Fire-hit Bridgnorth hotel is rising from ashes thanks to £3 million project
Once a landmark building, it was burned to the ground in an arson attack that turned the night air red.
But now the Mill at Alveley is rising again as part of a £3 million project to transform the site into an exclusive wedding venue, creating 50 jobs.
Ben and Sarah Reeves are aiming to complete the work by early next summer – with couples already booking their weddings.
The plans feature three single-story oak framed barns capable of providing space for 170 people, plus accommodation for up to 60 guests.
Mr and Mrs Reeves, who run of Ensarb Estates, bought the site at auction for almost half a million pounds last year.
The couple have previously renovated The Ashes at Endon in Staffordshire and also run Pendrell Hall in Codsall Wood.
The previous hotel, which overlooked picturesque gardens and a pool, dated back to the 16th century and was popular with couples tying the knot from across the Midlands.
The former flour mill shut its doors unexpectedly in late September 2014, leaving staff locked out and couples facing a battle to redeemed their weddings deposits.
It burned down in May 2015 creating one of the biggest blazes firefighters in county had ever had to deal with.
Firefighters remained on the scene for four days after the hotel complex was completely destroyed, with crews dampening down and searching for hot spots.
Mr and Mrs Reeves hope to bring a happy ending to the saga by again bringing life to the Mill site.
Mr Reeves said: "We're building an L-shape building, with a barn for ceremonies, a barn for the banquet and a large country barn with a large terrace going out over the mill pond.
"We've got a full dance floor, the whole day should flow really nicely from one room to the next.
"The first wedding is booked for July 2017 – the barn will be ready early summer. We've done all the big structural work."
