John and Liz Thorold are delighted to welcome visitors as their guests at Marston Hall. Enjoy the experience of staying in a unique house, with a great atmosphere and a fascinating 1,000 year history. Marston Hall is 5 miles north of Grantham (London's Kings Cross is an hour away by train) and only 1.5 miles off the A1.
What makes a stay at Marston Hall unique?
To stay at Marston Hall is a unique experience, as it is one of the oldest domestic buildings in the country. The original house was built on this site around 1033 - before the Conquest - and has been in the Thorold family since 1380. If guests are interested in history, this house is not be missed. On request, John Thorold will give guests a full tour of the house and regale them with many fascinating stories of its history.
What are the rooms and facilities on offer at Marston Hall?
There are two double rooms available. The Yellow Bedroom is a spacious double room, which can be configured as a twin room, decorated in traditional style with antique furniture and family portraits on the walls. There is a large en-suite bathroom and both rooms have views of the front garden, with the church beyond. The Ivory Room has twin beds and a view over the south garden and beyond to the hills. This room has sole use of a private bathroom, with a large window overlooking the garden and a whirlpool spa bath. Guests have exclusive use of the Great Hall, with its magnificent fireplace and three large comfortable sofas. Breakfast, with local ingredients, is served in the red dining room.
What can guests enjoy when staying in the Grantham area?
Marston is well-placed for visiting a number of local places of interest. Belton House is only 10 minutes away, and Lincoln, with its magnificent Cathedral and Castle is within easy reach, as are Belvoir Castle,Isaac Newton's house at Woolsthorpe, Southwell Minster and the market town of Newark. The attractive medieval town of Stamford and Burghley House are 40 minutes away. Rutland Water with its nature reserves, water sports and cycling, is 40 minutes' drive. The surrounding country is open farmland, with long vistas and wonderful skies. It's perfect for a relaxing break and the ideal spot from which to explore this hidden part of England.
Where can guests enjoy food and drink?
Afternoon tea with homemade cake is available in the Great Hall by prior arrangement. There are a number of excellent local pubs, hotels and restaurants, so there is a good choice of places to eat. The Brownlow Arms at Hough-on-the-Hill is only 10 minutes away, and The Stag at Barkston is closer still. Both are family-run, serving excellent food using local produce. Otherwise, there are bigger and grander establishments nearby, such as Belton Woods Hotel and further afield on Rutland Water, Hambledon Hall.
Other Information
If guests would like to see Lincolnshire from the air, John Thorold is an experienced pilot, with his own four-seater aircraft and he would be happy to take them on a trip to see the Wolds, or to the Coast where the Pilgrim's Fathers left to set sail for America. Price on application.
