have been created in a modern Georgian style. Four months after opening, the Three Graces Spa was awarded 5 Bubble Luxury status by the Good Spa Guide.
A new subterranean Garden Pavilion building featuring a bar, private lounge, an exclusive after-hours club and restaurant has been integrated within the 1910 listed Japanese garden restored to become one of the most important of its type in the country.
The renovation of the historic hall alongside the creation of two new bespoke buildings allows hotel guests to experience a five-star luxury getaway in opulent surroundings.
We worked with a Yorkshire based consultant team including project managers and surveyors, Lucas Lee, engineers GHD and the interiors were delivered in conjunction with JMDA. The two main contractors were locally based, RN Wooler & Co and HACS. This team along with numerous other consultants and subcontractors made the Grantley Hall vision a reality.
Grantley Hall won the Heritage Award at the 2020 RICS Social Impact Awards Yorkshire and Humber and has reached the national finals.
RICS Head Judge Mark Rugg said:
“Grantley Hall oozes historic character and quality. After decades of inappropriate uses and vacancy the multi-phase Grade II* listed mansion dating back to the 17th century, has been lovingly transformed into a five-star hotel and wellness retreat. The painstaking restoration programme included extensions and new buildings designed to enhance the character and use of the site. The Japanese Garden is a jewel in the crown and was designated a Grade II Registered Park and Garden during the course of the project.”