A VICTORIAN country manor hotel in Kidderminster has begun works on its first major development in a decade with a £350,000 project to create a new three-bedroom lodge.

Brockencote Hall Hotel is transforming the original Gate House to the manor house, which dates back to 1884, into a new two-storey lodge ideal for weddings, families or staycations.

Named Brockencote Lodge, the new facility aims to provide guests with a unique stay in Worcestershire – and even includes breakfast delivered to their front door.

Guests can book the lodge per room or in its entirety for a truly exclusive experience.

Hotel general manager Craig Routledge said: “This is really exciting for Brockencote and will provide something we have never had before at the hotel.

“It will be absolutely perfect as a hideaway destination for our bridal parties, giving them that little bit more exclusivity and something different away from the main house.

“For families it is a great chance to explore what Worcestershire has to offer such as the Safari Park and Severn Valley Railway which are right on our doorstep.

“It is hopefully going to be a home away from home.

“We are all really excited about it – especially coming out from the pandemic which has been a difficult time for the hospitality industry – so to see our owners investing and wanting to expand the offering has given us all a real drive and buzz.”

The lodge will include two ground-floor double bedrooms with ensuites, an open kitchen, dining and lounge area, and a secluded private terrace with a hot tub.

There will also be a king-size bedroom with an ensuite and a separate dressing/make-up area on the first floor.

Midlands firm Ainsworth Construction has been appointed to carry out the works, which are expected to be complete at the end of March, ready for the first guests in April.