Eshott Hall

Eshott Hall is an elegant boutique property designed for the discerning guest. “A million miles and twenty minutes from civilization”

Run by husband and wife team, Dan and Louise Ball this delightful small boutique hotel is located in the heart of Northumberland only two miles from the A1 between Morpeth and Alnwick.

Not only is this one of Northumberland’s finest hotels it is also one of Northumberland’s most beautiful 17th century country houses.

Designed and built between 1588 and 1600 the Hall and surrounding estate was bought in 1877 by Emerson Bainbridge, who was founder of the worlds’ first department store Bainbridge’s of Newcastle. Recently it has undergone a multimillion pound restoration and refurbishment programme, to furnish it to the highest of standards.

With history dating back to the time of Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth 1st, and The Spanish Armada, Eshott is one the oldest properties in Northumberland you can stay in.
Personal House Managers, Dan & Louise operate the 11 bedroom hotel as their own beautiful and welcoming family house in the country, living and working in situ with their two young children. They offer an all encompassing attention to detail level of service and their love for the home, heritage and hospitality is second nature.

Eshott Hall combines comfortable country house atmosphere with stylish design offering guests an experience, not just an overnight stay, with attention to detail and service of the highest quality.

Currently, the Hall has 11 bedrooms - a mixture of modern and antique furnishings create an inherited and collected feel, all differently presented. Each room was given a name reflecting the history of the Hall, sometimes the luxury within, or a traditional aspect of the estate and countryside outside.

All rooms have been individually designed to the very highest standard combining traditional style with modern state of the art facilities. Furnished in keeping with the history of this magnificent building each room boasts views across the gardens and woodland. Some rooms have free standing baths, others have four poster beds and all are distinct in character and charm.

While the rooms are inspired by the elegance of the Georgian era of the house itself, all offer everything required by the modern traveller including LCD televisions, iPod docks and locally produced luxury toiletries.

The Collingwood bedroom, is inspired by Admiral Lord Nelson’s right hand man and a son of the North-East, - the four poster bed is a replica of Nelson’s very own sleeping quarters. Ship’s chests, naval prints and a beautiful original tiled fireplace add to the atmosphere and guests can dream of sailing away in the free standing roll topped bath in front of the window.

The Mandarin Room with its Oriental inspired décor is dominated by the superking size gilt bed the rooms neutral colours contrast with black lacquer furniture and vibrant red lamps, cushions and detailing.

The serene and romantic Versailles, decorated in creams, blues and greys with Louis XIV style furniture and comfortable window seats overlooks the garden.

Wisteria has antique Italian beds and mahogany and marble furniture.

The Italian Room with its many window seats has a slipper bath in front of the fire.

In contrast the Tedsmore named after the owner’s country estate is very much for those into hunting and fishing.

The Peacock as the name suggests is decorated in the purples, greens and blues of a strutting peacock while the Stable View has rich, earthy tones and a polished mahogany sleigh bed.

Bainbridges, named after Eshott Hall’s former owner and head of the famous department store of course boasts a dressmaker’s mannequin.

The Dray A romantic half Tester bed is the main feature of the room with Victorian antique mahogany footboard, a damask headboard and gilt edged voile drapes.
Finally the Veg Patch in Autumnal colours looks over the kitchen garden which still supplies the restaurant.

The reception rooms continue Eshott Hall’s contemporary and chic style, blending seamlessly with its heritage architecture. Guests are welcomed by rich colours emanating from the Entrance Hall’s stained glass window. The Library, with its atmosphere of a ‘gentleman’s club’, along with the elegant Drawing Room are the perfect places to relax and unwind. The intimate Dining Room and bright airy Ballroom provide the setting for dinner.

A huge emphasis is placed on food at Eshott Hall. The 1 AA rosette Restaurant offers a wonderful dining experience. Head Chef, Chris Wood and his team create exciting and innovative menus from fresh, locally sourced ingredients including where possible fruit and vegetables from the hotel’s own kitchen garden. Local and regional produce such as Ingram Valley Lamb, Kippers, and Smoked Salmon from Swallows of Seahouses, Honey from Chainbridge and Northumberland Poultry are also regularly featured on the daily changing menus.

An example of a dinner menu is :-

To Start -
Confit Chicken Terrine, Pine Nuts, Eshott Red Online Marmalade, Brioche
Warm Glazed Rabbit Saddle & Parma Ham, Beetroot Carpaccio, Red Lentil, Honey & Mustard Dressing.
Scottish Scallops, Cauliflower Puree, Apple Jelly
North Sea Crab, Wasabi Moose, Avocardo, Beef Tomato

Main Course -
Breast of Northumberland Guinea Fowl, Dill Rosti, Pancetta & Baby Onion Sauce
Ingram Valley Lamb Loin, Herb Mash, Garden Roots, Mint Jus
Wallington Hall Fillet of Beef, Braised Ox Cheek, Dauphinoise, Asparagus, Red Wine Jus
Halibut, Pomme Fondant, Wild Mushroom, Leeks & Broad Bean Sauté, Pernod Cream

To Finish -
Eshott Hall Bramley Apple Tart Tati, Chefs Vanilla Ice Cream
Assiette of Eshott Rhubarb Fool, Rhubarb Partaif, Rhubarb Brulee
White & Dark Chocolate Dynamite, Blood Orange Salad, Lychee Sorbet
Northumbrian & Continental Cheeses, Savoury Biscuits, Eshott Hall Chutney

Morning Coffees, lunches and afternoon teas are available on a request basis.

Within Eshott’s 55 acres of grounds there is an abundance of wildlife including red squirrels, wood peckers, and the occasional roe deer. There are extensive landscaped gardens, ancient woodland, fernery lake and the functioning kitchen garden. There are many quiet corners for guest to enjoy or for the more energetic an all weather tennis court.
Eshott Hall is designed for the discerning guest. A perfect setting for weddings, parties and corporate events. The Hall can also be hired exclusively, from one night to a full week. It is also available for private dining, weddings parties, celebrations and business meetings for up to 100.

Within the grounds are two self catering cottages sleeping 5 and 6 guests. Newcastle Central Station and International Airport are a 30 minute drive away. London is under four hours by train and Edinburgh only an hour. Eshott is a short distance from Alnwick Garden, Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the stunning Heritage Coastline of Northumberland, the Cheviots and Northumberland National Park.

Local sourcing and supporting the local economy is a very important part the Eshott Hall ethos. Where possible local staff are recruited and on both a daily basis and throughout the restoration programme local or regional producers, trades people and suppliers are/were used. Even the exclusive toiletries used in all guest rooms are from a local company Morpeth based Natural Empathy.