The three properties of Historic House Hotels ~ Middlethorpe Hall York, Bodysgallen Hall North Wales, and Hartwell House Aylesbury ~ become the inalienable property of the National Trust, by donation.
With effect from 24th September 2008 the directors of Historic House Hotels have given all these properties to The National Trust, to continue their present style of hotel keeping under the existing management of Historic House Hotels.
The company was established thirty years ago with the intention of providing a secure new use for country houses at risk, ultimately to become the property of The National Trust. In 1997 The National Trust accepted restrictive covenants over the three properties, as a half way step.
The properties have established a high reputation as first class hotels in restored houses, set in beautiful gardens and furnished in keeping with their history, period and locations.
The motivation for the gift is to ensure that the houses and their land are kept safe forever, protected from inappropriate development, and continue to be maintained to their present high standards.
Under the umbrella of The National Trust, its members will now actually be able to stay in three of The National Trust's properties. It is envisaged that arrangements will be put in place in the future for the gardens and grounds to be open to visitors, and also for guided tours of the ground floor rooms of the houses to be offered.
The houses and gardens are of course already accessible to the public as hotels, and welcome guests to stay, to dine in their restaurants, and to have afternoon tea (booking strongly advised). All paying guests to the hotels are welcome to walk in the gardens and parks.
While there is a strong commitment to continuing the hotel use, the situation has been considered, and provision made in broad terms, for the safe future of the houses, if at some time in the distant future, hotel use were to become no longer possible or appropriate.
The present management are pleased that this long-planned moment has now arrived, and believe that The National Trust is the best possible guardian for the properties of Historic House Hotels.
Click here to visit The National Trust website for more information
Click here for Country Life article, 24th September 2008
Summer is here again, and after all the rain we had in May the trees at Middlethorpe are looking positively refulgent. Anyone making a tour of Yorkshire should start with a walk through our splendid gardens, the handiwork of David Barker and his talented team.
If you are a fan of Evelyn Waugh's great novel 'Brideshead Revisited' then a visit to nearby Castle Howard is rewarding, particularly as a new version of the film is currently being made there.
This year celebrating its 30th anniversary, and a host of guests artists including 'The sixteen', 'The Choir of King's College Cambridge', 'I Fagiolini', 'The King's Consort' and many more, the York Early Music Festival is the event not to be missed this Summer.
We are delighted to welcome our new Head Porter, Michael Fawcett, a distinguished member of the Golden Keys of Great Britain and the Commonwealth. He greatly looks forward to meeting you all.
Our Fitness Instructor, Darren Coward is longing to get his hands on you, and will give you advice on personal training as well as any fitness and dietary programmes you might need. Head Chef, Nicholas Evans hasn't been resting on his laurels, and has been busily concocting even more delicious new menus for your appreciation. These have already received favourable reviews and plaudits from our guests.
The new 'Duke of York Suite' on the first floor commemorates the stay of His Royal Highness last year. With its own sitting room, and understated charm, style and comfort, this suite has been greatly admired, and it is very popular with everyone.
I hope that the magic of Middlethorpe and of York (recently awarded European Tourist Destination of the Year) will work wonders for you and will help to enhance your enjoyment of what promises to be a memorable Summer.
Lionel A Chatard
General Manager
Historic House Hotels Gifts Cheques
Delight your family and friends for special occasions with Historic House Hotel Gift Cheques which can be exchanged for whole and half-day programmes of health and beauty for men and women or a full range of products.
Half day of health & beauty: from £50
Whole day of health & beauty: from £120
