by Tradition, it seems, is not everything. While most major golf institutions strive for acclaim and a legacy that can only be built over time, it’s refreshing to see Close House demonstrate that newer venues can make a name for themselves relatively quickly.
For a resort that opened its doors in 2011, this bucolic spot nestled in the rolling hills of Northumberland has quickly acquired a reputation as one of the best stay and play experiences for golfers in England, a status we have found more than justified. our visit.
Where is it?
Close House is an eight mile drive from Newcastle city centre. The venue is set in the extensive grounds of the Grade II listed property, proudly overlooking it all from atop one of the estate’s many hills.
During our stay, we found the setting to be luxurious and elegant, while remaining accessible and non-intimidating for golfers of all abilities. This is due to the relaxed atmosphere fostered by the welcoming and helpful staff; the site is only 12 years old and thankfully the stifling golf course practices are one of the habits they have clearly decided not to adopt.
Which room?
The idyllic courtyard that houses most of the Close House rooms was floodlit when we arrived at dusk, and the charming set-up proved to be one of the real highlights of our Close House experience.
The double room was spacious and furnished to a very high standard, filled with furnishings that raised it to a standard far above the average golf trip. The open plan space was spacious, with wooden beams running along the ceilings, integrating tradition with contemporary furnishings. We’d best describe the aesthetic as an update of classic British country house style, with a nod to the history and character of the 18th century site.
The real hero was the lavish bathroom, with a freestanding bath that may be the nicest I’ve ever seen, although that may have been due to the beating we received from the weather on the golf course that day. Underfloor heating and a decadent shower added to the experience.
He made for an exceptionally comfortable stay, in a lovely setting. After a good night’s sleep, the orange glow of the sun rising over the ground helped us get up for breakfast at 7:30 and make our tee time in the sun shortly after.
Courtyard rooms aren’t the only options. The lodge found in the former gatehouse offers more luxurious accommodation. It has a lounge with cast iron wood burning stove, breakfast kitchen, two en suite bedrooms and private garden with Jacuzzi.
The pavilion accommodation offers another option for visitors looking to push the boat out, with a cottage housing two en-suite bedrooms, an open-plan lounge, dining area and terrace.
Food beverage
The No. 19 bar-restaurant is an elegant building in the center of the estate. It’s the most striking on the site – think lots of sleek lines and glass panels – and overlooks the first tee of the Filly course and the pond at the center of the estate. The balcony bordering the main dining room was a rather dreamy spot for a drink – a pint of Guinness in the low winter sun, looking down on the first tee box at the Filly was a delightful way to end the journey on day two of the our visit.
Our trip to the restaurant was much needed after our test game on the Colt and we found a very welcoming atmosphere upon arrival. The food is contemporary British – think pub classics made to a very impressive standard – and good value for money.
There was real sophistication and indulgence to the starter of cheese soufflé, whilst the main courses of mussels and lamb were plentiful and beautifully presented.
Breakfast can make or break mornings of golf trips (providing energy for another 18 holes or helping with hangovers acquired the night before), and Close House’s offering didn’t disappoint. There were still plenty of basic options done to a good standard, with table service and food included in your room booking.
Extracurricular
Golf, of course, is the draw here. Close House boasts two 18-hole courses, including the Lee Westwood Colt Course, which hosted the British Masters in 2017 and 2020, a major event on the DP World Tour.
The Colt was the single toughest test of golf my guest and I have experienced, not least due to the conditions. Gusts at 40mph straight in the face for most of the round didn’t help but, even on the most perfect summer morning, it’s serious golf that would challenge anyone.
On paper, it’s not a particularly long course (even off the back tees it’s 7,000 yards shorter) but the steep grades on the fairways and robust prevailing winds made it feel a full 1,000 yards longer.
The course, designed by Scott Macpherson and endorsed by pro Lee Westwood, is true to the rural landscape and sits naturally in the hilly landscape. Though well cared for and conditioned, it never feels overly constructed or contrived. Even the short walls facing the 18-hole greens on Colt and Filly courses look like they’ve been there for hundreds of years, and there’s a pleasant rusticity to the undulating fairways and punishing fairway bunkers. The condition was consistently excellent throughout, especially for the time of year we played it, and the greens were fast and pure.
It’s worth mentioning that one ride on the Colt will take it away from you. Some will certainly benefit from using a stroller to zip up the steep inclines of the second, fifth, seventh and tenth holes. However, you get your reward for making it to the top of the various hills, with beautiful downhill fairways like the 13th making for incredibly inviting tee shots. The tee boxes are also perfect places to take in the stunning panoramic views across the Northumberland countryside.
Down in the valley below is the Filly, which we played on the second day of our stay. It is mercifully flat compared to the hilly Colt and offered a much more relaxed and forgiving experience on a perfectly clear day.
The experience complements the Colt well, with far more scoring opportunities for weekend warriors like us. The course can still challenge players, especially if you end up in the big fairway bunkers, and there’s plenty of character on holes like the sixth and eighth, both of which require careful approach shots over the water to find the green. The views aren’t that spectacular, but the holes that go back to the restaurant and Close House are still very pleasant.
The site also offers a nine hole pitch and putt course as well as a PGA learning center with excellent facilities and a smart driving range equipped with Trackman technology at the bays. Players can also warm up their short game on two immaculate putting greens, before cleaning up in a lovely locker room with free towels after the round.
Golf, then, is more than taken care of; the venue is clearly designed with an emphasis on providing excellent options for players looking for a memorable golf weekend. They succeeded in spades.
Our only reservation would be the suitability of the place for non-golf enthusiasts. The rooms are stunning and the restaurant is a very pleasant place to spend the evening. Every facility offered by the venue is of an excellent standard, but some guests may wish there was a gym or spa.
We’d rather focus on what the venue has to offer, and for golfers looking to book a short break and play one of the best courses England has to offer in stunning surroundings, Close House is a stunning option well worth the look of anyone.
Details
Dinner, bed and breakfast for two and a round of golf on each course for both guests are priced at £560 per room in the summer season (1st April – 31st October). In the winter season (1 November – 31 March), bed and breakfast rates are £149 per room, which does not include golf.
For guests who just want to play a round of golf, the Colt course costs £200 per person in the summer and £100 in the winter. The Filly course costs £100 per person in the summer and £50 in the winter.
Close House, Heddon on the Wall, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE15 0HT; closehouse. com
