Owners of the Black Bull, Old Langho, to covert B&B into boutique hotel

Keepers cottage, a property which dates back to the early 1700s, is located on the junction of Northcote Road and Old Langho Road in Old Langho, close to Brockhall Village in the Ribble Valley.

The former B&B has sat dormant for many years – until recently when the owners of the nearby Black Bull pub,  Rebecca and Jamie Govier, finalised a deal to take the property on.

The inside of Keepers Cottage

Katherine Renhard, executive director at the pub and associated hospitality group Fortis, said: “We’re all really excited about the project, even though it is a rather big one.

“It’s going to be a real labour of love to get the property into the shape that we want it, but we have made some progress already and things are looking good.”

The team, who are planning to meet with architects over the coming weeks to discuss their options, hope that the new hotel will have around nine bedrooms as well as a guest lounge and an area for meals.

Pictures taken of the cottage at present show dated rooms with tearing wallpaper, old light switches and crumbling fixtures and fittings.

A picture from the dated interior of Keepers Cottage

Katherine spoke of a vision for the building to have vaulted ceilings and dormer windows, making the most of the light and letting in the views from the surrounding countryside.

When it comes to the clientele, everyone will be welcome – from walkers and adventurers to couples wanting a romantic getaway - Keepers Cottage is set to provide the perfect base for all of those travelling into the Ribble Valley.

Katherine continued: “We would like the hotel to have a luxurious feel without it being unachievable – like a bit of luxury that everyone can come and experience.

“We’re calling it a luxury boutique hotel so it’s a step up from a B&B – like a small hotel which will provide a full service.”

Packages will also be made available to include a meal in the Black Bull, which is located just a stones throw away up the road.

The Black Bull

Speaking about how supportive the local community have been, Katherine added: “We’re so lucky to be surrounded by such lovely people who genuinely care about the business.

“The response to our news since we announced it has been phenomenal and people are really excited about the project.”

Katherine expects renovation work to be complete in Keepers Cottage by early autumn and hopes to be welcoming the first customers through the door shortly afterwards.