A Clubhouse for the North East
Set within the rolling Northumberland landscape, the clubhouse at Close House Golf Course brings together crafted architecture and generous hospitality, overlooking one of the region’s most prestigious golf courses.
Overview
Commissioned between 2007 and 2009, the clubhouse was conceived to complement the world-class Lee Westwood Colt Course and the nearby Grade II* listed Close House Mansion. The project brief called for a building with presence and warmth, one that could host players, visitors, and events while sitting gently within the green-belt setting and the wider Tyne Valley. Working closely with planners and heritage officers, SPACE secured consent for a scheme that strikes a balance between luxury and restraint, while respecting its proximity to Hadrian’s Wall and the surrounding parkland. The result is a clubhouse that feels rooted in its place yet unmistakably contemporary, expressing the same precision and discipline demanded by the course itself.
- Year 2009
- Location Newcastle Upon Tyne
- Client Close House
- Project Sectors Community
Design Approach
The design draws on the textures of the Northumbrian landscape. Walls of locally quarried stone anchor the building, while expanses of glazing open the interior to long views across the fairways and the Tyne Valley beyond. Inside, natural materials, warm tones, and carefully crafted details create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The upper terrace and bar capture sunlight throughout the day, giving visitors uninterrupted views across the course.
Every aspect of the clubhouse was planned around experience, from the ease of movement between reception, changing areas, pro shop, and restaurant to the rhythm of light through its spaces and the relationship between inside and out. The building meets the standards expected of a premier leisure destination while retaining a quiet dialogue with the surrounding estate.
Result
Years on, the clubhouse feels as fresh as the day it opened. Its stone and glass still sit comfortably within the Northumberland landscape, and the spaces continue to work for everyday play, private dining, and major events alike. Locals treat it as a favourite destination, while visiting professionals experience it as a clear expression of the course and the region. The building has hosted championships and charity gatherings such as our annual Doddie Cup, proving its durability as a social setting as well as a sporting one. Most importantly, it balances the practical demands of a clubhouse with an architecture that is calm, characterful, and closely tied to its surroundings, a combination that has stood the test of time.
People
The social centre of a remarkable settingDesigned to serve players, guests, and staff alike, the clubhouse has become the social centre of Close House. It welcomes members, visiting golfers, and spectators from across the world, including professionals who have competed here during the British Masters tournaments. Members of SPACE often revisit the site and delight in seeing the building abuzz with conversation and spirit. The project reflects the client’s ambition to bring world-class golf to the North East while creating a place that everyone can enjoy, whether for a day’s play with old friends, a shared meal, or a major championship.
Planet
Designed to sit lightly within its surroundingsBuilt within a sensitive landscape, the clubhouse was designed to sit lightly on its site. Its low-lying form follows the natural contours of the valley, reducing visual impact and blending with the terrain. Local stone and natural materials were chosen for their longevity and low maintenance, and glazing maximises daylight while framing expansive views of the course. Together, these design choices reduce reliance on artificial lighting and celebrate the surrounding environment as part of the experience.
Place
A meeting place that reflects the region’s warmth and characterClose House has become one of the North East’s most prestigious sporting destinations, attracting golfers and visitors from across the UK and beyond. The clubhouse plays a vital role in shaping that identity, serving as a meeting place that reflects the region’s warmth and character. Its ongoing success is a point of collective pride, shared by the local community, who regard Close House as a valued landmark and a place that continues to elevate the profile of the surrounding landscape.
Credits
- Photography Kristen McCluskie
- Design Team Phil Lloyd
