View from the terrace looking over the gardens
Parcevall Hall, once the home of Sir William Milner, offers guests a unique experience of hospitality in its tranquil and unrivalled setting in Upper Wharfedale.
Brief History
The Hall dates back to at least 1584. It was originally a farmhouse, but had been extended into a hall before the 20th century. Between the wars it was restored and extended with vision and sensitivity, and the attractive gardens were laid out at the same time.
On Sir William's death in 1960, Parcevall Hall was bequeathed to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. It was leased to the Diocese of Bradford and a new wing was added in memory of Sir William. Sufficient accommodation was then available for the Hall to open in 1963 as a retreat and conference house. Sir William's own room, with its custom-made bath and wash basin (owing to his unusual height) is available to guests, as is another room with a traditional four-poster bed.
Parcevall Hall now offers the comfort of an old house, the peace of an unspoilt rural situation and the scenic beauty of Wharfedale. The gardens offer guests a haven for short walks, with a multitude of quiet spots in which to sit and reflect (including sheltered areas), and the surrounding countryside offers longer walks and access to the dales.
Facilities
Parcevall Hall has excellent facilities for conferences, retreats and holidays. It is available to Church and Secular groups and can be booked for weekends, midweek or longer periods; also for day, part-day or evening functions. Bookings from individuals and groups are invited.
There are 17 bedrooms accommodating 28 residential guests, including facilities for wheelchair users. The traditionally-furnished public rooms are easily adapted to meet a wide range of needs, and the hall is equally at home hosting silent retreats, study groups, holiday guests and conferences for small professional groups requiring audio-visual facilities. Day visitors are also welcomed.
There is a programme of open events which is particularly appropriate for individuals who prefer to be in company and follow a relaxed, themed programme. Bookings are also welcomed from individuals for retreats, holidays, study and leisure sessions (e.g. painting and prayer). House guests have access to the beautiful gardens as well as to the surrounding countryside.
The staff are dedicated to providing high standards of service. All meals feature good home cooking of freshly-delivered food, and the warden won the "Cook of the year" award in 1990. The Hall has a drinks licence.
As listed in the programme, there are occasional open-day retreats which are non-residential. An annual diocesan holiday is arranged for parishioners who might not otherwise be able to have a holiday.
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