Venues

Von Essen heads North

Seaham Hall and The Serenity Spa (pictured above), and The Samling were acquired by von Essen hotels at the end of March '08, taking the group's private collection of hotels to 27.

Seaham Hall, the luxury hotel and spa resort, is located 20 minutes from Newcastle. An underground walkway links the hotel to The Serenity Spa, designed by Jocelyn Maxfield. The Serenity Spa's reputation as one of the UK’s top destination spas was reinforced by a "Best Spa for Style" accolade by The Sunday Times and "Best UK Spa Destination" by Condé Nast Traveller.

Seaham Hall also lays claim to being the only 5 star hotel in the North East and its acclaimed White Room restaurant is the only Michelin starred restaurant in the region.

The Samling is one of the Lake District's top luxury hotels as confirmed by the patronage of Tom Cruise and other A-list celebrities.

  The Lounge at The Samling

Its location among woodlands and landscaped gardens gives it one of the finest vistas in Cumbria and  it was built for its views some 200 years ago.

The Samling combines the informal air of a private house with leading levels of comfort and non-intrusive service. There are 11 suites divided between the house and adjacent buildings set into the hillside. All the rooms at The Samling are uniquely different with stunning views over Lake Windermere. Five of these rooms are in the main house while six have been fashioned out of the original cottages.

Von Essen’s portfolio includes notorious properties such as Cliveden in Berkshire and The Royal Crescent in Bath. Chairman, Andrew Davis, comments, "I am delighted with the acquisition of these two very special hotels, our first in 2008, which will complement our existing collection and expand the reach of von Essen into Northern England. Seaham Hall and The Samling are real treasures and we look forward to sharing them with our customers in the years to come."

RK  __________________________________