The secret Northumberland 'love nest' of Hollywood A-list pair Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy
As one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Katharine Hepburn was no stranger to the glitz and the glamour of the world’s top hotel destinations.
But when it came to choosing the location for her secret love-nest with co-star Spencer Tracy, she opted for a 5,209-mile trip to the quiet and idyllic grounds of Barmoor Castle in Northumberland.
News of the Tinseltown twosome’s romance was an open secret among Hollywood’s elite from 1942 until Tracy’s death in 1967.
However, it was later in their relationship that the lovers ventured to the North East.
According to a source the pair were spotted in the 1960s at a dinner party at the castle, which was hosted by previous owner Bill Sitwell and his American actress wife Joan Castle.
Today, the Grade 2-listed site, Barmoor Castle Country Park, near Berwick, is home to a luxury lodge and caravan park.
Owner Jamie Lamb revealed: “When we first launched the park we had an open day and a local fish merchant called out of interest.
“He revealed that he had been asked to come and serve a special fish menu at a dinner party for Bill, Joan and their VIP guests.
“He said that when he walked into the dining room he was amazed to see seated at the table guests of honour Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.
“The chatelaine of the castle had invited her famous American actor friends to stay.”
He added: “Although a great love affair at the time, Katharine and Spencer tried not to be seen in public together.”
The lovers’ romance was thought to have begun while on the set of 1942’s Woman of the Year and the pair went on to star in a further eight films together.
Although Tracy was separated from his wife Louise Treadwell he never divorced and despite obvious chemistry on-screen with Hepburn, the pair kept their relationship largely private.
However, it was the actress that stepped in to care for him in his final years.
After his death, Hepburn didn’t attend the funeral and chose not to speak about Tracy until his wife’s death in 1983.
In her 1993 autobiography, Hepburn said: “I loved Spencer Tracy. I would have done anything for him.”