(Photos by Sandy Zimmerman)
The last word in elegance and luxury in a classical setting, the DeVere Slaley Hall Hotel stands proudly as a monument to the past. It began as a stately mansion built by Charles Samuel Hunting, in 1912, for his family home. They employed a housekeeper, five maids, butler, footman, cook, two kitchen staff, seven gardeners, three chauffeurs, game keeper, forester and family of six who ran the home farm. In 1984, Slaley was sold and transformed into a 139 bedroom luxury hotel and golf complex. Unchanged throughout the years, the building’s embattled wall and architecture resembles a castle.
Everything is orchestrated for the guest’s enjoyment and comfort. Iain Jurgensen, Food and Beverage Director, explains, “We are totally committed to source the best produce and livestock from small, local Northumberland farms which do not use pesticides; some are organic and have the highest standards in quality. We visit the farm to see how the animals are reared and treated. The flavor of the pork is so good it comes through. Everything is fresh from a 30 mile radius. Slaley Hall’s philosophy, ‘This is the life,’ is what we want guests to feel when they are here. This is what they are worth. Guests should have all of the opportunities to sample the famous malt, the most opulent of chairs, and to have the best meals.
Duke’s Grill, in a classic Edwardian drawing room, uses a special Josper charcoal grill with a very intense heat to seal in the flavor. Steaks quickly retain all of their moisture and tenderness.” I especially enjoyed their Sunday roast with a fantastically melt-in-your-mouth tender, aged roast sirloin of beef. The waiter wheeled the antique silver trolley to our table and carved the roast. In contrast, the Claret Jug Restaurant is rustic with serving chopping boards, platters, share plates and cast iron dishes.
They offer different flavors and tastes that you do not usually find.
With 1,000 acres of forest and moorland, Slaley offers many settings for weddings, parties and business conferences. Lucia Fappiano, the Hospitality Manager, is creative,
“We can arrange a Casino Night, Viking Night, Bedouin Tents, Medieval theme and just about everything! The bride can arrive by helicopter or she and the groom can be whisked away by helicopter after the wedding. We can do just about anything you want to make your night special.” The grounds sparkle with lights at night and the Northumberland pipes are played during the event. When she knows guests are celebrating their anniversary or special occasion, she prepares a candlelight dinner outside at the Japanese Gardens as a surprise. The invitation is presented to them in their room. The lawn becomes a stage for summer outdoor performances of the “Merchant of Venice,” “Wizard of Oz,” “Peter Pan” and other shows.
Guests are away from the cities, in the Northumberland countryside, yet they have everything here: Driving range, two championship golf courses, 4X4 adventures, indoor pool, archery, clay pigeon shooting, paint balls, mountain biking, and hot air ballooning. Take a self-guided tour map suggesting easy walks.
You may not have heard of the DeVere Slaley Hall Hotel and Northumberland but if you visit, you will never forget them!!! DeVere Slaley Hall Hotel, Slaley, Hexam, Northumberland, England. www.devereonline.co.uk
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