Birdforth Hall in Yorkshire reopens its doors after refurbishment after husband and wife team took over

Birdforth Hall, which dates back to 1685, is a manor house surrounded by four converted barns, which now act as holiday lets.

It was forced to close during Covid and was marketed by Savills York for circa £2.25m.

It has now been purchased by husband-and-wife Sue and Paul Sadler, with the support of a six-figure loan from Lloyds Bank.

As well as refreshing the cottages’ interiors, Sue and Paul now plan to install hot tubs, and will also be upgrading the interior of the main hall itself in the new year, while retaining its original features – such as the building’s 300-year-old wood panelling.

The refurb will also include creating space to host weddings – both ceremonies and receptions – with guests able to hire the whole venue to host family and friends.

Birdforth Hall is based close to Thirsk, with easy access to the the tourist hotspots of York and Scarborough, as well as the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales.

Mrs Sadler said: “Paul and I have always been keen to move into the hospitality business – in the past we have hosted weddings at our own farm, so have dipped our toes into that world. So when the opportunity to invest in Birdforth arose, we knew it was one we couldn’t miss.

“Birdforth is already a well-loved holiday destination.

With easy access to the A19, it seamlessly blends your classic country escape with a city break and an unrivalled selection of local pubs and restaurants.

We’re very excited to welcome back customers old and new, and to restore the estate to its former glory.

By refreshing the look and feel, we’re retaining the warm, family-friendly feel that Birdforth is known for, while opening up new opportunities for bigger groups to enjoy the estate and surrounding area.”

Alongside the refurbishments, Birdforth Hall is working with a local butcher who can offer guests beef sourced from the estate’s own pedigree long-horn cows. And the grounds are also home to the Sadler’s prize pig, Bella, who has already become a popular local tourist attraction.

Craig Smith, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “The UK hospitality industry has experienced a huge resurgence post-pandemic, and Sue and Paul have led the charge when it comes to capitalising on opportunities in the market.

"We’re pleased to be backing their investment in restoring what’s not only an iconic estate, but a key part of Yorkshire’s wider hospitality offering.

“We look forward to working closely with Sue and Paul as they continue to make Birdforth bigger and better in the coming months.”