We were very lucky to be invited to the party of a great friend, held at the astonishingly beautiful Seaham Hall, on the north east coast, where, in January 1815, Lord Byron married Anne Isabella Milbanke. This association for an ex-English teacher, is just literary perfection.
The hotel itself is also perfection. Completely hidden from view on three sides, and overlooking the North Sea – which, when we stayed seriously looked like the Aegean, because it was so gloriously hot and sunny – you are guaranteed complete peace and quiet.
We were allocated The Garden Suite (No 4 if you ever decide to book), on the ground floor. It’s a very grand affair, with a living room, bedroom, huge bathroom and a private garden, with a very stylish eco hot-tub. Bliss! The bed is huge, with sumptuous white pillows – a lot of them! A lovely touch is the turning down of the duvet by staff at night and a pillow spray. The living room area is very large, with a deliciously comfy teale coloured velvet sofa. Pops of colour punctuate the room – pinks, yellows, blues – and complemented by butterfly wallpaper and motifs. French doors lead out onto the private garden and the secluded hot tub. I’ve never been a fan of hot tubs, always think them a bit naff, but this beauty from Naked Tubs, made from fully sustainable wood, changed my mind.
The bathroom is just the perfect place to relax, with its free standing bath with beautiful Victorian style shower head. Special little touches like candles, Elemis toiletries, rubber ducks etc just add to the experience. Towels are super large and fluffy, as are bath robes and the complimentary slippers. Attention to detail is exquisite.
For us, the only downside to our stay, was the overly complicated light system – we eventually went to bed leaving on the bathroom lights as we gave up in the end, trying to work out how to do it. (Maybe the party had affected our light switching off capabilities, but they are complicated. Honest!)
The Serenity Spa was investigated all-too-briefly the following morning and was beautiful. It is very peaceful and serene – maybe an area to investigate more closely in the future. The hotel does have restaurants – Byron’s and the Ozone – but as we were at a private party, our catering was slightly different. Afternoon Tea is also available, as well as a Beach Terrace Menu. Staff at the hotel are excellent – utterly professional, immediately helpful but unobtrusive. All in all, a gorgeous weekend, spent in the company of fabulous friends, in amazing surroundings in the glorious North East.