AN historic Suffolk hotel is to undergo a major refurbishment to bring it up to the standards expected by 21st Century visitors. Seckford Hall, near Woodbridge, had previously been put up for sale by owners Michael and Christine Bunn.

AN historic Suffolk hotel is to undergo a major refurbishment to bring it up to the standards expected by 21st Century visitors.

Seckford Hall, near Woodbridge, had previously been put up for sale by owners Michael and Christine Bunn.

But now they have decided to upgrade the hotel, including a review of its food offer as well as refitted bedrooms and bathrooms, to lift it from its current three-star rating to a more luxurious four-star, two-rosette status.

Mr Bunn said: “The market has changed dramatically in recent years. Two star hotels have been entirely swallowed up by modern travel lodges and three star country house hotels have struggled, as their client base is shifting towards hotel groups such as Premier Inns, which are offering good quality accommodation for a sensible price.”

He added: “We believe that the future of country house hotels lies in upgrading to more luxury than people have in their homes. Today the discerning client requires a 'wow' factor in his chosen hotel, DVD players with large LCD TVs, high quality furnishing, powerful showers in modern state-of-the-art bathrooms, exquisite food and service to match.

“We are excited that we will be able to offer all of this plus keeping our traditional four poster bedrooms with spa bath, our luxurious indoor swimming pool with spa, gym and beauty rooms and of course the breathtaking views of the stunning grounds.”

The refurbishment, which is understood to involve a substantial six-figure sum, will focus largely on the bedrooms and bathrooms but will also include the club restaurant, which forms part of a barn conversion that also includes a swimming pool, and a new private dining area.

However, operations director Graham McGregor said that every part of the business was being scrutinised.

“We are looking at the business as a whole, from the redesign of the website to our in house literature, our service levels, menus and the products we have on offer,” he added.

Seckford Hall will also be embracing environmental concerns with the aim of being accredited by the Green Tourist Business Scheme in due course.

Work on some of the rooms had already started and the project is due to be completed in time for the summer.