A RARE Georgian building has been lovingly restored to provide ‘luxury’ accommodation and space for an exciting new restaurant.
Kath and Jim Gibb have invested £1 million to bring The Freemasons Inn in Knutsford back to life, as The Silk Rooms.
This former silk mill, dating back to 1754, is a Grade ll listed building.
READ > Man Utd's Millie Turner switches on Wilmslow Christmas lights
It was converted into three terraced houses in 1818 and became a pub in the 1890s.
Tucked away in the eaves, wonky windows, beams, exposed brickwork and original fireplaces have been sensitively preserved.
Six ensuite bespoke bedrooms have been designed with meticulous attention to detail, blending charming heritage with modern day comforts such as power showers and freestanding bathtubs.
The ground floor has been transformed into a blank canvas to create a perfect setting for a restaurant owner with vision.
The search is now on to find an innovative chef.
“It is now ready for someone to come in and put their own stamp on it,” said Kath, 51, whose parents have lived n Knutsford for more than 30 years.
“Be it a break-out chef dreaming of a rustic yet modern gastronomic retreat or a business owner aspiring to bring something new to the Cheshire hospitality industry, this dual-purpose space offers a really exciting opportunity.”
The couple manage a property development business and used to run events, weddings and overnight guest accommodation at their house in France.
Jim, 58, also ran bars and restaurants in Andorra before they moved back to the UK five years ago.
The luxury rooms opened five months ago and have already attracted a constant stream of wedding guests, business travellers, tourists and shoppers.
Guests have been overwhelmed by the ‘pure luxury’ of the ‘atmospheric rooms’.
One visitor said: “Absolutely love the interior design and attention to detail.
“It almost feels like the building gives you a hug when you walk in.”
One guest said: “What a stunning building that as been rescued and returned to an even better condition.
“The stay in this quirky and unique place was just wonderful.
“The owners have really thought about so many details and brought the space to life.”
Another visitor added said: “Beautiful clean rooms. We stayed two nights for a wedding.”
Kath has teamed up with Cheshire wedding venues and local restaurants, pubs and cafes to encourage more people to visit Knutsford.
“We want to boost the town,” she said.
“It’s a great place to come for a night out and stay over.
“Everyone has really loved our rooms.
“We’ve got 70 per cent occupancy already which is excellent.
“A lot of business people stay during the week and we’ve got wedding parties at weekends.”
The couple now hope to team up with a chef to take on a long-term lease.
The renovated ground floor restaurant space has an outdoor terrace for 100 diners and room for 50 inside.
“This is really exciting,” said Kath.
Anyone interested in the restaurant can email kmhgibb@hotmail.com
“Knutsford offers a bustling culinary landscape but this presents the opportunity to introduce a new, unique and much-needed dynamic dining concept," she said.
“The town’s food scene might benefit from more global cuisines, such as Thai, Moroccan or Lebanese.
“We welcome entrepreneurs, hospitality enthusiasts and foodie visionaries to explore this exciting opportunity.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here