Member Article

Former North Yorkshire Royal residence proves business success

A country house in North Yorkshire, which underwent a major three-year renovation, has expanded just six months after launching thanks to increasing demand.

Rudby Hall, near Stokesley, officially opened last September as a luxury venue for corporate events, private parties and accommodation.

Now, as demand exceeds its owners’ expectations, another seven suites within the historic home have been refurbished, more than doubling its capacity since opening with six.

The new suites in the Grade II*-listed country hall, located on the second floor, are in-keeping with its 19th century grandeur and all are named after historic figures linked to the hall, which was a former Royal residence built for King William IV’s daughter, Lady Amelia Cary.

Husband and wife team Martin and Sandra Johnson, who run the hall and themselves live on site with their family, have seen huge demand from the corporate sector with national and international companies choosing to use the hall for meetings, functions, events and accommodation.

Weddings continue to exceed expectations with over 25 booked for 2015, well ahead of the amount that had been forecast.

Rudby Hall is also aiming to accommodate shooting parties with luxury private accommodation and additional facilities such as kennels, gun storage and drying rooms, thanks to its location on the edge of the North York Moors National Park.

Rudby Hall has created a number of opportunities for local people, currently employing a team of five, and works with all local suppliers including CWC Events, First Class Wedding Company, the Yorkshire Party Company, Darling and Green Florists and the Yorkshire Chauffeur Company.

The historic home, restored by Teesside based regeneration specialists Python Properties, hit the headlines last year when Liam Gallagher and his partner, Debbie Gwyther, were among the first to stay whilst attending a wedding in the area.

Over the years, Rudby Hall has hosted a range of dignitaries, such as MPs, Prime Ministers and members of the Royal family.

Owner, Martin Johnson, said: “Rudby Hall is secluded yet easily accessible from mainline stations and all major roads. Our historic, picturesque setting offers people something quite different and there’s nothing else like it in the area. What’s more, we live here as a family and have a very hands-on approach having spent three years restoring and renovating the whole property.

“The popularity of Rudby Hall has exceeded our own predictions and there was a very real need to increase the number of suites. We’re extremely pleased to be able to welcome so many people from all over the world to this beautiful area and showcase the very many other leisure opportunities and local suppliers that North Yorkshire has to offer.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Addison Associates .