Grand country home and estate owned by MKM founders enters landmark new era
Alistair O’Sullivan of Diony with Rachel Waugh (left) and Linda Kilburn at Hotham Hall estate(Image: supplied image)
A stately East Yorkshire weddings and events venue is looking to build its national profile. Hotham Hall, one of the UK’s newest heritage and hospitality destinations, has appointed an agency to lead its marketing and digital transformation.
The 117-acre estate, based in the village of Hotham, was lovingly restored to its former grandeur over a period of three years in a heritage-focused regeneration. The elegant Georgian estate was built in 1720 by William Burton and became a symbol of luxury and splendour for many years.
A total of 300 years later, in 2020, it was purchased by Hull businesswoman, Linda Kilburn, and her husband, David Kilburn CBE, founders of MKM Building Supplies, who set about bringing the home and gardens back to life. Now the estate has appointed Diony to help build its profile.
The estate is embarking on the next phase of its regeneration from private residence to next-level events venue with the addition of luxury accommodation suites and a state-of-the-art function and conference centre. Entrepreneurs the Kilburns have agreed a two-year partnership with Hull-based Diony, whose client portfolio includes Bentley Motors, KCOM and global multi-industry giant, ITW.
Linda said: “Diony impressed us with their strategic approach, technical expertise and ability to deliver long-term growth in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. They are also a local business which is full of ideas, energy and East Yorkshire passion.”
Alistair O’Sullivan, managing director of Diony, said the appointment represents another milestone in the agency’s recent evolution into a partnership-led growth model. Linda and David began hosting high-end corporate events, weddings and other social occasions in the Grade II*-listed hall and the grounds in autumn 2024.
The plan was always to develop the property as a nationally recognised destination. Now, Diony will support Rachel Waugh, the estate’s marketing and events director, to promote the venue with a complete marketing and digital strategy.
Linda and David drew inspiration for the renovation from their own business travels around the world, taking in attractions including the Orient Express, Venice’s Hotel Cipriani and London’s Old War Office development. New facilities include a luxury accommodation offering within the beautifully restored former stables, and a state-of-the-art events and conference space created from previously derelict workshops.
Alistair said: “The addition of these new features adds another dimension to Hotham Hall estate’s appeal, further driving its ambition to become one of the UK’s most sought-after countryside destinations. It combines three centuries of history with an inspiring vision for the future.
“Linda and Rachel have created something truly special and our role is to help establish Hotham Hall as a leading luxury destination. The sky’s the limit for a venue which is full of inspiration, constantly launching new ideas and experiences, and backed by owners with the ambition and vision to make them happen.
“It’s a massive challenge and a fantastic opportunity. Projects like Hotham Hall don’t come along very often and we’re incredibly proud to have been chosen to help bring this vision to life and support what promises to be the most exciting chapter in Hotham Hall’s 300-year history.”
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