A £300,000 refurbishment of the ground floor is underway at Oaklands Hall Hotel in Laceby, a first phase of work as the new owners make their mark on the Grade II listed venue.
Much of the large scale work will be in the immediate public area, with the reception being moved, a new bar and enhanced restaurant entrance built.
A new function room linking to the main suite is also being created in the former pool room, to take advantage of one of the stunning views offered over the gardens from the building's south eastern aspect.
Then upstairs the 44 rooms will be redecorated in blocks of 10.
Richard Matthews, general manager, has recently joined the team, bringing experience from several county hotels, including The Lincoln, The Petwood and The Brackenborough.
He said: "I am looking forward to putting my own stamp on things and making Oaklands Hall a very personal and friendly hotel.
"It is under new ownership and to be the best in the area is the vision.
That is what we are aiming for, catering for corporate or leisure guests."
The 19th century retreat on the south western approach to North East Lincolnshire was bought 10 months ago by Skegness-based hoteliers Nigel and Sarah Underwood, and John and Caroline Lawson of Sotby Farming Company, Market Rasen.
The investment programme spoken about at the time is now kicking in, and will include further improvements to the approach road from the A18 Barton Street, including landscaping and a resurfacing of the car park.
But it is inside where guests and non-residents alike will see a major difference.
"We will create a really nice atmosphere with a large L-shaped restaurant, using booth seating, offering up to 70 to 80 covers, to the left of the entrance," said Mr Matthews.
The lounge will include the new reception giving a fresh feel, while respecting the age of the hotel.
The main function room will also be renamed the Churchill Suite, in a nod to the fact that the Prime Minister stayed at the venue when on morale-boosting visits to Lincolnshire airfields during the Second World War.
It will be able to welcome up to 200 guests, and is also being completely refurbished.
Of the rooms, Mr Matthews said:
"They will be very clean with a modern feel within a country house. There will be a lot of personality in the hotel.
"It is a very good size, and the standards will be high, we are making it more modern and up-to-date."
The aim is to have all work at the hotel, which recently joined the Best Western international franchise, completed by April.
www.oaklandshallhotel.co.uk
Source: www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk