Eight-figure revamp planned for former Judges, near Yarm
Judges Country House Hotel, in Kirklevington, was purchased by property developer Chris Musgrave OBE in May 2023 following its sudden closure in March of that year.
Almost two years later, a public consultation was launched on proposals to transform it into a five-star boutique hotel with 18 uniquely designed suites and a spa.
This includes walled garden hot tub rooms and tree houses in the woodland.
Now, Mr Musgrave, who is also the chairman of Teessworks Limited and the man behind the Wynyard Park housing development, has opened up on plans to return the historic hotel to its former glory under ambitious new plans.
The proposals include an extension to the restaurant, a new spa and an events pavilion, with the facilities available to hotel guests and other visitors.
Hartlepool-born Musgrave said: “As someone born and bred in Tees Valley, I have always looked to do what I can to invest in the area and to help drive prosperity and job creation – and that’s exactly what I want to do with the development of Kirklevington Hall.
“The building and grounds still retain many of their historic features and its location is perfect for a top-drawer boutique hotel and luxury spa.
“This will make a lasting difference to the local economy with higher spending, longer staying visitors attracted to the new venue on top of the investment we will be putting into the local supply chain and the new local jobs that will be created at the Hall.
“I’m really excited about what the future holds for Kirklevington Hall and can’t wait to get started on a transformation which will set the place up for decades to come.”
Bid to create ‘unforgettable’ experience
Kirklevington Hall was originally constructed in 1888 as a rural retreat for the Richardson family of Hartlepool, remaining a private residence for decades.
It was eventually adapted as lodgings for circuit judges who were visiting the North East to preside over court proceedings and was then developed as the Judges Country House Hotel.
It remained as Judges until March 2023 when its future was left hanging in the balance when several people reported their weddings or events had been cancelled.
It was one week later that Judges officially confirmed it had closed for good before the commercial property entrepreneur was announced as the figure behind the purchase.
It is hoped that the new luxury development will create up to 265 jobs both within the hotel business and supply chain, with operator Kymel appointed to help bring forward the revamp.
Kymel has extensive experience redesigning, repurposing and working with special buildings, and operating venues including the Crab Manor Hotel and Crab and Lobster Restaurant in Asenby, North Yorkshire.
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Paul Mackings, chairman of Kymel, said: “The new boutique hotel at Kirklevington will offer a comprehensive mix of experiences for a variety of guests from good quality dining (for business and leisure), to overnight stays in the hotel, in the Walled Garden hot tub rooms or tree houses in the woodland, to a luxury Spa weekend or day to an unforgettable bespoke wedding experience.
“We will offer Stockton, Yarm and Tees Valley visitors an unforgettable, visually impactful, quality-orientated hospitality experience right across the year.”
A pre-application document has since been submitted to Stockton Council following the public consultation, which bosses say “received very positive feedback”.
A formal planning application is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks.