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Rutland businessman creates Watermill Retreat wedding venue and holiday lets in South Luffenham




Retirement for a lot of people means extra holidays and time to pick up new hobbies.

But for former landlord Allen Freeman it is a chance to create a new business.

Under the name the Watermill Retreat, the 61-year-old is creating a holiday let site on land he owns near South Luffenham.

It will include eight apartments - six of which are already built - a cafe, six deluxe holiday lodges and a large marquee for events.

A wedding reception for a local couple has already been held at Watermill Retreat.

“The location is really beautiful with open fields all around,” said Allen.

Allen Freeman and his wife Julia
Allen Freeman and his wife Julia

He added: “It is a good opportunity to create something special.”

A building at the site had been used as offices but Allen saw potential to create a self-contained wedding venue and holiday destination.

For many years Allen was in the hospitality industry and most recently owned the Royal Oak pub in Duddington.

“I wanted a change,” he said.

Hayden and Bradley Freeman
Hayden and Bradley Freeman

“Really this is more of a retirement for me.

“It is something I have thought about doing the past couple of years.”

Although he added it is a ‘challenge’ getting the site guest ready.

A wedding has already been held at the new site
A wedding has already been held at the new site

It is not just Allen switching up his lifestyle but also his sons Bradley, 27, and Hayden, 29, who will be taking charge when the site is up and running.

Up until a few months ago Hayden and his partner Bethany owned the Fine Food Store in Stamford and before that The Merry Monk in Oakham.

The bride and groom who held their wedding reception at Watermill Retreat
The bride and groom who held their wedding reception at Watermill Retreat

The Freeman family is in the process of creating a website and social media accounts for bookings but until then people can get in touch with Allen by calling 07843 575896.



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