Plans lodged for Raby Hunt to become residential homes

The Raby Hunt Inn, in Summerhouse near Darlington, remained one of the top restaurants in the North East during its 15-year run under chef James Close. 

It became one of just 20 two-Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK, praised for its “perfect food” where “every dish was a delight”.

But in January, Mr Close hung up his apron at the restaurant as he took on a new role at Rockliffe Hall, later launching restaurant Terra. 

After The Raby Hunt closed, it appeared on the market with a £750,000 price tag - but eight months on, it has still not been snapped up. 

Now, a listed building consent application has been lodged with Darlington Council to transform the site into two residential units, due to a “lack of viable interest from potential buyers” as a public house, restaurant, bed and breakfast, or hospital premises. 

Venue ‘in wrong location to be profitable’

The proposals for the site - which has been operated by the Close family for 15 years - would see the original inn converted into a four-bedroom home over two floors. 

It would also revert the Hunters End Cottage - which was incorporated into the inn back in 2018 - to a two-bedroom family home with one storey. 

How The Raby Hunt in Darlington looks now (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Grade II listed building was previously described as a “superb opportunity” when it was put up for sale this year, having seen 15 “very successful years”. 

Several reasons have been given for the transformation into a home, including financial issues, lack of interest, and historic challenges. 

Plans noted how the immense popularity of the “destination restaurant” could bring a “significant burden on any potential new owner to replicate the previous business success”. 

They also said how efforts to sell the site have “yielded no interest at all” - and that “no one from the local community or any community groups have shown an interest”. 

The venue was also described as “in the wrong location to be profitable in today’s market” unless it offers something “unique and outstanding” - like its former two-star Michelin rating, something that disappeared when Mr Close moved to Rockliffe Hall and the site closed. 

Challenges facing pubs across the country as a whole were also noted in plans, adding that finding a potential buyer “looks increasingly unlikely.”

‘Economic unfeasibility’ 

Constructed around 1835, The Raby Hunt originally served as a coaching inn and played a “vital” role in the social and economic life of Summerhouse over the decades. 

Before being owned by the Close family, the property had stood empty for three years, a time when it was described as an “eyesore” to the village. 

When it was established in 2009, The Raby Hunt quickly became a major attraction for the area and gained its first Michelin Star in 2012 and second in 2017. 

James Close at The Raby Hunt (Image: RABY HUNT)

Before leaving after a final service, Mr Close said he was “immensely proud” of the venture, saying it “put Summerhouse on the map”. 

Questionnaires were given out to Summerhouse residents prior to the application being lodged with the council, with just five responses being filled in and returned out of 30 properties. 

A question asking how people feel about the idea of the conversion garnered three responses in “strong support”, one as “neutral” and one as “strongly opposed”.

The conclusion of the planning statement, prepared by DH Drawings Design and Build Services Ltd, argues the transformation is justified on several grounds, noting the “economic unfeasibility” of continuing the operations and lack of interest. 

It states: “The proposal ensures the preservation of the building's historical and architectural integrity, contributing to the sustainable development goals as set out in Darlington Council’s planning policies. 

“Given the circumstances, the conversion of the Inn to residential use represents the most viable and beneficial future for The Raby Hunt, ensuring its preservation and continued contribution to the heritage of Summerhouse.”