A WEDDING venue has begun a major £300,000 transformation project to restore its Georgian manor house back to its former glory.

Vaulty Manor has started the work on the house on the site in Goldhanger.

The venue was given planning permission by Maldon District Council to change the use of the manor to a hotel earlier this year.

The manor will have boutique accommodation and will provide space for up to ten guests including a bridal suite with a hair and makeup room, kitchen and pool and hot tub.

The interior has been designed by Janie Robinson, Managing Director of Vaulty Manor.

Work is expected to be finished by October.

Ms Robinson said: "We are very excited to transform the Manor House back to its former glory while completely renovating the interior with a stylish modern twist.

“The addition of the Manor House to our wedding offering is further inspired by my family.

“My Great-Grandmother once owned the property and I am incredibly excited to transform the house into something that she would be proud of.”

Vaulty Manor’s location is associated with royalty, colourful characters and a history stretching back more than 800 years.

In its early life, Vaulty Manor became the property of Beeleigh Abbey in Maldon, donated in 1186 by Rober t Mantel, Lord of Little Maldon and the founder of the abbey.

The dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII’s rule saw an end to Beeleigh’s ownership, and he gave Vaulty Manor to Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk in 1536.