The luxury Barnsdale Hall Hotel by the A606 halfway between Oakham and Empingham has changed its name.

The move aims to reflect a major refurbishment which transformed the venue during the lockdown and it also acquiring new owners.

Last year, global property adviser Knight Frank completed the sale of the resort - on the market with a guide price of £10 million - to Dineshbhai and Savitaben Patel.

Their purchase of the now Rutland Hall and Spa followed their sale of the Leicester-based Indian snack business Cofresh that they created.

While the hotel was closed during lockdown, according to government directives, the couple used the opportunity to push ahead with an extensive multi-million-pound refurbishment programme.

The hotel has now re-opened with a new name, website and updated brand colours, as well as a new crest logo that nods to Rutland's rich heritage and the hotel's new owners.

Currently undergoing a stylish internal makeover, visitors will soon be able to enjoy the transformations undertaken in the hotel's public areas, including the main hall and reception, as well as the newly refurbished bar and restaurant.

Further impressive updates to the hotel's bedrooms are nearing completion as part of the large-scale refurbishment implemented under its new ownership.

The hotel, which promises idyllic walks, hikes and bike rides, has also delighted pet owners by announcing that it is now officially dog-friendly, with furry friends welcome within the grounds.

Coinciding with its rebranding, the restaurant at Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa has revealed a new menu of dishes prepared by recently appointed Executive Head Chef, Sumit Chakrabarty.

Bringing to the role a wealth of culinary experience and fresh perspective, Sumit hopes to completely reinvigorate the hotel's food offering, providing delicacies with a refined, international twist sure to be loved by both locals and visitors from afar.

Sumit said: "I'm delighted to have joined the culinary team at Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa, especially at this exciting time of transformation. I'm currently working with management on building a strong kitchen team that, I hope, will inspire each other's creativity and ultimately enable us to establish Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa as the go-to destination for food and drink in this area".

As well as updates to the hotel's internal spaces, Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa is making changes to much of its landscape and vast grounds, which feature tennis courts, an 18-hole crazy golf course and outstanding views over Rutland Water.

Other leisure facilities include a spa, swimming pool, gym and an on-site hair salon - a new addition to the hotel since the pandemic.

John Higham, Director & General Manager of the hotel, said: "The team has been working towards this moment for many months and we are thrilled to finally reveal the details of our rebranding to Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa. With the hotel under new ownership and much of its offering being reimagined and refurbished during the lockdown, it seemed the perfect time for a complete brand overhaul."

He concluded: "Although reopening with a different name, a crisp new look and upgraded facilities, our dedication to providing guests with an unforgettable experience remains unchanged. We're looking forward to welcoming guests and giving them the chance to experience the new and improved Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa first-hand."

Rutland Hall Hotel is now open and welcoming guests for lodge breaks and dining. The leisure facilities, such as the spa and new hair salon, are also open to guests. Overnight stays are now available to book, priced from £110 for a cosy double based on two adults sharing and breakfast included.

For more information, go to www.rutlandhall.co.uk