ONE of the district's most popular hotel has been bought by a rising local hotel business.

Matfen Hall has been purchased by the Walwick Estate Group, who own the Walwick Hall Hotel, for an undisclosed amount.

In a statement released on Friday the Walwick Estate Group said it plans to invest in the hotel, which opened in 1999 with 31 bedrooms under the ownership of Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett.

In 2004, they oversaw a major expansion programme that resulted in the number of bedrooms increasing to 53 and the Aqua Spa and leisure facilities created.

In June, Matfen Hall confirmed up to 10 per cent of jobs were under threat as the tourism industry faces significant financial struggles due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bernard Bloodworth, the managing director of Matfen Hall hotel, said the jobs of 15 staff members were under review while two redundancies had already been confirmed.

As well as Walwick Hall, the Walwick Estate Group owns the Chesters Stables luxury suites.

Walwick Estate Group chairman, David Harrison, said: “Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett have ensured that Matfen Hall has a well-earned and established reputation as an outstanding hotel, spa, golf, wedding and conference venue throughout the UK and beyond.

“It has an even longer history as a stunning venue and location with a rich North East heritage and has maintained its natural elegance while being modernised.

“We are delighted with the addition of Matfen Hall to the Walwick Estate Group, which goes from strength to strength.

"Matfen Hall sits perfectly alongside our other naturally beautiful and luxurious venues. Our aim is to continue Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett’s work of retaining Matfen Hall’s history while securing its future as a top destination for decades to come.”