Lindsay Jennings samples the luxuries of Gisborough Hall Hotel on the edge of the North York Moors where the pampering isn't just for the ladies.

THE relaxed smile on his face said it all when he returned to the room. "She...err...she put stuff on my face...it smelled nice.....ask me later," he said.

This was rugby-loving, booze-swilling boyfriend talking after an hour's facial in the beauty therapy room at the newly-refurbished Gisborough Hall on the edge of the North York Moors.

It was a birthday treat for him and his first facial. The next move was to grab one of the white waffle dressing gowns on offer and collapse on the huge double bed with perfect viewing - the golf on the television and the rolling Cleveland Hills through the mullioned windows.

Originally built in 1857 as the family home of Baron Gisborough, Grade II listed Gisborough Hall has been transformed into a 71-bedroom luxury hotel.

The £8m development programme took 18 months to complete and has sensitively created a venue for both weddings and conferences in wooded grounds, just outside of Guisborough, in North Yorkshire.

The upper floors of the hall were previously derelict and each of the 19 bedrooms and suites in the original building have been decorated to enhance the hall's many period features, including a number of huge open fireplaces.

A further 52 bedrooms have been built onto the hotel, which is run by the Macdonald Hotels group. The development includes a conservatory, which overlooks the garden and which would make the perfect place for any bride to make a dramatic entrance - the balcony and double sweeping staircase incorporated in The Madoc Suite.

Our suite, The South Room, had all the luxuries of a four star country hotel which made us reluctant to leave the room - fresh coffee, power shower, chocolates on the pillow.

Eventually we ventured downstairs for dinner (including boyfriend with freshly exfoliated face) to Tockett's Restaurant - the hall's former billiard room named after a former farm of Lord Gisborough.

The menu comprised a selection of traditional dishes as well as international cuisine, many using herbs, vegetables and game from Lord Gisborough's estates. The wood pigeon and the lamb were superb and the dishes contained ample portions displayed with great attention to detail.

The staff were both friendly and informative, revealing that the current Lord Gisborough (the family still live in the grounds) can often be found tinkling away on the grand Bernstein piano in one of the hall's resplendent lounges - an added aristocratic twist to a distinctive stay.

l Bed and breakfast at Gisborough Hall costs from £55 per person, per night. A one-night romantic break in the luxurious four-poster Fountain Suite, including champagne, flowers and chocolates and a Yorkshire breakfast served in your sitting room, costs £135 per person.

For more information contact 0870 4008191 or visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk