Residents got the chance to look around a new boutique hotel opening next month in Abingdon.

About 100 guests were invited to Old Abbey House Hotel in Abbey Close to see the transformation of one of the town's historic buildings.

Last night they enjoyed drinks, a set from local singer Jack Lester, and a tour of the hotel rooms to see the stunning £3.5m renovation.

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Ede Homes bought Old Abbey House near Waitrose about two years ago for £927,000 from the Vale of White Horse District Council.

For years residents in the town called for the building to be brought back into use as it became more and more dilapidated.

Oxford Mail: The staircase at the hotelBut now it has been restored by a team of experts and features including fire places, mantelpieces and a wooden staircase have been repaired.

The hotel has 27 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and 15 have kitchenettes to appeal to guests wanting a longer stay.

Alice Ede, of Ede Homes, said earlier: "Old Abbey House Hotel is a 27 bedroom boutique hotel located in the heart of Abingdon, harmonising traditional charm of this lovingly restored 18th century building, alongside chic modern amenities.

"We are hoping to open doors middle of October.

Oxford Mail: The hotel lobby"Each of the rooms are individually designed with 15 of the rooms having stylish kitchenettes, allowing for longer stays.

"Guests can also choose the option of garden view rooms which overlook the picturesque Abbey Gardens.

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"There is a wide variety of accommodation available; from cosy doubles, twin rooms, king rooms, a family room and deluxe suites.

"We have restored period features such as fireplaces, mantelpieces, the wooden staircase and stain glass windows.

"We will not be offering food services at the property.

Oxford Mail: A hotel bedroom"However, we will be encouraging guests to make the most of the wide array of local businesses and restaurants in the local area."

The vast majority of the ensuite bathrooms are fitted with showers not baths.

But operations manager Sian King, who welcomed visitors, said two luxury suites with four poster beds will have baths and work on them is now being completed.

The building first began life as the home of a prominent local businessman called James Smallbone in the 1780s.

It was also once home to the Bishop of Reading.

Oxford Mail: A bedroom at the hotelEde Homes has already opened 192 in Oxford’s Iffley Road, and work has begun on converting the former Victoria Hotel in Abingdon Road into the 38-room Edge Hotel.

The company has also bought the historic Feathers Hotel in Woodstock, and is due to start a £1.5m restoration early next year.

Oxford Mail: A hotel bedroomThe council sold Old Abbey House after concluding that keeping the building in public ownership would be unsustainable due to spiralling maintenance costs.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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