Launde Abbey achieves Four Star rating from Quality in Tourism

Staff at Launde Abbey were celebrating this week as the Retreat House and Conference Centre was awarded a Four Star award from tourism standards organisation, Quality in Tourism.

The award is the icing on the cake for everyone involved with the Elizabethan/Jacobean Abbey, which last year saw major renovation works to bring its 39 bedrooms up to 21st Century standards with ensuite bathrooms, better disabled access and up to date conference facilities.

The architects who designed the refurbishment works faced a daunting challenge when they were asked to put the 21st Century into the previously tired Abbey, but the results have been stunning, giving the Abbey a new lease of life and a Country House feel.

Nick Quinn, the Abbey's Business Manager and Ian Neale, one of the Abbey's Trustees were responsible for overseeing the refurbishment works and the staff and visitors to the Abbey are absolutely delighted with the result. What has evolved is a residential Retreat House and Conference Centre offering natural peace and tranquility, with all that modern-day living has to offer.

Mr Quinn said: "The Abbey has been brought right up to date with professionally designed interiors, comfortable accommodation and a welcoming atmosphere, suitable for businesses, groups and individuals alike".

The Abbey is easily accessible from all major routes via the A47 and A1, making it ideal for business meetings, awaydays and interviews, where location is important. Launde Abbey boasts excellent conference and dining facilities, which can be re-organised to suit the many differing needs of all its users, whether they are businesses, groups or individuals.

Guests are particularly enthusiastic about the newly restored Abbey, with many previous visitors overwhelmed by the transformation. Andrew Mathieson, a recent visitor from Welshpool in Powys, commented: "It's a wonderful place and I am seriously impressed with the ambience and quality of the renovation". Others have praised the food and standards of care given by all the staff, as well as the beautiful gardens and facilities.