Dunston Hall

A first class Resort, just south of Norwich.

The 6,275 yard, par 71 course has one of the most majestic settings for a golf resort in the UK the course meanders beautifully around an Elizabethan-style mansion, which was built in the mid-nineteenth century and then fully restored, much more recently, by De Vere Hotels. The estate extends to over 150 acres and the magnificent parkland course is in near perfect condition, with superb USGA specification greens.

The mansion has been comprehensively extended and is now home to a major hotel and leisure club, health spa and conference facilities. A 22 bay range and extensive short game areas complete the golf experience Dunston Hall is now a golfing venue which offers something for everyone.

The golf facility was started by Mark Shaw and his family in the mid-nineties they developed the business to such an extent that it was sold to De Vere Hotels just over a decade ago.

Peter Briggs has been the lead PGA professional at Dunston Hall since the start, and he spoke to GolfResortsDirect,

'The complex has changed enormously since I first came here. We started with a small golf range, then added the first nine holes, then the second, with the whole facility being developed to a very high standard by the original owner, and now the De Vere Group. It is a very friendly place to work at, and also to be a member of, and has not lost any of its charm as it has developed into a major complex - I think that is one of the reasons why we have so many people returning annually for a golf holiday from all across the UK and Europe.'

Also on the professional staff for Dunston Hall are Richard Tidy, Oliver Barnes and Stephen Chick, who are in the PGAs training programme. Richard has a very varied job and he is responsible for golf sales, as well as heading the teaching at the complex. He explains,

'It is a very varied job, which I relish. We have plenty of golfers to teach and a great range and course on which to ply our trade. The shop is busy and we also get very involved in marketing the resort to other clubs across the country. I personally invite most club captains and lady captains to bring a group to us for a golf break, which this has been particular successful with many clubs.'

De Vere have had very strong links with golf for many years and became synonymous with the game after hosting the 1985 Ryder Cup - the year Tony Jacklins European team ended the USAs 28 year winning streak. Since then, the De Vere group has continued to host events on many of their courses, including the Ladies Scottish Open in 2007 and 2008 on the Championship Carrick course at Cameron House. Slaley Hall also welcomed the De Vere Collection PGA Seniors in the last three years, 2008, 2009 and 2010, while in September 2009 The Carrick hosted the PGA Cup.

It is possible that there will be more new academies in the group, like the new Nike Golf Academy at Oulton Hall. The range at Dunston already uses Nike balls, with the rest of the equipment supplied by European Golf Machinery (EGM), which is not surprising given that they are based just a few miles away in Ipswich. The range was built in the early 1990s by Leigh Frames (a company now owned by EGM) and has one of the best outfields possible, with the range surrounded by mature conifers, which not only diminish any glare from the range lighting, but also provide a realistic fairway setting and a very pleasant backdrop for those practising or learning on the range.

The short game area and putting greens allow for all sorts of tuition and practise for golfers of all abilities. There is a large fleet of buggies for those that need or want them, and if you are not a keen golfer, then there are plenty of other activities to amuse with a modern Spa and Fitness Centre spread over two floors, complete with a sumptuous pool and all the trimmings that you could expect from such a quality resort. In total there are 169 rooms, all en suite with satellite TV, complementary wired Internet, hair dryer, direct dial telephone, hospitality tray and iron and ironing board. All of the rooms are beautifully appointed, with forty deluxe level, a further eleven vast suites and an exceptional penthouse for special occasions. It is much to their credit that they have retained a genuine level of service in their restaurants, which can cater for major functions or a romantic dinner for two.

De Vere is clearly a very experienced operator and delivers a very high level of service to its hotel guests and regular local customers. This is no accident, as it takes genuine skill and effort to cater personally for the needs of large numbers. De Vere Hotels is a PGA Partner and this is not an easily won endorsement, but one that shows the quality behind the operation of their venues.

There are a range of luxurious rooms to suit all tastes. Style, comfort and elegance prevail no matter which bedroom you choose. Magnificent double rooms with heavenly four poster beds. Suites with breath-taking views and original attic rooms with historic low beamed ceilings. The most comfortable of beds to sink into. This is sleeping at Dunston Hall.

For a relaxed atmosphere and Norfolk charm, try the Brasserie Bar and Grill operated on a buffet style. Or for a more formal evening, the award winning La Fontaine Restaurant has a mouth watering menu of both British and modern European cuisine. Alternatively Bunkers is the perfect choice for a refreshing drink and bite to eat overlooking the greens. Or if its a spot of lunch or afternoon tea you have in mind, the Hotel Lounge and Bar has a beautiful garden terrace perfect for the summer afternoons.