Melton Road, Melton Mowbray, LE14

EXCLUSIVE VIEWING DAY - SATURDAY 17TH - STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

*** For Sale by Informal Tender ***
Best and Final Offers Invited by 12:00 noon on Sunday 25 January

A grand Edwardian country estate with royal provenance, exceptional scale, and unrivalled potential in the heart of Leicestershire.

Nestled within the rolling green countryside near the historic market town of Melton Mowbray, Scalford Hall is far more than a country house, it is an estate deeply woven into the fabric of British social and royal history.

Originally constructed in 1908 by Major Mann Thompson as a prestigious hunting lodge, the house quickly established itself as a discreet retreat for the well-connected elite. Its legacy was further elevated in 1944 when it was acquired by Colonel Colman of the famous Colman’s Mustard family. A keen sportsman and confidant of royalty, Colonel Colman used Scalford Hall as a private weekend escape, hosting influential guests for hunting, fishing, and society gatherings.

Among its most notable visitors was King Edward VIII, who stayed at Scalford Hall during his discreet courtship of Wallis Simpson. The estate offered the couple rare privacy away from royal duties and public scrutiny. A striking and ornate fireplace, gifted personally by the King, still takes pride of place in the main dining room, an enduring symbol of the property’s royal connection.

Colonel Colman remained in residence until his death in 1969. Thereafter, Scalford Hall transitioned into a highly successful country house hotel. For decades, it flourished as a sought-after destination for weddings, corporate events, and leisure stays, renowned for its character, expansive grounds, and ability to host up to 600 guests within its on-site marquee.

Now closed, yet brimming with opportunity, Scalford Hall represents a rare chance to revive and reimagine a historic estate of genuine scale and pedigree.

The Property
Set within approximately 8.2 acres of picturesque countryside, the estate is approached via a winding country lane off Melton Road, creating a memorable and scenic arrival.

The original Edwardian manor is an elegant example of early 20th-century architecture, constructed in brick beneath pitched roofs, with stone-mullioned windows, timber-framed gables, and balanced proportions throughout.

Complementing the historic core are modern two- and three-storey extensions, ancillary buildings, and substantial guest accommodation. This combination provides exceptional flexibility for repositioning as a luxury hotel, private estate, spa retreat, or boutique retirement village (subject to planning).

Internally, the property extends to approximately 35,000 sq ft arranged over four floors: basement, ground, first, and second. The layout includes a variety of reception rooms, multiple dining spaces, and 81 letting bedrooms.

The public areas retain their traditional charm. Guests enter via a welcoming reception leading into the Colman Room, ideal for private dining or events. The main restaurant and lobby accommodate approximately 150 covers, centred around the King’s fireplace. The adjacent Belvoir Room previously served as an overflow dining space, while the former Morning Room offers flexibility for conversion into a café, bar, or informal dining area.

Grounds & External Areas
The grounds are expansive and peaceful, bordered by mature trees and open countryside, and include:
- A large dedicated car park
- Quorn Lodge staff accommodation (five-bedroom upper floor)
- A marquee site capable of hosting up to 600 guests
- Landscaped lawns, walkways, and tranquil rural outlooks

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

Location & Connectivity
Despite its private and secluded setting, Scalford Hall enjoys excellent connectivity. Melton Mowbray is just 5 minutes away, while Leicester, Nottingham, and Grantham are all within 20 miles. Stamford lies less than 25 miles away.

Road links include easy access to the A46, A1, and M1, while Melton Mowbray railway station provides regular East Midlands Railway services to Leicester in under 20 minutes.

Nearby attractions drawing significant annual footfall include:
- Belvoir Castle (10 miles)
- Belton House (21 miles)
- Twinlakes Park (3.4 miles)
- The forthcoming Grantham Designer Outlet Village (opening 2025), projected to attract 3.5 million visitors annually

The Opportunity
This is a blank canvas with a historic soul. The structure is sound, the setting compelling, and the story already half written.

Potential options include:
- Reconfiguring single rooms into larger double or deluxe suites
- Introducing spa and wellness facilities (STP)
- Reimagining the marquee and grounds for premium events and seasonal experiences
- Developing ancillary spaces into suites, studios, or meeting facilities
- Reviving the established wedding and corporate events business
- Operating as a luxury hotel, private hire estate, or boutique retreat

With freehold ownership and no listed status, Scalford Hall offers rare freedom to create something truly exceptional.

Contact Crests Estates today to arrange your private viewing and discover everything this remarkable property has to offer.