Gisborough Hall to become independent hotel
Gisborough Hall in Guisborough, North Yorkshire, has announced multi-million pound investment plans as it prepares to become a fully independent, family-owned hotel.
Lord Gisborough and his family, supported by a newly-appointed board of directors, will take full commercial control of the four-AA-star, 71-bedroom property, currently a Macdonald Associate hotel, from April 2017.
This will allow for further investment, including a new spa which is hoped to open by the end of next year. The hotel's 100-strong team will remain the same, with more jobs being created with the spa opening.
Nick Holmes, the man behind the launch of the five-red-AA-star, 61-bedroom Rockliffe Hall hotel in Darlington, County Durham, and its managing director for six years, has been appointed non-executive director to aid transition and support future spa and leisure proposals. Holmes will also support Gisborough's general manager, Kim Yardley, who has managed the hotel since it opened in 2002 and will remain with the business.
The 19th century hall, which dates back to 1857 when it was the family home of the Chaloner family, has been a Macdonald Associate since 2002, when the hall became a hotel. Its Chaloner's restaurant holds two AA Rosette, and the hotel also features a spa, a ‘G' bar and bistro, a ballroom, conservatory, event spaces and a traditional drawing room and inner hall.
Holmes said: "This is a truly exciting time for Gisborough Hall as we are now going to be fully managed here in Guisborough. As we approach our 15th anniversary next year the time is right for us to ‘go it alone'. It allows us to invest and develop as we see appropriate for both the local community and also to encourage visitors to the region."
Lord Gisborough said: "Being part of the Macdonald Hotel Group has been a fantastic experience. They have provided us with the opportunity to grow and, with their leadership, we have been able to really put the hotel on the map, for this we are extremely grateful and we wish them all the best."
A Macdonald Hotels Group spokesperson added: "We have very much enjoyed our association with Gisborough Hall Hotel and we wish the owners and staff every success in the future."
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