World-famous Yorkshire Grade II listed mansion ‘rises’ from ruin and opens for business
New life and new purpose have been breathed into a world-famous Yorkshire Grade II listed stately home, securing its future, jobs and much-needed knock-on revenue for local businesses, with its £1.6m acquisition by award-winning events specialist, Dine.
Rise Hall, near Beverley, which was acquired by company founders, Daniel and Helen Gill six months ago from TV property expert Sarah Beeny, has undergone a hugely ambitious programme of restoration and renovation, pulling it up to the luxurious standards of the other venues in Dine’s unique portfolio and adding an eye-watering £200,000 to the sale price so far.
Daniel and Helen have secured additional funding to continue the restoration of Rise Hall, taking Dine’s investment in the property to more than half a million pounds over the next 12 months.
Extensive works have been completed to unprecedented timescales with standout upgrades including the creation of a brand-new bridal suite, at a cost of £35,000, and the hanging of a £5,000 striking chandelier in the entrance hall. With 3,000 individually fitted crystals, experts painstakingly installed the chandelier over seven days. Over £8,500 was dedicated to the installation of a Spanish marble shower in the famous Swift Suite.
Rise has also seen the restoration and refurbishment of its stunning orangery, the main function room, that came in at £120,000. Meanwhile, restocking the 6,000-book capacity library with volumes that match its original Regency décor, while installing ultra-efficient heating systems, high-speed 4G connections and USB charging points throughout demonstrate the attention to detail paid to both original features and 21st century demands.
Now, after recruiting a number of electricians, carpet layers, decorators and restorers and other specialist tradespeople, who clocked up more than 200 hours on the custom renovation within three weeks of work starting, Rise Hall is open for weddings, corporate events and private hire functions. Each can be tailored to the host’s every precise requirement.
Daniel Gill said: “In restoring a near ruin to its former glories Sarah created a terrific legacy, but also set us a huge challenge; taking Rise Hall to the next level by making it one of the world’s finest luxury wedding and private hire venues – and Yorkshire’s largest for private hire.
“Our mission is to create an unforgettable, unique experience, without any compromise, for every occasion. To do this, we must lead a constantly evolving market – both staying abreast of trends challenging our own ideas, while delivering reassuring ‘high-end constants’.”
“Whatever event our clients host, they expect matchless excellence in service, function rooms and bedrooms, dining and surroundings.”
However, it is an expensive business to be an industry leader. Dine’s investment figures will be matched every year by the £213,000 costs to maintain the 97-room mansion. Daniel admits keeping it up to the high standards expected from Dine’s discerning clientele is a never-ending process.
Helen Gill added: “It really is like painting the Forth Railway Bridge – if we were ever to reach a point of completion, it would be time to start all over again!”
Meanwhile, the couple have added more projects to their To Do list, as previously untouched areas are being considered for redevelopment. First among these are the beautiful courtyard outbuildings and stables, earmarked to house agri-businesses that will complement Rise Hall – such as smokehouses and upscale rural craft outlets – creating more jobs for the area.
To enquire about booking a wedding or corporate event at Rise Hall, as well as donating original books for the library renovation, contact 0345 450 4545 or events@dine.co.uk