Stoke Rochford Hall, Lincolnshire

Check in: 14:00 (2:00pm) - 22:00 (10:00pm) (arrivals may be allowed outside this window if your travel plans can't be adjusted however this is subject to availability)

Check out: 08:00 (8:00am) - 10:00 (10:00am)

History

Christopher Turnor used Stoke Rochford Hall as his main residence but his son, Edmund Turnor (1838-1903), preferred the family’s other country house, Panton Hall at Wragby (demolished in 1964) choosing to let Stoke Rochford to tenants. For a time the house was rented by Harry Wyndham Jefferson, an accomplished sailor who won a gold medal at the 1900 Paris Olympic Games.

Stoke Rochford passed to his nephew and heir, Christopher Hatton Turnor (1873-1940) who genuinely cared for the house. Christopher Turnor was a J.P. and became Mayor of Grantham in 1928 where it became known as the man who originated the cheapest housing scheme in England with houses rented at 3s 9d per week and attracting the attention of local authorities from all over the country.

His death at Torquay in 1940 coincided with the requisition of Stoke Rochford Hall by the War Department. For 18 months it became the headquarters of the Second Battalion of the Parachute Regiment and legend says the ill-fated Arnhem ‘drop’ of 1944 was conceived in the library.

The heir to the Stoke Rochford estate was Major Herbert Broke Turnor but he would never live at the house. Instead, the house was leased to Kesteven County Council in 1948 and used as a teacher training college.  The estate would eventually pass to Alistair McCorquodale and his wife Rosemary, daughter of Major Turnor, in 1954.

The teacher training college closed in 1978 and the lease was sold to the National Union of Teachers (NUT) as a National Education and Conference Centre.

In January 2005 Stoke Rochford Hall was almost lost forever. A fire started in the roof behind the clock tower but the cause was never established. Over a hundred firefighters pumped water from the lake for over four hours before having to retreat for safety. The wood-panelled Grand Hall and library were lost as floors caved in and most of the interior of the south side of the building was destroyed. Fortunately, several pieces of priceless furniture, paintings and antiques were saved.

The house was restored between 2005 and 2008 at a cost of £12 million and overseen by English Heritage. To the casual observer, the result is impressive. No traces of the fire remain and the Grand Hall and Library have regained their grandeur.

Stoke Rochford Hall was used by the NUT as a hotel and conference centre for 38 years. Parts of the interior looked institutionalised, and it never quite pulled it off as a high-class hotel, but the house is a fine example of Victorian architecture. Less can be said for the approach to the hall which is spoilt by unsightly modern additions.

In 2016 the 999-year lease was sold to Talash Hotels Ltd. The Stoke Rochford estate is owned by Neil McCorquodale, the son of Alistair and Rosemary.

Food & beverage

Menus are always innovative and reflect fresh seasonal produce. Ingredients are of the utmost quality, many are sourced locally, with fresh herbs, vegetables and soft fruits supplied from Stoke Rochford’s own Kitchen Garden. First-class cuisine, attentive service and elegant surroundings make every occasion special.

Grounds & Gardens

Set in the midst of stunning landscaped gardens, Stoke Rochford Hall is perfect for taking a stroll, explore the property's secret garden or even stop to see the free-roaming sheep. 

Other facilities

• Whether guests follow a rigorous exercise regime or just wish to relax and unwind. independently managed, evolution & fitness based at Stoke Rochford Hall is the place to be.
• Facilities are available exclusively to residents and club members, creating a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.
• 18-hole golf course with beautiful views.
• Free parking on site