Located near Alnwick in the verdant Northumberland countryside, Charlton Hall was once an 18th-century stately home to some of England’s notable gentry.
Today, it’s a rather magical UK retreat. My new husband and I (nope, still not tired of saying that) were invited to spend the night there recently, and I couldn’t wait to share my review of Charlton Hall with you!
Now a luxury wedding and events venue which sleeps 54 people across the Main House and cottages, Pole Barn, Farmhouse and Lookout with more accommodation on the way, the grand old house has been renovated with its past in mind.
I’ve stayed in enough bland hotel rooms to last a lifetime, so I was intrigued to read that Charlton Hall’s décor was conjured up by Jo Aynsley of award-winning Jeffrey’s Interiors of Edinburgh.
Sharp eyes might pick up on bits and pieces from Mulberry, Pierre Frey, House of Hackney, Manuel Canovas, Emma J Shipley and Diane von Furstenberg.
Once you tear your eyes away from the statement wallpaper and eclectic collection of tongue-in-cheek art, you’ll notice restored antiques and original features that keep the estate’s past alive.
Setting the tone for your stay, guests are welcomed to the main house by George the giraffe, who looks over a pink-carpeted grand staircase.
Facing George, you’ll find a portrait of a lady in period costume necking a glass of wine. She’s a serious vibe and I feel like all the single women attending weddings at Charlton Hall can identify with her.
Each of the six rooms in the main house is individually styled, so no two stays ever have to be the same. We opted to spend the night in ‘Charlotte’, Charlton Hall’s bridal suite.
The Charlotte suite
An elegant French bed sits below a neon pink Kiss Me sign on Pierre Frey and Matthew Williamson wallpaper. The wardrobe is mirrored and ornate brass peacocks support the bedside tabletops.
In the en-suite bathroom, a free-standing roll-top tub sits beneath a picture-book window that provides an idyllic view out onto the 150-acres of land surrounding the estate.
The decor is Alice in Wonderland inspired, though definitely not ‘themed’. We all know how tacky themed hotels can be!
At Charlton Hall, guests feel like they’ve fallen down the rabbit hole and into a slightly eccentric but pleasantly soothing world of luxury and indulgence.
Our room had a coffee machine with cookies, a large fridge (my pet peeve is tiny hotel room fridges that don’t fit my wine bottle) and luxury toiletries.
Crucially, we had a fantastic night’s sleep in the suite and an even more enjoyable soak in the bathtub.
Charlton Hall’s facilities
Charlton Hall’s intimate onsite bar serves an array of tipples from local brands like Alnwick Rum and Marlish mixers. You can also order from a small menu of bar snacks. We had a delicious cheese and charcuterie board.
There are some beautiful reception rooms you can make full use of if the bar isn’t your scene. Recline on one of the sofas in the living room and a fellow guest might just entertain you at the grand piano.
In the library, you’ll find board games to keep you entertained.
Weddings at Charlton Hall
We couldn’t resist peeking into the wedding ceremony venue on the estate. Once upon a time it was the stables, but these days it’s decked out in glittering lights and floral walls.
How glamorous is it?! Having just paid for wedding flowers ourselves, we both commented on how amazing it would be to just rock up and have the place already wedding-ready.
The events room where wedding parties eat dinner is just as impressive. The floor to ceiling windows mean you really get to make the most of the stunning setting.
After dark, you can sneak down into The Vault, a cellar bar with a speakeasy feel. It reminds me a lot of the underground bars in Edinburgh I’d drink in as a student. Only, a little more sophisticated!
The loos
Am I really going to dedicate a section of my Charlton Hall hotel review to the loos? Yes, yes I am.
The creativity was really allowed to run wild in the lavs. Think clashing colours, psychedelic prints and neon lights, but it works!
I can’t decide whether the award for whackiest designs goes to the gents or the ladies. What do you think?
Breakfast at Charlton Hall
We woke to the blissful sound of birdsong and I threw back the curtains to take in the view. For as far as the eye can see, there is nothing but rolling Northumberland hills and sheep.
Oh, and Farmer Tom in his tractor! Father Tom is Charlton Hall owner Richard’s dad and it’s very much a family business.
Breakfast is served in a sun-filled room with transparent glass furniture until 10am during the week, which pleased me to no end.
The menu offers the typical full English breakfast with local produce, as well as a vegan fry up, American pancakes, eggs any way and French toast with pancetta and peaches.
There’s also a small continental selection: fresh fruit, yogurts, cereals and toast.
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed a blissful stay at Charlton Hall and the only bad bit was having to leave. The staff are welcoming, the décor is truly something to write home about and the rural setting makes this hotel a memorable countryside retreat.
Now, is it too early to renew our wedding vows? Because I happen to know the perfect venue…
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