Plans announced to reopen the former Scalford Hall Country House Hotel
New owners have announced plans to reopen a luxury hotel near Melton Mowbray which has been vacant since its contract to house asylum seekers ended in early 2024.
The former Scalford Country House Hotel, which dates back to 1908 when it was built by Major William Dixon Mann-Thompson as a weekend hunting and fishing lodge, has been renamed The Vale of Belvoir.
It had financial issues for several years before used in 2021 to house hundreds of refugees from Afghanistan, who were fleeing the Taleban takeover of their country, with the government keen to help those who had helped British forces there.
The hotel owners then struck a private agreement the following year with the Home Office to provide temporary accommodation for people coming to the UK while their asylum application was decided.
It was not reopened to guests when that contract came to an end and the property and grounds became derelict.
The 81-bedroom hotel was put up for sale for £3.25million in May 2024.
The new owners have now posted on their Facebook page plans to reopen the historic property although it is not currently possible to book any rooms on their website.
The Facebook post states: “From 1 November 2026, we look forward to welcoming the local community to The Vale of Belvoir (formerly Scalford Hall).
“Our vision is to bring this beautiful estate back to life and make it a valuable asset for the people of Melton Mowbray and surrounding villages.
“We particularly welcome local charities, community groups and organisations looking for a venue to host events and activities.
“We are open to ideas, suggestions and partnerships.
"We want the community to help shape the future of this wonderful place.”
The Melton Times has contacted the new owners via their website for further information and is awaiting a response.
The building has a fascinating history – in the 1930s it was bought by Colonel Colman, of the Colman's mustard family, who was friends of the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII.
The prince had a scandalous courtship with American socialite Wallis Simpson, who regularly stayed at Scalford Hall – the large carved stone fireplace by the grand staircase was a gift from the Prince to Colonel Colman.