![]() The Pilgrim Country House Hotel Reveals Bright New LookBy: Pilgrim Country House Hotel Comments former England and British Lions player Steve Boyle, who owns and runs the 20-bedroom hotel: "We are delighted with the results of what has been a true labour of love during the refurbishment which has taken a total of six months. "Owning a hotel is a bit like painting the Forth Bridge; you are constantly looking to improve things, but this is the most ambitious makeover that the hotel has undergone in the 16 years that I have owned it. "Being a bit of a DIY enthusiast, I did a lot of the easy tasks myself. But to get the desired, overall effect, we hired the expertise of renowned Bath-based interior designer Anne Marie Gow, who has created our new 'Country Collection'. "The new 'Collection' is comprised of 10 bedrooms which have been refurbished to a very luxurious standard, with soft furnishings and clever colour combinations, along with a re-designed and decorated reception area, lounge and conference room. "We are extremely lucky in that we have a very loyal customer base who come and stay with us time and time again – which goes to show that we must be doing something right. Now, thanks to Anne Marie, we can offer them a genuine slice of luxury." The hotel is in the village of Much Birch, and the Herefordshire trail literally passes the front door – making it ideal for a walking break (special walking break deals with packed lunches are available). The hotel's bar retains a country pub feel, selling local ales and ciders, and there is also a large wood-burning stove to warm winter evenings; the hotel's Valley Restaurant has uninterrupted views across the Wales border towards the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons beyond, and there is a wooden terrace to make the most of the view with a G&T or a cream tea on warm afternoons. There is much to do in the area; Hereford with its famous cathedral which is home to the Mappa Mundi – which scholars believe was made around the year 1300 – is well worth a visit, as is the cider museum, which has downloadable 'Cider Trail' walks on its website. The market town of Ross-on-Wye is a short drive away, as is the Labels Shopping Outlet, and there are plenty of golf courses and an abundance of fishing in the region. A two-night stay in one of the new Country Collection rooms, costs from £90 pp, on a B&B basis, or from £130 pp half-board (£20 pp food allowance towards dinner). Both prices based on two sharing a room. Call 01981 540 742 (www.pilgrimhotel.co.uk). End
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