Barnsdale Lodge Hotel in Rutland to be renovated

Builders will be moving into rooms at a Rutland hotel as it undergoes a multi-million pound refurbishment.

Hotelier Hector Ross, owner of The Signet Collection, set his sights on Barnsdale Lodge Hotel five years ago after realising the potential the historic building has.

After sealing the deal in the summer, Hector has launched into designing his vision for the hotel, which overlooks Rutland Water.

“It is an old, beautiful British building which we are holding onto,” he said.

“The Signet Collection turns tired but beautiful British buildings and invests money, passion, blood, sweat and tears into it.

“The history and heritage fits perfectly.”

The building, which was formerly a hunting lodge, was turned into a hotel in the 1980s and run by the same family for almost 40 years.

Each of the 46 bedrooms will be individually renovated as well as the restaurant.

There are also plans for a spa, bike hire and a café.

Hector describes the refurbishment project as ‘an amazing opportunity’.

The 39-year-old said:”We wanted to refurbish it as it is getting a bit dated and it lacked investment over the past 10 years.

“The management team believe in what it could be.

“Having also talked to more than 100 locals they believe if we spend money on it and create a brasserie restaurant it will become better.”

He added: “People have responded positively and are excited about what is to come.

“It is long overdue.”

Staff recently visited Hector’s other hotels The Mitre Hampton Court in Surrey and The Retreat at Elcot Park in West Berkshire to gather inspiration.

General manager, Warren Browning, said: “We are very excited about taking Barnsdale to the next level.

“It is about growing our offering and the team to the best Rutland has to offer.

“We won’t lose the ethos of making this a home away from home for people.”

A new barn area will also be created for events, such as weddings.

“We were looking for an investment and Hector has done that,” added Warren, 43.

“For me it’s about putting Barnsdale back on the map.”

Work is set to begin early next year with a reopening in spring and more improvements carried out throughout the year.

Hector is set to submit a number of planning applications to Rutland County Council for the plans.

“I think Rutland is unique,” said Hector.

“It’s a beautiful county.

“We hope to attract both local people who live in Rutland and tourists.”

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