TV personality Sarah Beeny sells historic Rise Hall wedding venue in Yorkshire

Property developer and TV personality Sarah Beeny and her husband Graham Swift have sold Grade II*-listed Rise Hall to Yorkshire-based hospitality entrepreneurs Daniel and Helen Gill, with Stuart Ward remaining the resident manager.

Rise Hall is recorded in the Domesday Book and the estate was once owned by Richard III. More recently, the house was used as a convent school and fell into disrepair. Graham and Sarah bought Rise Hall back in 2001 and with a huge passion for British Heritage, relished the opportunity to not only rescue an important at-risk building but to also create a sustainable future for it. The couple's comprehensive renovation of the building as a family home and wedding venue was the subject of a Channel 4 documentary, Beeny's Restoration Nightmare in 2010.

"Historic England list 705 historic buildings that are currently at risk in England”, says Sarah. "Many of these buildings aren't appealing to investors because they won't turn a quick profit. The only way to ensure the survival of important buildings such as these is to give them a different purpose for the way in which we live today.

“Rise Hall has been a big part of our lives for the last 18 years and we are extremely proud of the work that we, together with an incredible team, have achieved to date, but it's time to move on. The fully restored Grade 2* listed Hall will now begin a new chapter in its life. We are thrilled to be passing it onto Dan and Helen who we feel are the perfect fit for such a very special place."

Dan and Helen will continue to operate the prestigious, 29- bedroom building as a luxury wedding and events venue. Dan and Helen are well-respected in the hospitality industry, having successfully built their company Dine into a £3m turnover business. Dine operates at luxury venues throughout the UK including its flagship venue, The Mansion at Roundhay Park in Leeds. They will work alongside the existing team at Rise Hall, including house manager Stuart Ward.

Graham and Sarah will still be very closely involved in the house as the new owners share their vision for the future. The years of experience and expertise in Hospitality Dan and Helen have will ensure that guests will enjoy an ever-improving experience at Rise Hall.

Dan Gill said: “We are thrilled to acquire this prestigious venue. Rise Hall is a stunning building with a rich history which will now begin a new chapter in its life under our guardianship. We have two decades of experience in luxury weddings and events so our couples and clients are in good hands. It's very much business as usual.

“Whilst Dine operates at a range of venues throughout the UK, this is the first venue that Helen and I own outright. Rise Hall has tremendous potential and we're keen to build on its reputation and create one of the UK's most exclusive and luxurious venues.”

For more information, visit www.risehall.com

Image: www.joelskinglephotography.co.uk