Macdonald Linden Hall Stay & Play Review

Review by Golfshake Ambassador Rob Treanor

Macdonald Linden Hall is a country house hotel with an 18 hole Championship golf course and luxury spa. Situated in Northumberland, it is only a short distance from both the stunning coastline as well as the Scottish border. The venue opened in its current guise in 1997, making 2022 its 25th anniversary. Given this significant milestone, the venue is in celebratory mood with rumours that famed course designer Jonathan Gaunt will return to the venue where he designed the Championship Course. Golfshake Ambassador Rob Treanor stopped by in June 2022 to experience it all for himself.

Macdonald Linden Hall is sited within 450 acres of grounds. The historic and intimate Georgian mansion house was originally built in 1812 by a merchant banker and would have been a breathtaking residence. Accessed by a half mile long drive through manicured surrounds, the impressive columns fronting the main entrance set the scene for the classy and elegant interior.

Accommodation

The intimate and luxurious hotel has a selection of room styles to suit all budgets. These tasteful and resting spaces are situated inside the mansion house, meaning all the amenities are close by. The choice of room style begins with the classy and contemporary standard, ranging up to the decadent super deluxe, though all carry an air of elegance. There is also a historic ambience about throughout the hotel owing to the retention of many of its original grand features.

Food & Drink

The impressive foyer is the gravitational centre of the mansion and features comfy seating to read the morning papers or as a convenient meeting place. Adjacent is the sophisticated Monck cocktail bar, named after the designer of the original Georgian mansion. This delightful and welcoming space is the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink, serving an experience that is borderline regal.

The hotel’s Dobson restaurant continues the elegant and upmarket theme with lavish décor and fine cuisine. Main courses include pan seared duck, slow braised beef cheek and oven cook cod loin. This is an establishment which understands and delivers high quality food.

Quite uniquely, the hotel has also recently opened an on-site pub just a moment’s walk from reception. The Linden Tree pub offers a more informal experience, featuring a classy conservatory and delightful walled courtyard for the warmer months. The food is everything you would expect from a pub including classics such as fish and chips, burgers and steaks. There is a dedicated children’s menu and even an impressive playground, a feature which will delight knowing parents and appease children with energy to burn!

Facilities

In keeping with the Macdonald brand, the impressive spa has all the modern amenities for a relaxing trip. The luxurious 18-metre pool is illuminated by blue mood lighting, creating a very grown up ambiance. The grand jacuzzi is framed by columns in keeping with the style of the hotel. Other options for relaxation include a sauna and steam room collection, or for those with more energy, a well-appointed fitness suite is also available.

The manicured grounds of the hotel include guided walks which show off some real horticultural skill. A hidden extended archway, which finishes a walk at the front of the hotel, is perhaps the highlight, though the formal gardens to the rear near the conservatory are also picture perfect. Linden Hall delivers relaxation and escapism, and quite emphatically too.

Summary

The historic Linden Hall is a charming, luxurious and sophisticated retreat with an impressive set of on-site facilities. The elegant and tranquil setting is complemented by the stylish interior of the grand mansion house. The addition of the excellent Linden Tree pub offer guests an alternative atmosphere and food offering, meaning an extended break can include plenty of variety.

For fine food, fine golf and a restful retreat, Linden Hall is the perfect venue. Visit https://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/linden-hall for more information.