Commissioned by the Harrison Group, we delivered a comprehensive, multi-phase transformation of Matfen Hall Hotel and Golf Club, cementing its status as one of the North East’s premier luxury country estates. Spanning extensive interior and exterior redevelopments between 2023 and 2025, our team worked in close collaboration with Kevin Doonan Architects, Incognito Interior Design, and Seam Architects to bring an uncompromising standard of craftsmanship and finish to both the historic hotel and the estate’s world-class golfing facilities.
Hotel transformation (phases 1 & 2)
Working across a 26-week initial phase and a 70-week second phase, we undertook a complete refurbishment of the hotel while strategically managing access to allow for early reopening. The scope encompassed a full overhaul of the estate’s feature spaces, including the Great Hall, grand entrance, library, dining areas, and basement function rooms, alongside the premium bedrooms surrounding the Great Hall and two new bars. External upgrades established a grand new entrance at the Great Hall, complete with a central fountain, extensive paving, landscaping, and expanded parking.
During the project’s dedicated second phase, we relocated the main kitchen to the lower level, enabling the installation of a new guest lift and enhanced guest facilities. A signature architectural highlight was the enclosure of the external courtyard to create a light-filled internal bar and restaurant. Featuring a glulam timber frame construction, a full-length rooflight, a glass mezzanine floor, and a bespoke brass feature staircase, the space beautifully links the dining environments. The surrounding Cloisters restaurant, former entrance, snug room, meeting spaces, and corridors were fully restored, while adjacent outbuildings were converted into additional luxury accommodation, complemented by bespoke metal-edged gravel paths, high-spec paving, and new staff and visitor parking.
Golf club & driving range redevelopment
Building directly upon the success of the hotel refurbishments, we returned to Matfen Hall in 2025 for a 40-week programme to deliver a complete refurbishment and large-scale extension of the Golf Club. The project established a state-of-the-art clubhouse complete with a new bar, indoor golf shop, luxurious locker rooms with showers, and an advanced indoor electronic driving range.
A new mezzanine floor opens onto a stunning elevated balcony spanning the side and gable elevations, offering sweeping views across the course. Externally, the development included new access roads and entrances, expanded parking, an outdoor kitchen, a walled seating area, and newly landscaped gardens and pathways. Delivered to an extraordinary standard with no detail spared, the resulting facility stands as one of the region’s finest clubhouses.
