Matfen Hall, a luxury hotel, country estate, spa, and golf destination, has been awarded the title of ‘Best Countryside Hotel’ at the esteemed Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence for its 2025 edition, representing the UK, Europe, and the Mediterranean.
Located in the picturesque rolling hills of Northumberland, Matfen Hall stands out as the region’s first and only five-star hotel. It clinched this prestigious award amidst strong competition at a ceremony held in London on 4th November, attended by key figures from the hospitality sector.
This recognition comes after Matfen Hall received an AA five-star rating earlier this year, alongside the reopening of its beautifully revamped golf clubhouse and restaurant, The Keepers, which boasts views of the hotel’s breathtaking 27-hole Championship golf course. This latest accolade marks the second consecutive year Matfen Hall has been honored by Condé Nast Johansens, having previously won ‘Recently Renovated Hotel’ in 2024 following a significant renovation project.
The property maintains a perfect balance between a five-star experience and the warmth of a traditional country hotel. Spanning 300 acres of enchanting parkland, Matfen Hall radiates sophistication and quality, offering guests an unforgettable stay with five exquisite dining options and 63 accommodations, ranging from Classic Rooms to Luxury Suites.
The dedication of the Walwick Estate Group, the hotel’s owner, to providing unparalleled experiences resonates throughout Matfen Hall. Their significant investment endeavors have enhanced all aspects of the hotel, from leisure and golfing amenities to the spa and wellness areas.
James O’Donnell, Head of Commercial Development at Matfen Hall, stated: “In the past year, Matfen Hall has made remarkable progress, achieving the distinction of being Northumberland’s first and only five-star hotel, as well as the reopening of our modern golf clubhouse and dining venue – The Keepers. This honor from Condé Nast Johansens highlights the efforts and dedication of our owners and staff. We appreciate everyone who voted for us, and we will continue to strive for excellence to provide our guests with the highest-quality experiences.”
The Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence celebrate and reward outstanding quality in hotels, spas, and venues, serving as a trusted benchmark recognized by luxury travelers and hospitality professionals. The winners are determined based on a combination of online votes, guest reviews, and evaluations from the guide’s expert team throughout the previous year.