A HISTORIC wedding venue is hoping a set of new accommodation could bring tourists flooding to the local area.

Plans have been submitted plans to remodel three barns and outbuildings at the Great Lodge estate in Great Bardfield and create accommodation for wedding guests as well as holiday let rooms.

Rebecca Jordan, who owns the business with her father Alan, said: "We have 25 weddings a year in our Grade I listed Anne of Cleves barn and the renovation of the adjoining barns will provide somewhere for our brides to get ready and much needed accommodation for the wedding guests, many of whom struggle to get taxis out here at midnight on a Saturday.

"However, for the rest of the year they will be let as holiday accommodation which we hope will bring in tourists and benefit the local area; not only our local pubs and shops, but also other visitor attractions."

The Great Lodge estate was built in 1550, when it was originally a medieval deer park, and has had some famous residents over the years including Anne of Cleves, one former wife of King Henry VIII.

It is not just weddings that are held at the estate, with there being a famous vineyard on site as well.

Rebecca said: "We feel there is much potential for increasing tourism in our beautiful part of North Essex.

"Many people visit for the day, but don’t think of our area as one to stay in.

"We are particularly keen to develop our wine tourism business as we have a vineyard on the farm.

"At present we have tours and wine tasting during the day, but we hope in the future to run more evening events with the option for people to stay here."

Listed Building Consent will be needed before the remodelling work takes place.

More information about Great Lodge can be found at: www.greatlodge.co.uk.