Welcome to Walpole

Introducing Grantley Hall, our latest Walpole member

Learn a little more about the Yorkshire-based country house hotel fusing historic grandeur and modern luxury as we sit down with our latest Walpole member's General Manager, Nuno César de Sá
17th Dec 2024
Welcome to Walpole Introducing Grantley Hall, our latest Walpole member

On the banks of the River Skell in North Yorkshire lies Grantley Hall, a residence that dates back to before Queen Anne's reign. In the three centuries since its construction, the country house has served as a private home, a training facility for the local community and as a convalescence home. Now privately owned by the Sykes family, Grantley Hall underwent four years of renovations before opening in 2019 as a five-star hotel and wellness retreat fusing historic grandeur and modern luxury.

Learn a little more about our latest Walpole member in our interview with General Manager of this Northern beacon of British luxury, Nuno César de Sá...

 
 
 
 
Nuno César de Sá, General Manager, Grantley Hall

Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand…

Nuno César de Sá: Grantley Hall captures the spirit of a distinctly British brand, with its heart deeply rooted in Yorkshire. What sets us apart is our unique mix of historical charm and modern luxury, a strong commitment to supporting the local community and an unwavering dedication to creating an unforgettable guest experience.

I’m truly inspired by Grantley Hall’s incredible journey and am proud to have been a part of it. Once a derelict Grade II* listed building with a history that stretches back to the late 17th century, it has welcomed many notable guests over the years, from members of parliament and royalty to entertainers and celebrities. After an ambitious four-year, multi-million-pound renovation, it has transformed into a thriving Yorkshire hotel. Today, it is renowned as one of the UK’s most exclusive five-star escapes for discerning guests, featuring 47 bedrooms and suites, five exceptional dining options – including the Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall – three stylish bars, and cutting-edge health and wellness facilities.

What is your brand best known for?

Grantley Hall has earned many accolades since its opening in 2019, including a prestigious two Michelin Key distinction and ranking third among the UK’s best hotels in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards 2024.

Our culinary offerings are a highlight, with choices ranging from the one Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall to brasserie-style Fletchers Restaurant to Pan-Asian bar and restaurant, EightyEight. The Orchard offers indoor-outdoor seasonal dining, while the Drawing Room presents a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea experience as the traditional Norton Bar concocts a selection of classic cocktails.

Above all else – and something that I am extremely passionate about – is that we are known for delivering exceptional guest experiences where every detail is crafted to provide sincere luxury, comfort and guest service.

What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?

Grantley Hall has not only established itself as a preferred venue for international brands, but also as a gateway to the region, with companies hosting clients in the North of England where previously London would have been the location of choice. By collaborating on events with established luxury brands such as Rolex, Patek Phillipe and Sunseeker, we have extended our influence beyond the capital and attracted a diverse range of new clientele to the hotel and the area. This influx of visitors has not only boosted our business but also sparked additional economic activity across the county, a testament to our growing appeal.

Why do you love the brand?

I love the authenticity and passion behind this family-owned brand – beyond its business success, Grantley Hall remains deeply committed to its local community. The hotel provides exceptional training programs, offering opportunities for local people through initiatives such as hospitality training for local youth and charity fundraising events. We hosted a charity evening in association with the Yorkshire Children’s Charity, raising £1 million in just one night. This commitment to community development and dedication to corporate social responsibility underscores Grantley Hall's holistic approach to hospitality.

Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?

Grantley Hall epitomises British luxury by seamlessly blending historical heritage with contemporary elegance. Every element of the guest experience is carefully crafted, from our exquisite architecture and interiors – lovingly restored by British artisans – to our partnerships with leading local suppliers. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our world-class dining experiences, health and wellness facilities and exceptional service. This unique combination celebrates Britain's rich culture, innovation and timeless sophistication, cementing Grantley Hall as a beacon of British hospitality.

What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?

Joining Walpole provides Grantley Hall with an extraordinary opportunity to align with a prestigious collective of British luxury brands. We were drawn to Walpole’s commitment to promoting the very best of British craftsmanship, innovation and creativity globally. This partnership allows us to network with like-minded brands, share best practices and amplify our voice within the luxury sector, ensuring that Yorkshire and Grantley Hall play a central role in the narrative of British excellence.

If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose?

Grantley Hall is already proud to collaborate with several companies that share Walpole membership, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and innovation in British luxury. We are always open to partnerships that push the boundaries of creativity and redefine the hospitality experience. Whether it’s through exclusive product designs, immersive guest experiences, or groundbreaking sustainability initiatives, we are excited about opportunities to work with like-minded brands to elevate what British luxury represents on a global scale.

Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months...

We are delighted to announce that Grantley Hall has recently achieved membership of the Leading Hotels of the World, joining an elite group of exceptional properties globally renowned for their commitment to luxury and service. This milestone reinforces our dedication to providing a world-class guest experience.

Additionally, we are proud to have become a member of the Forbes Travel Guide, a prestigious recognition that underscores our unwavering pursuit of excellence in hospitality. These memberships not only elevate Grantley Hall's international profile, but also ensure that our guests continue to receive the highest standards of luxury and care.

> Visit Grantley Hall's member profile

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