The venue has stood empty for three years
The property consists of a mid-19th-century brick and stone Grade II Listed building(Image: Chris Gordon)
A furniture company is hoping to rescue a deteriorating hotel by turning it into an appointment-only showroom with overnight stays. Vintage Sofa Co has applied to transform Abbots Oak in Warren Hills Road, Coalville.
The Grade II listed building, which dates back to the mid-19th century, closed as a boutique hotel in early 2022. Planning documents submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council reveal it has been on the market continuously since then, with any interest from potential buyers falling through.
The application proposes no physical changes to the historic building. Instead, Vintage Sofa Co wants to use the property to display its high-end British-made furniture to members, while retaining three first-floor en-suite bedrooms for overnight visitors.
The company describes the proposal as a “near unique” offering that would expand its existing business in Luddenden Valley, near Halifax. The unusual business model would allow customers travelling from a distance to book design consultations and stay overnight at the historic property.
Each of the three bedrooms can accommodate up to six people, planning documents reveal. The showroom would operate by appointment only from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm.
Abotts Oak has previously been a wedding venue (file photo)(Image: Chris Gordon)
The company expects around 10 employees to work from the site, with approximately 10 appointment slots available on an average day. A maximum of 16 appointment slots could be made available on busier days.
Efforts to find a new user over the last 3.5 years are said to have proven unsuccessful.(Image: Chris Gordon)
Planning documents submitted by Berrys state the proposal would help secure the “optimum viable use” of the listed building. Sean Bennett, a planning consultant acting for the applicant, said the property’s 20 existing parking spaces would be retained.
Residents have until Monday, January 19, to submit comments on the application. A decision is expected by Monday, March 23.