Gretna Hall gets a Makeover

Gretna Hall has stood in the heart of Gretna Green village for over 300 years and was made famous for hosting a series of high profile aristocratic marriages back in the 1800s. On 12th August 2016, the building was acquired by Gretna Green Ltd, our family run business, and a full rebrand and renovation of the historic building carried out.

Originally built in 1710 as a private manor house, Gretna Hall is set in 10 acres of beautiful gardens; the property boasts a total of 97 bedrooms and now offers all the character of a substantial historical building, with the comfort you would expect from a contemporary hotel.

Alasdair Houston, Chairman of Gretna Green Ltd, worked with award-winning, Carlisle based firm, Unwin Jones Partnership to create a contemporary environment, with modern amenities and public areas while remaining sensitive to the original building. Alasdair Houston commented:

“This ‘grand old lady’ had been showing her age after being rather unloved by previous owners before we were able to bring her back into the heart of our business at Gretna Green.  The historic building has a wonderful heritage which we wanted to celebrate, alongside creating the sort of timeless, stylish environment that our colleagues and guests deserve. Gretna Hall now complements our sister hotels and is another major step forward in the elevation of Gretna Green as a world-class, international destination for business, leisure and weddings.”

Gretna Hall’s interior design is a modern interpretation of a Scottish manor house. Using eclectic design shapes, plaid and plain fabric of various textures and a colour palette inspired by the Scottish countryside, the result is a comfortable and luxurious setting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our favourite features of the renovation include:

• Bespoke artwork featuring photographs, messages and historical images of the building, its visitors and romantic past.
• Custom-designed wallpaper inspired by the countless handwritten love notes and marriage proposals sent to the property through the ages.
• Individually designed bedroom suites featuring luxury amenities.
• Interior design elements including new furniture, wallpaper, carpeting, and lighting in all suites and public areas.
• Completely updated dining room and bar, offering a space to relax and unwind.

The original house now offers five individually designed bedroom suites, all named after famous aristocratic couples who wed at Gretna Hall during the 1800s:

• Wakefield Turner:  8th March 1826 – The infamous tale of Edward Gibbon Wakefield and Ellen Turner who Married at Gretna Hall causing scandal in Georgian England.

• Sheridan Grant: 17th May 1835 – Richard Brinsley Sheridan, grandson of the poet Sheridan, to Marcia Maria Grant, the only surviving child and heiress of Sir Colquhoun Grant of Frampton Court.

• Queensbury Clayton: On 28th May 1840 – Lord Archibald Drumlanrig, son and heir of the Marquis of Queensbury, to Caroline Clayton, daughter of General Sir William Robert Clayton.

• Ibbetson Villiers: 6th November 1844 – Captain Charles Park Ibbetson, to Lady Adela Corisande Maria Child Villiers, daughter of the Earl of Jersey.

• Bourbonne Smythe Junior: 7th May 1836 – Carlo Ferdinando Bourbonne, Prince of the Two Sicilies and Prince of Capua, to Penelope Cardine Smythe: Prince Carlo was a younger brother of Ferdinand II of Naples.

Come and see the transformation for yourself! Call 01461 338257 or email info@gretnahallhotel.com to make a booking or why not join us for a drink in our new lounge?