AMBITIOUS new £1 million luxury accommodation barn is due to open in Malham next week to link in with the village pub.

And staff plan to mark the occasion by carrying out a charity fire walk.

The Cove Centre was once home to the Edinburgh Woollen Mill and various craft shops but has been disused for more than eight years.

It was bought earlier this year by brewers Thwaites which has turned it into guest accommodation to complement its popular nearby Lister Arms inn.

Darren Dunn, General Manager at The Lister Arms, said: “It was pretty dilapidated - there were buckets put down around five years ago to catch rainwater so you can imagine it was in a pretty sorry state when we got into the building earlier this year.

“We have kept the shell of the building and as many of the original features as possible, including stonework and beams and we’ve worked closely with planners to make sure it’s in keeping with the area. There has been significant work to transform it into something quite special."

Over the last five months, substantial work has taken place, including a new roof, new electrics and heating, new walls and landscaping.

The barn feature eight luxury guest bedrooms, residents lounge with log burner, drying and boot room, dog wash, secret garden and plenty of parking, and is aimed at walkers.

“We’ve created The Lister Barn with guests who make the most of the outdoors in mind and our designers have done a spectacular job,” said Mr Dunn.

It will open for business on Friday, November 25 when members of the team will be taking part in a charity fire walk in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The official unveiling will take place from 3pm on Tuesday November 22 – anyone interested in having a look round is welcome to go along and meet the team.