THE Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa at Bolton Abbey is undergoing a half a million pound makeover.

Six bathrooms at the hotel have been given new luxury fittings, including walk-in remote controlled showers, with marble and glass features, and 'state of the art Japanese toilets' - designed to appeal to the growing number of international visitors to the area.

Work, which has involved the temporary closure of the hotel for two weeks, has also taken place to both The Brasserie and Burlington restaurants, including new chandeliers and redecoration.

A new heating system has also been installed and the re-roofing of the Wharfedale wing, along with general property repair and maintenance.

Adam Dyke, the hotel's general manager, said the January refurbishment was a great start to the working year.

“We have high expectations for this year in terms of delivering to our guests at the highest possible level, as well as our profitability, so it’s essential that we strive to not only maintain but improve the hotel, to ensure that our reputation for excellence remains intact," he said.

The project is part of a programme of development and expansion across the various properties in the Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants Group, planned over the next three years. It will also see the expansion of the group’s collection of holiday cottages on the Bolton Abbey estate from two to seven by the end of the year.

Richard Palmer, managing director of The Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants Group, said:

“It’s unusual for us to close The Devonshire Arms for a period of time, and this programme of improvements indicates just one step forward in our investment plans, and complements the group’s overall vision to become one of the country’s leading privately-owned hospitality operators.”

The hotel and spa, along with the Burlington Restaurant and The Brasserie, have now reopened, while the Old Wing bedrooms are due to reopen on January 25.