A HISTORIC restaurant in the North Cotswolds has reopened after a dramatic makeover.
New owners of The Old Rectory Restaurant & Sculpture Garden in Colesbourne Michelle and Jason Aplin have had a busy summer renovating the property.
This week they announced that the restaurant has officially reopened.
Mindful to keep the character and charm of the grand Victorian building, the couple have freshened up the inside and added an array of carefully selected antiques.
In addition, visitors can now explore the garden which is currently showcasing a selection of Michelle's unique creations.
The couple returned to the UK last year after 15 years in New Zealand and are elated to have stumbled across a historic property which attains serene views of the Cotswolds.
Michelle and Jason said: "We spent a lot of time touring the UK to find the right property to create a sculpture garden for Michelle's unique creations.
"With no formal training, Michelle's sculpture business starting from word-of-mouth and was soon in demand and exhibited by art galleries and exhibitions across New Zealand.
"We also ran a successful pre-Covid sculpture garden and tea rooms in the grounds of our home in the South Island.
"The Old Rectory is special spot that effortlessly combines top-notch dining with the beauty of art.
"The restaurant is now open for business after refurbishments.
"We are very fortunate to have chef Dan Richards (2019 Cotswolds Chef of the Year) who skilfully uses local fresh produce to create hearty dishes on a menu which will evolve through the seasons."
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