WHITE HORSE ENSUITE BEDROOMS
HITCHAM, NR IPSWICH, SUFFOLK, IP7 7NQ
APPLICANT AND BACKGROUND
Ann Lewis and her husband purchased the White Horse six years ago. It was then in a rather sad state and they have invested their own capital refurbishing the pub both internally and externally. The White Horse is a very attractive pub situated on the roadside in the village of Hitcham. There is a car parking area in front of the pub. The pub is over 400 years old and Mr and Mrs Lewis have developed an attractive, food led, business with a great deal of hard work and considerable professionalism. The pub serves traditional homemade food using ingredients sourced from local producers and stocks a range of cask ales, cider and lager from the breweries of East Anglia.
PROJECT SUMMARY
With their enthusiasm Mr and Mrs Lewis wanted to develop the business further. With support from the Parish Council and Planning Authority they have converted a small barn to the rear of the pub into three en-suite bed and breakfast bedrooms. To achieve this they had to overcome considerable opposition from the Environment Agency. This was caused by a small stream that runs close to the barn which the EA decided created a “flood risk”. The Planning Authority had granted approval very early in the project development and the project has now been successfully completed.
OUTCOMES
The bedrooms are now complete and offer a high standard of accommodation and will greatly complement the pub’s food led business. The Local Authority’s tourism policy has supported this project from its outset. Even more satisfying for Mr and Mrs Lewis is that the demand for the rooms in early weeks is very high. The rooms are all on the ground floor and have ramped access to ensure they are suitable for guests with mobility impairment. Guests are also offered the services of a mobile hairdresser and car valeting. Free Wi-Fi is also available in the pub. This is much deserved success for great determination and commitment and the level of personal capital investment in this project.
LESSONS TO LEARN
- A high quality design and build has resulted in good demand for the accommodation
- Involve the local community and Local Authority from the start to obtain
support for the project - Involve local suppliers to provide additional services
- The licensees have demonstrated a clear vision and the ability to deliver
the project
PROJECT CAPITAL COSTS
Total project capital costs £55,000.00
Applicant contribution £50,000.00
Suffolk County Council grant contribution £5,000.00
LICENSEE CONTACT
Mrs Ann Lewis. Tel. 01449 740981
Website: www.thewhitehorsehitcham.co.uk
Email: lewis@thewhitehorse.wanadoo.co.uk
