If there was any excuse to don my tweeds and roam around the countryside, Saltmarshe Hall is it!
I felt like doggy of the manor as I trotted up to the pretty Regency Grade II Listed building, which is set in 17 acres of stunning parkland and gardens near Howden, Yorkshire. The humans were already swooning like extras in a costume drama at the loveliness of the location and the understated elegance of the architecture and interior design. We all immediately made ourselves at home in Reedness, a cosy room with original features and contemporary accents like the bright yellow velvet armchair situated by one of two windows flooding light into the space.
Saltmarshe Hall has been in the ownership of only three families since 1067, and the current owners, Kate and Roland Whyte, have created one of the most relaxing and peaceful hotels we’ve ever visited. It’s easy to see why this is a premier wedding and events venue, as practically every inch of the stunning grounds, from the walled garden to the majestic sweep of the River Ouse, is totally Instagrammable. But when weddings aren’t happening, you can just kick back in a spot so tranquil you would actually think that you’d been transported into another, more civilised era. There seem to be no rules as far as dogs are concerned, and Saltmarshe Hall prides itself on being a dog-friendly wedding venue, so if you want your pet pooch to be a VIP in your nuptials, it’s a no-brainer. The bride and groom get dream backdrops for their wedding pics, and dogs get lots of lovely places to go walkies.
In the evening, we dine in the library, which is the option for those who don’t want to leave their pet pooch in the room. It’s divine with a French window overlooking the garden. I love it! At one point, the humans let me off my lead, and I got lost. Ending up in the kitchens. I wonder why? There was a bit of a kerfuffle, but it was nothing to bark about.
The restaurant menu isn’t extensive, but who needs that when the cooking is so good – although the vegetarian options are pretty limited which meant the non meat eater had a choice of soup or hummus starter. The latter was accompanied by the most delicious flatbread, so all was forgiven. For the carnivore, there was a pleasingly yummy ham hock terrine served up with mustard aioli and a home-made sourdough.
A homity pie with the addition of creamy leeks and a cheddar and mustard sauce was rich and unctuous, the pastry melting on the tongue, while lamb rump was a fine piece of meat that needed only Jerseys and stem broccoli to showcase its depth of flavour. The meal was rounded off with a sticky toffee pudding and a custard tart, both testament to the skills of Saltmarshe’s pastry chef.
The quality of ingredients made breakfast at the hall another highlight, especially as member of staff, Monica brought me a sausage.
Would we go back? Absolutely! Saltmarshe Hall is close to perfection, and prices for such gorgeousness are pretty reasonable. Judging how fabulous this place is, I wouldn’t be surprised if all the rooms get snapped up pronto, so I’ll be getting the hmans to book me in for another visit right now.
Peppa was a guest of Saltmarshe Hall: www.saltmarshehall.com
By Janet Reeder | Images Paul Morgans
