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Hall opens to public for first time in 300 years

Andrew Crozier/Insight Photography David and Linda Kilburn stand outside Hotham Hall in East Yorkshire. Mr Kilburn is wearing navy shoes, jeans and jumper with a light blue shirt. Mr Kilburn is wearing pink floral dress.Andrew Crozier/Insight Photography
David and Linda Kilburn says they have invested about £12m into the Hotham Hall estate since 2020

A Grade II* listed, 18th Century stately home in East Yorkshire is to open to the public for the first time in its 300-year history after undergoing a major restoration.

Hotham Hall, in the village of Hotham, was built in 1720 and stands on an 117-acre estate.

It was bought in 2020 by entrepreneurs, David and Linda Kilburn, who have restored the grounds and surrounding gardens.

The couple intend to live at the property but have also revealed plans to hire the venue for weddings and events as well as develop a health spa, bakery and other attractions.

Hotham Hall Estate An aerial view of the Hotham Hall estate with the main driveway, house and landscaped gardens.Hotham Hall Estate
Hotham Hall was built in 1720 and stands on a 117-acre estate

According to Historic England, Grade II* buildings are "particularly important buildings of more than special interest".

The Kilburns, who founded a builders' merchant, were aware of the estate before it came on the market and bonded with the previous owners over a shared interest in antiques.

Mrs Kilburn said: "We used to walk through the park and look at this house and think I wonder who lives there and wouldn't it be amazing to live in a house like that?

"Now we do and we almost have to pinch ourselves every day to make sure it's real."

Andrew Crozier/Insight Photography The grand entrance to Hotham Hall. A tradition fireplace is surrounded by oil paintings and antique furniture. The walls are blue with a stone floor covered with a blue, pink and cream rug.Andrew Crozier/Insight Photography
The estate will be used as a family home but also as wedding and events venue

Renovation work started a year after Mr and Mrs Kilburn completed the purchase of the estate with the cost so far standing at an estimated £12m.

The first phase involved removing all of the flooring to install new services such as water, gas and electricity.

Mrs Kilburn said: "I don't think we realised how big a project it was but before we knew it we couldn't go backwards.

"Each room has a personality. It is so historic and there wasn't much to change in some ways because the beautiful ceilings and panelling was intact.

"All that was needed was a fresh, modern twist."

Andrew Crozier/Insight Photography The "Oak Room" at Hotham Hall. The entire room is covered in dark wood panelling. A traditional fire place is in the centre of the image with a colourful painting of a female face hanging above it. There are two blue sofas with red trim in the room and both have colourful cushions on top of them.Andrew Crozier/Insight Photography
Mrs Kilburn said each room has its own personality and was styled to have a 'fresh, modern twist'

Mrs Kilburn, who describes herself as the hall's "custodian", said she hoped future development at the estate would create local jobs and allow future generations to enjoy it.

Future plans include the creation of a luxury spa, private members’ club, additional events space and further accommodation.

It is hoped the next phase of the project would be complete by 2026.

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