How I dropped six dress sizes - Clients Thisisthenortheast

December 2003 Online: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk7A CASTLE FOR KEEPS: Chris and RachelSwain in medieval costumeCLARE WATSON talks to ownersChris and Rachel Swain abouttheir restoration dramas atWalworth CastleASK Chris and Rachel Swainhow long ago they took overthe reins at Walworth Castleon the outskirts ofDarlington and they will tellyou “three years but it feels like threeminutes”.Ask them what they have achieved inthat time and as they proudly show youaround the wonderfully refurbishedrooms and hallways, you realise it musthave taken at least three years to havecompleted all that they have.“When we first saw the hotel, we fellin love with it and could see the realpotential with the right treatment,”says Chris. “It has been a real labour oflove.”Originally built by the Hansardfamily in the 12th century, WalworthCastle stands in 18 acres of delightfullawns and woodland. It was furtherdeveloped by Thomas Jenison whobought the estate in 1576 and addedmany of the recognisable features theretoday, such as the imposing turretswhere four of the bedroom suites andprivate dining rooms are situated. Thecastle also has a special claim onhistory: it played host to King James VIof Scotland as he made his way Londonin 1603 to be crowned King James I ofEngland. This year is the 400thanniversary of the royal visit.Chris and Rachel bought the castlethree years ago and embarked on anambitious programme of renovationand repair. When they took charge ofthe hotel, it was in sore need ofinvestment and some serious TLC.But while they set about modernisingmany of the facilities, the couple havealso taken great pains to refurbish thefabric of the hotel in keeping with itshistoric past. Natural oak, heavytapestries, rich carpets, flagstones andexposed stonework have all beenincorporated to achieve a plush butmedieval feel.“It’s been hard work and we havesunk everything into the refurbishmentbut seeing the work completed makesus realise how worthwhile it has been,”says Rachel. “It’s wonderful to seesomeone walk into the hotel that hasnot seen it for three years and heartheir gasps. Most guests find itunrecognisable.”The main reception area has beentransformed with a natural stone floor,Love’s laboursbeautifully carved oak and richfabrics. The guest lounge is now anoasis of calm, with beautifullyappointed period armchairs, sofasand coffee tables. There is a newbar area beside reception whereguests can enjoy an aperitif beforemoving through into the newlyopened Hansard’s restaurant,which has been given a perioddesign with a contemporary twist.Moving to the side of the castle,you will find the recentlycompleted Cardinal’s Court. Thislarge, glass-roofed area standswhere the carriages used to drawup to the old entrance. The stonewalls have been exposed and thefloor tiled to create a real courtyardeffect. At night, floodlights light upthe pillared old entrance to thecastle to complete the ambience.The renovation has not stoppedhere. The four turret suites havebeen refurbished with perioddetails, each with its own theme.Many of the other rooms have alsobeen completed with the remainingbedrooms being tackled andupdated on a room by room basis.Then Chris and Rachel expect itwill be time to start all over again.The hotel caters for weddings,any function or event, conferences,meetings, business and leisuretravellers and holds regular themenights and entertainment. Dinershave two options with the relaxedand traditional Farmer’s Barserving bar meals and a dailycarvery or the elegant Hansard’sRestaurant.● Walworth Castle: 01325 485470;www.walworthcastle.co.uk❛When we first sawthe hotel, we fell inlove with it and couldsee the real potentialwith the right treatmentOF THE6BESTSPEAKERSLISTENING to music is one of thenation’s favourite pastimes but it’simportant that you have the rightspeakers around you or even the besttrack in the world can be turned into anoise similar to Greenland’s lastEurovision entry. 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