Seaham Hall celebrates 25 years as a five-star clifftop retreat

Some hotels have a history; Seaham Hall has several. The Georgian house on the County Durham coast has been a family home, a wartime hospital, a secret whisky depot and a sanatorium. This year it is celebrating 25 years as one of the UK's most iconic five-star hotel and spa destinations.

The hall was built in 1791 by Ralph and Judith Milbanke. It was here, in 1815, that the poet Lord Byron married Anne Isabella Milbanke, and their daughter Ada Lovelace would become a pioneer of computing. In 1821 the estate was sold for £63,000 to Charles Vane, whose family went on to develop the harbour town of Seaham.

The 20th century brought many changes. The house served as a military hospital during the First World War, and after its contents were auctioned in 1922 it became a secret Scotch whisky bottling and distribution centre during US Prohibition. From 1927 it was a tuberculosis sanatorium, and in 1952 the Reverend Paul Wigfield started what is described as the first hospital radio service there, called Radio Therapy.

The house first welcomed hotel guests in 1985, and under later owners it was transformed into the luxury retreat known today. Since 2012 it has been owned by an independent hospitality group, and it is a member of PoB Hotels, a collection of independent hotels across the British Isles.

Guests can choose from suites that nod to the past, such as the Ada Lovelace Suite and the Milbanke Suite, or coastal lodges with private hot tubs. The Serenity Spa is described as "an oasis of rejuvenation inspired by the soothing traditions of the Far East", with treatments, classes and facilities for both residents and day visitors.

To mark its 25th year, the hotel has created a programme called 25 Years in the Making, with anniversary stays, events and an Autumn Spa Stay offer, perfect for a restorative break as the nights draw in. The hotel also counts Durham cricketer Ben Stokes as a brand ambassador.

Seaham Hall is on Lord Byron's Walk, a short drive from Sunderland and Durham. Rooms, spa days and anniversary offers can be booked on the Seaham Hall website.