| Sir Charles Palmer chooses Grinkle Park
Then in 1902 - Responding to his master’s command, the coachman reined in his horses and the open landau pulled up in front of the almost derelict building.
Sir Charles Palmer, accompanied by Alfred Waterhouse, an architect and builder of some distinction alighted and together they inspected the run down property which had been in the Conyers-Middleton family for centuries. As they picked their way through the various rooms, Sir Charles was seen to be nodding enthusiastically and Waterhouse was jotting down notes in his pocket book.
Passing farm labourers exchanged surprised glances, for in this part of the North east Palmer was the man of the moment, his influence in the region was enormous.
He had made his fortune in the iron and steel and shipbuilding industries. His yards at Jarrow were renowned as the largest in the country and he was one of the biggest employers of labour in the land.
What he was missing however, was an estate befitting his status and so in 1865 he bought Grinkle Estate. He was delighted with the purchase but still one important piece of his social jigsaw was missing - a suitable property in which he and his future bride could live. Now Waterhouse was about to provide him with just that.
Better known today as Grinkle Park Hotel, this stately building is located midway between the Guisborough to Whitby moor and coast roads near Loftus.
It became a hotel in 1947 and in 1985 was refurbished by Bass plc and sympathetically transformed into a delightful 20-bedroom hotel amid grounds ablaze with the summer perfumes of azaleas, roses and rhododendrons many of which date back to the Palmer days and attract visitors from all parts of the country.
The hotel is the embodiment of luxurious comfort, and in winter blazing log fires provide a wonderful cosy atmosphere. Renowned for its excellent cuisine and cellar, Grinkle Park, under the direction of General Manager Jane Norton, is much sought after for special functions, and is especially popular with couples seeking an idyllic setting for their wedding reception. All in all, Sir Charles would have approved.
Now in 1999
- Grinkle Park Hotel offers the visitor superb comfort in idyllic surroundings where helpful staff create an atmosphere of relaxed efficiency.
This article originally appeared in the June 1999 issue of Now
& Then Magazine |
