Hospitality Awards 2020

www.lux-review.com Page 11 LUX 2020 Global Hospitality Awards Oct20321 Situated on the edge of the Mendip Hills, Somerset, the Old Parsonage is a traditional countryside bed & breakfast providing luxury accommodation with the cosy ambience of a home. The building itself is a Grade II* listed, French red sandstone parsonage that dates back to 1680, when it was originally named the Elms. The building was bequeathed to John Hole when he made an advantageous marriage into the Champney family of Orchardleigh at which point he began major works to add the imposing red stone frontage to the West facing elevation. The Hole family has no further successors and so the ownership was transferred to the Duchy of Cornwall. Eventually it was taken on by Reverend Henry Hodge Mogg in the early 19th century, at which point the Elms became known as the Old Parsonage. It was used as a clergy house until 1891 at which point the lease was taken over by Harry Blinman, an auctioneer who proceeded to establish a cattle market on the site which remained until 1972. It was later rented to an entrepreneur who turned it into a hotel and restaurant up until 1993 when it was privately purchased and run as a B&B. At its peak, the magnificent parsonage had hosted royalty but in 1993, in a state of disrepair, the parsonage was sold by the Duchy of Cornwall. Today, restored to its exquisite state, the Old Parsonage is a beautiful, well-located B&B that boasts history and tradition embedded in its very foundations. A small boutique establishment, the Old Parsonage boasts the luxury of an independent The Old Parsonage, winner of LUXlife: Best Traditional Countryside B&B – Somerset, is a small, boutique establishment providing luxury accommodation with a cosy and homely feel. Built in the late 17th century, the beautiful sandstone parsonage holds centuries of history and tradition in its walls, offering guests unique and opulent surroundings that could only be afforded to an illustrious house such as this. The Old Parsonage Best Traditional Countryside B&B - Somerset enterprise, and is the perfect alternative to Soho House-style country getaways. Unlike large chains, the Old Parsonage is able to provide an intimate experience complete with the personalised and thoughtful touches that truly make their guests’ stay exceptional. The Old Parsonage is an ideal choice for private hire for intimate gatherings, pre-wedding parties, or brides who wish to get ready away from the wedding venue. The B&B provides everything from luxury bedding to complementary afternoon tea on arrival, freshly baked biscuits in every room, Nespresso coffee machines and excellent Wi-Fi. The Old Parsonage is licensed to serve fine wines and spirits, and provides fresh, homemade breakfasts and teas, catering to all dietary requirements. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the Old Parsonage boasts memorable, personal service with a smile. Run by a husband-and- wife team, who are helped only on occasion by their young daughter and Fergus the dog, who is something of an Instagram celebrity (@findingferg), the Old Parsonage is truly a family-run establishment offering the personable service that is inimitable by larger chains. However, for small, independent establishments operating in the hospitality industry such as this, support is becoming more and more important. The pandemic and resultant lockdowns have piled on the pressure for businesses of all sizes, but the Old Parsonage is committed to continuing to provide their guests with exceptional experiences. Whilst always adhering to regulations and government guidelines, the B&B ensures that it retains its homely character that emphasises comfort and does not feel like a private clinic. Whilst planning for the future has been somewhat impaired by the restrictions imposed by the government, the Old Parsonage remains optimistic. The luxury B&B looks forward to a long future of delivering service that goes above and beyond for every one of its guests, ensuring that every stay at the historic Old Parsonage is unforgettable but also to guests enjoying the newly refurbished self-catering accommodation that will be on offer from Spring 2021, travel restrictions permitting Contact: Emilie Wellman Company: The Old Parsonage Web Address: www.oldparsonagebnb.com