A lavish new wedding venue near Alnwick that's ever so slightly bonkers!

The spectacularly refurbished Charlton Hall.

These are the first impressions you get when walking around the newly renovated Charlton Hall, near Chathill.

This Grade II listed Georgian hall by architect William Newton was acquired by entrepreneur Richard Shell in May last year to be converted into a luxurious venue for private hire, parties and weddings.

He has enlisted largely local contractors to transform the country mansion and it will stand alongside his other wedding venue, Doxford Barns, which is just in view across farmland, as its naughty younger sister.

Interior designer Jo Aynsley of award-winning Jeffries Interiors in Edinburgh, who hails from Rothbury, has brought the place to life with bold colours, wacky wallpapers and modern design, sitting cheek by jowl with antiques to mix modernity with tradition. She has also introduced thought-provoking artwork and designer graffiti to create a speakeasy vibe that reflects a cheeky and vibrant personality behind the hall.

Logic says this jumbled collection of styles thrown together under one roof shouldn’t work, but somehow it does. In true Alice in Wonderland fashion, around every corner, there’s a surprise, whether its the hands that double as dressing gown hooks, the flamingo table lamp or the wallpaper on the ceiling.

Many of Charlton Hall’s original features which include a sweeping staircase, imposing doorways, baroque fireplaces and wooden flooring have been preserved in keeping with its heritage.

There are six ensuite bedrooms at Charlton Hall, each named after the younger members of Richard’s extended family. Downstairs, there’s a dining room, drawing room, library, bar and function room.

Outside, just across a courtyard, is a converted 18th century stone barn, formerly the stables, which now houses an amazing art deco ceremony hall draped in thousands of fairy lights that takes your breath away.

Furnished with transparent chairs, it will be licensed for civil ceremonies and has a capacity for 120 guests.

Charlton Hall will open in July 2018.