A new apartment is set to open at Alton’s historic White Hart community run pub.

The former manager’s flat at the White Hart has been transformed into an attractive two-bedroom family holiday let, with much of the work completed by local trades people.

It’s the latest investment by the White Hart Community Interest Company, run by a group of local residents who took action to save their historic local from potential closure.

Tom Wilkinson, Chair of the CIC said around £25,000 had been invested in creating the new holiday let, which can comfortably sleep five and has two bedrooms, a spacious bathroom, a modern kitchen and a lounge/dining room.

The White Hart CIC has repeated invested in improvements at the historic High Street inn since raising the funds to buy the property in 2014. 

“The project, started in lockdown, has been managed by our Vice Chair John Moorhouse and we’re delighted with what he’s achieved,” said Tom. “Alton is a gateway to the Peak District and is, of course, home to the UK’s most popular theme park, so accommodation in the village is always popular.

“The CIC is always looking at new ideas to improve our offer at the White Hart and we saw an opportunity to develop the apartment, as the space was not being used. The finished work has transformed a tired flat into a comfortable, well-appointed apartment, with excellent high quality finishes to all rooms.

“It will now be marketed to potential visitors to the area, such as ramblers and families who plan to visit Alton Towers but want to have their own space at the heart of our historic village.”

In recent years, the CIC has invested in B&B rooms, a new bar and other improvements at the White Hart. On all projects, the CIC endeavours to use local workers in a policy designed to put more money back into the economy of Alton and neighbouring areas.

While creating the new apartment, local craftsmen were used, including Joiner James Wildigg, Plasterer Lee Adams, Painters Ron Baker and Brendan Doyle, Liam Saunders, of LSAB Electrical Services and Woodworker Jim Large.

The new apartment’s kitchen means families can cater for themselves, but the White Hart also has a popular Thai restaurant and takeaway, open four-nights a week.

To find out more about the White Hart, please go online to www.altonwhitehart.co.uk.