Luxury transformation for old folk’s home

A luxury hotel in Southwell opened on Friday with a fully-booked weekend.

The Old Vicarage Boutique Hotel, West-gate, opened after two years of redevelopment.

The co-owner and manager, Mrs Suzanne Edgington, said business was looking promising for the next few weeks.

Mrs Edgington bought the property with her husband, Mr Tony Edgington, with the intention of using it as their home, but, because of its size, decided to turn it into a hotel.

Mrs Edgington, who used to work in sales, said: “I desperately wanted to do something different so it was the perfect opportunity.

“I have sourced everything myself. I have spent years just looking for every single detail and trying to get a mixture between old and new.”

She said some people questioned whether it was a good time to open a hotel but Mrs Edgington believed there was a shortage of accommodation in Southwell, and the Old Vicarage was the only hotel with disabled access.

The building was an old people’s home for more than 40 years and was empty for two years before the couple, who live in a private section at the rear, bought it.

Mrs Edgington said: “It was in such a bad state. We had to knock down a lot of walls. We have lived on site during that whole process so it’s lovely to see it clean.

“It’s been a huge learning curve and a challenge.

“It’s a beautiful house. I’m excited for people to come along and enjoy it.”

The hotel has eight individually-designed rooms with en-suites and built-in wardrobes. Molton Brown toiletries are supplied in each room.

Prices range from £75 for a single room or £95 for a double, up to £165 per room per night. There is a bar area, lounge, hot tub and outside decking.

The hotel can be used for events such as wedding receptions and private functions. There are plans to open a restaurant.

For more information call 01636 815989 or visit

www.vicarageboutiquehotel.co.uk