A stately home is set for a £1m makeover before reopening its doors as a wedding venue.
Lartington Hall in Barnard Castle was taken over earlier this year after being forced to close its doors in March 2021, blaming the “continued uncertainty” during the pandemic.
It was confirmed in April that leisure group the Apartment Group, which already has a portfolio of wedding venues, had taken over the site.
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The firm has now announced a £1m investment in the site which is says will restore its historic character.
It also says 30 new jobs will be created when the site reopens.
Apartment Group founder Duncan Fisher said: “Lartington Hall is a unique destination set in a heart-stoppingly beautiful place and fits perfectly into a growing portfolio of wedding venues that each have their own stories to tell.
“We believe that we’re only the sixth owners of Lartington Hall in almost four centuries, and we’re very grateful to John and Shona Harper-Wilkes for entrusting us with the future of this magnificent property.
“We have a range of plans in place to enhance what Lartington Hall offers to our guests, and will be working closely with the heritage and planning authorities to ensure everything we do is wholly sympathetic to its history and character.”
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Apartment Group CEO Stuart Bailey added: “Our concept of offering affordable luxury in a series of unique venues is proving extremely successful and we plan to continue widening our presence in select locations across northern England."
The Apartment Group also owns Runa Hall, on the eastern side of Barnard Castle, which opened last year, while its other wedding venues around the North East include Newton Hall near Alnwick, Le Petit Chateau in Northumberland and the Grade II listed Whitworth Hall in County Durham.
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The Grade II listed home went on the market last year for a whopping £3.8m before being snapped up by the firm.
Bosses say the new venue boasts “exquisite and tasteful interiors, super pretty gardens, and its very own private chapel”.
It also has 75 acres of parkland, 12 bedrooms, a ballroom, cinema room, and 17th century wing.
An exact opening date has yet to be announced.
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