Furzleigh Mill reopens following refurb 

Furzleigh Mill has once again opened for trading following a full refurbishment that was backed by NatWest funding. 

Renovations on the 16th Century site first began in February, but owners Tessa and Geoff Sellick sought financial support to complete the renovation after revenues were hit by the pandemic and consequent lockdown. 

The hotel secured £50,000 through the government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) with support from NatWest. The funding was used to modernise the site’s restaurant, bar and guest rooms.

Its owners have also invested in hospital-grade sanitisation machines and stations, and implemented a range of measures to secure the health and safety of staff and guests. 

Sellick said: “We bought Furzeleigh Mill with the aim of it being a long-term business for us, so even though the hotel is currently trading at around 35% of what it was during the same period last year, we’re hopeful we’ll get through this difficult period.

“Doing the renovation work ourselves in the middle of a pandemic was challenging but we now have a business that we’re really proud of and one that reflects our personalities.” 

He added: “Bedroom bookings have started to pick up and we’re hopeful that we’ll see demand increase further as more people look to holiday in the UK this year.”

Andy Rowe, relationship manager at NatWest, said “Tessa and Geoff have done a great job refurbishing Furzeleigh Mill. 

“Their determination to finish the work themselves during lockdown shows their passion for this business, which we are proud to support.”