AN HISTORIC Gwent hotel, which was saved last year after its previous owners went into administration, is undergoing a £250,000 refurbishment programme.

The gym and health club at the Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel and Spa in Llangibby, near Usk, is being redeveloped while three new luxury bedroom suites will also be added.

Oxshott Global Limited bought the hotel in November last year saving 50 jobs. The new bedroom suites will be within a refurbished cottage set within the former manor house’s 50- acre grounds.

The suites, which will include private dining areas, latest technology and access to a private garden and terrace, will add to the 16th century hotel’s 45 en-suite rooms and will be open to guests this month.

The health club overhaul has so far seen state-of-theart fitness equipment being installed in the hotel’s newlook gym in addition to revamped changing facilities and a new air conditioning system. Work has started with bosses aiming for completion this month.

In the past two months the hotel, which is also a popular wedding venue and once famously hosted two of Henry VIII’s wives as guests, has also redecorated its bar, restaurant and conference rooms.

The hotel was also granted planning permission earlier this year to add a further 16 bedrooms. Construction is due to begin this year.

General manager of the hotel, David Spoor said: “To be starting such a significant refurbishment programme is fantastic news for the hotel and emphasises the serious, long-term commitment from the new owners.”

Mr Spoor, who has managed the hotel for almost a year, added: “Feedback since the takeover last year has shown that visitors have noticed many positive changes at the hotel. That’s been really encouraging to hear and our once-thriving wedding business is growing very quickly again.”