The new owners of a historic mansion near the Chester border have unveiled an impressive £100,000 refurbishment as part of an ambitious investment programme.

Soughton Hall Hotel, near Northop in Flintshire, has undergone an incredibly stylish makeover which aims to 'breathe new life' into the striking building which was built as a Bishop’s Palace in 1714.

Manchester-based bar, restaurant and leisure experts Elle R Leisure took over the grade II listed venue back in February.

Their extensive improvements to the main guest areas have just been finished, complete with a revamp of the library, entrance hall, reception and residents bar.

Soughton Hall Hotel revamp
Soughton Hall Hotel revamp

The bridal suite of the popular wedding venue has also been updated, to include a new dressing room and luxury bathroom.

And the main dining area from the former Stables restaurant next to the building to the hall’s impressive first floor rooms has also been moved.

The hall’s original stable block will in future be used for exclusive events and parties when a separate space is required.

Soughton Hall Hotel revamp
Soughton Hall Hotel revamp

The hotel’s permanent marquee has been upgraded with new chandeliers, built-in fairy lights, new carpets and a remodel of the drinks terrace and bar area.

Newly married couples will now access the marquee via a new connecting walkway from the hall.

The new owners have also invested in the ancient hall’s Wi-fi to ensure Soughton Hall is brought bang up-to-date with the latest technology.

Soughton Hall Hotel revamp
Soughton Hall Hotel revamp

The refurbishment was given the thumbs up by Delyn MP David Hanson who was taken on a tour of Soughton Hall by James Ramsbottom, owner of family firm Elle R Leisure.

Mr Ramsbottom said: “Every little thing we are doing at Soughton Hall, from revamping the website to moving dining from the Stables restaurant back into the newly-refurbished main hall, is about getting more people in to appreciate this stunning building.

Soughton Hall Hotel revamp
Soughton Hall Hotel revamp

“We want to open the doors and breathe new life into the building to secure its future as an architectural treasure and as a successful business so more people can enjoy coming here for many generations to come.”

James added: “We see ourselves as custodians of Soughton Hall and we have developed successful wedding venues before so we are confident that this fabulous building has the expertise behind it that it deserves.

“We are a family-run firm and we have a track record of long-term investment rather than short-term profit.

Soughton Hall Hotel revamp
Soughton Hall Hotel revamp

“The latest work is the start of a programme of refurbishment we intend to carry out which will roll on to the other bedrooms at the hall.

As spectacular as the building is, it still needs the wow factor throughout to attract the right sort of high-spend events which will ensure we can continually invest in and improve it as a luxury venue.”

Soughton Hall Hotel revamp
Soughton Hall Hotel revamp

MP Mr Hanson said: “I really welcome the commitment of Elle R Leisure to refurbishing and promoting the historic Soughton Hall.

"I can see Elle R Leisure will be committed to looking after the history and fabric of the building but also ensuring it is a living building which will play its part in supporting the local economy.”