Melton Road, Melton Mowbray, LE14

Scalford Hall - A Royal Retreat Reimagined

Where Edwardian elegance meets modern opportunity in the heart of Leicestershire.

Tucked away in the rolling green hills near the market town of Melton Mowbray, Scalford Hall is more than a country house, it is a property woven into the fabric of British history.

Originally built at the turn of the 20th century by Major Mann Thompson as a luxurious hunting lodge, the estate quickly became a quiet escape for the well-connected and the well-heeled. Its legacy deepened in 1944, when it was acquired by Colonel Colman, a prominent member of the Colmans Mustard family. A keen sportsman and friend to royalty, Colman used the estate as a weekend retreat for hunting and fishing, hosting some of the most notable figures of his time.

Among his guests was none other than Edward VIII, who famously visited the house during his discreet courtship of Wallis Simpson. The couple found in Scalford Hall a rare refuge, away from royal duties and public scrutiny. In fact, a beautifully ornate fireplace gifted by the King himself still stands proudly in the dining room today, a regal reminder of the estates noble past.

Colonel Colman remained at the property until his death in 1969, after which the hall evolved into a successful country house hotel. For decades, it thrived as a sought-after wedding and events venue, known for its character, sprawling grounds, and capacity to host up to 600 guests in its on-site marquee. It also welcomed corporate clients and leisure guests alike, drawn by the charm and serenity of the estate.

Now, closed but full of promise, Scalford Hall presents a rare opportunity for revival.

The Property
Set within approximately 8.2 acres of picturesque countryside, the estate is accessed by a winding country lane off Melton Road, offering a scenic arrival experience. The main Edwardian house is a timeless example of early 20th-century architecture: brick-built under pitched roofs, with stone-mullioned windows, timber-framed gables, and elegant proportions throughout.

In addition to the original manor house, the site features modern two- and three-storey extensions, ancillary buildings, and a substantial guest accommodation footprint, making it an ideal canvas for repositioning as a luxury hotel, private estate, spa retreat, or even a boutique retirement village (STP).

Internally, the estate spans 35,000 sq ft across four levels: basement, ground, first, and second floor. The layout includes a mix of reception rooms, multiple dining areas, and 81 letting bedrooms. The main house offers 27 rooms, an elegant combination of doubles, suites, and singles, while the remainder are located across the adjacent ‘200’ bedroom block and Scalford Lodge.

The public spaces retain a traditional charm. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a warm reception area, leading into the Colman Room, ideal for private events and intimate functions. The main restaurant and lobby seat approximately 150 guests, with the Kings fireplace acting as a focal point. Adjacent to this space is the Belvoir Room, formerly used as an overflow dining space. The Morning Room, once a breakfast lounge, offers flexibility for conversion into a café, cocktail bar, or casual dining space.

Grounds & External Areas
The grounds are expansive, bordered by mature trees and open countryside, and feature:

- A large car park
- Staff accommodation in the form of Quorn Lodge (5-bed upper floor)
- A marquee site for up to 600 guests
- Beautiful lawns, walkways, and a tranquil rural outlook

Infrastructure & Services
- Biomass heating system (on RHI scheme until 2035)
- LPG gas for kitchen operations
- Borehole-fed water system with 27,000L insulated storage tanks
- Septic tank for waste treatment
- Premises licence in place
- All fixtures and fittings included and owned by the freeholder

Location & Connectivity
Despite its seclusion, Scalford Hall is well connected. Just 5 minutes from Melton Mowbray, it lies equidistant from Leicester, Nottingham, and Grantham (all within 20 miles). The picturesque town of Stamford is also less than 25 miles away.

Road access is excellent, with proximity to the A46, A1, and M1. The nearest train station in Melton Mowbray offers regular service to Leicester in under 20 minutes via East Midlands Railway.

Nearby attractions, many of which draw tens of thousands of visitors annually, include:

- Belvoir Castle (10 miles)
- Belton House (21 miles)
- Twinlakes Park (3.4 miles)

The forthcoming Grantham Designer Outlet Village (2025), projected to attract 3.5 million visitors per year

The Opportunity
This is a blank canvas with a historic soul. The bones are strong. The location is compelling. The story is already half-written.

The opportunity here is vast:

Convert single rooms into larger double or deluxe accommodations
Add spa and wellness facilities (STP)
Reimagine the marquee and grounds for luxury events or seasonal programming
Develop the unused ancillary spaces into suites, meeting rooms, or creative studios
Revive the estates wedding and corporate business
Operate as a private hire venue, full-service hotel, or boutique retreat
With no listed status to limit imagination and full freehold ownership, Scalford Hall is perfectly poised for rebirth.

Summary of Key Facts:
- Year Built: 1908 | Renovated: 2019
- Total Area: 35,000 sq ft
- Site Area: 8.2 acres
- No. of Rooms: 81
- Tenure: Freehold
- Car Parking Ratio: 3.42/1,000 sq ft
- Planning: Not listed | Huge development flexibility

Don’t Miss Out, contact Crests Estates today to secure your private appointment and explore everything this exceptional home has to offer.