Fowberry Tower, arguably one of Northumberland’s most distinctive and architecturally significant country houses, has officially reopened following an inspired programme of restoration and careful stewardship.
This new chapter, led by Craig Marshall, Trustee of The Fowberry Foundation, marks a significant moment for North East heritage and hospitality. The Grade II* listed mansion, renowned for its stunning Strawberry Hill Gothic interiors, is now available for exclusive private hire, offering groups the rare opportunity to inhabit a historic country house in total privacy.
The Foundation, a registered charity established with the specific purpose of maintaining, protecting, and sustaining the house and its 40-acre estate for the long term, has revitalised the property with a focus on active, sensitive use as a living home. This approach ensures the future of the building through sustainable operation, while meticulously respecting its architectural integrity, historic character, and setting.
At the heart of the restoration is a commitment to experiential luxury. Guests are invited to step into a world of historic splendour, where the house’s past is woven into every detail.
Accommodation comprises eight individually styled en-suite bedrooms, blending period charm with modern comfort, alongside a series of magnificent reception and entertaining spaces.
The spectacular formal dining room, seating up to 16 guests, provides an unparalleled setting for celebrations, hosted dinners, and intimate private events. A large dining kitchen, fitted with an Aga and professional cooking ranges, offers a more relaxed, sociable setting for informal meals, cookery-led stays, and chef-hosted experiences.
Guests can retreat to the wood-panelled whisky room, designed for evening gatherings and tastings, or relax in elegant reception and sitting rooms, all featuring log burners and direct access to the lawns and surrounding grounds, allowing indoor and outdoor living to flow seamlessly throughout the seasons.
Craig Marshall, Trustee of The Fowberry Foundation, said: “Fowberry Tower has always been about stewardship rather than reinvention. The aim has been to return the house to meaningful use, generate income for its care, and allow people to experience it as it was intended – a welcoming, shared house at the centre of an estate. Every stay and every event contributes directly to the long-term preservation of this beautiful landscape and its ecological environment.”
The restoration extends beyond the stone walls to the estate’s productive land. The Foundation has completed its second successful year of producing single-orchard Fowberry Cider.
Crafted in partnership with Phil Elliott of Northumbria Cider, this artisan cider is delicate and clean, served exclusively at The Percy Arms in Chatton and the Old Chapel Cidery on the Etal Estate, with proceeds supporting the Foundation’s charitable objectives. Volunteers working on behalf of the charity have contributed extensively to orchard management, resulting in an excellent yield and outstanding quality.
Adding to the estate’s offering is Fowberry Cottage, which was updated in 2025 with the help of dedicated volunteers. Now a 4-star, two-bedroom retreat, the cottage offers direct access to the estate’s woodlands, where red squirrels, deer, and barn owls thrive. Guests can enjoy a scenic walk along the River Till via the newly coined “Tipsy Trail”, leading directly to the welcoming fires of The Percy Arms village pub.
Fowberry Tower, an exclusive hire country house in Northumberland is now welcoming enquiries for private group stays, hosted experiences, and intimate events throughout the year.
The house can be booked directly via www.fowberrytower.com or through Big House Experience. Fowberry Cottage is available to book through the website or via Airbnb.
