17th century hall to be transformed into hotel and spa

A STATELY home, dating back to the 17th Century, is set to be transformed into a hotel and spa after being acquired by Valeria Sykes.

Valeria Sykes, who has separated from husband Paul Sykes, the multimillionaire entrepreneur who helped finance UKIP’s failed election campaign, has bought Grantley Hall to renovate.

The firm which Mrs Sykes set up, Grantley Hall Ltd, will operate the 32,000 sq ft hotel.

The Georgian home will have a restaurant, bistro and cocktail bar as well as accommodation, and the site, which runs alongside the River Skell, will be marketed as a wedding and events venue.

The country house was first put on the market in 2013, and the agents at the time said they were looking at offers between £5m and £6m.

Planning permission at the time allowed Grantley Hall to be transformed into a 50-bedroom hotel, with conference facilities a 1,200 st ft spa with swimming pool, and treatment rooms.

Grantley Hall has had a colourful history, having previously been used as a convalescent home during the Second World War.

The purchasers were advised in their acquisition by Christopher Fordy of development consultancy Fordy Marshall.

Toby Cockcroft, director of Croft Residential, who represented the vendors, commented: “Grantley Hall really is a rare gem and with the Yorkshire property market being so buoyant at the moment, properties of its kind are becoming increasingly sought after.

“It will doubtless make the most fantastic hotel and be a great asset to the local economy.”