17th century inn transformed into 'boutique townhouse inn'

A run-down Suffolk pub has been transformed into a 'boutique townhouse inn' after being purchased by hotel group Thorpeness and Aldeburgh Hotels.

Seventeenth century coaching inn the Crown in Woodbridge, is the fifth property for the privately-owned group. Its estate already includes the Swan at Lavenham, the White Lion in Aldeburgh, the Brudenell Hotel and its first property the Thorpeness Hotel, Golf and Country Club.

Operations director Grahame Tinnion said the pub filled a gap in the company's property portfolio and that opening it at the height of the recession marked its belief in tourism in the area and the strength of the company.

"As a group, we look at opportunities to strengthen our portfolio where there are obvious gaps for our particular style of hands-on hotel-keeping," he said. "All the properties we own have very different client bases and unique identities. We have been able to create something we think is very special and very different."

The pub was previously owned by Forte hotels but had recently fallen into disrepair. The three month renovation project included the installation of a glass ceiling above the bar with a suspended boat, and 10 luxury bedrooms by Chelsea based interior designer David Bentheim.

Stephen David, chef patron at the Crown said: "It was all very old fashioned when it was bought. Downstairs, there were red paisley carpets, lots of blackboards on display, nicotine coloured walls and horse brasses, while upstairs the decor was all very traditional in style. As a modern townhouse inn, we'll be offering cooking using artisan local ingredients, great ales and seductive accommodation."