A GROUP of actors are ready to hit the road after playing lead roles at a popular Mid Wales hotel.

The Elan Valley Hotel near Rhayader was bought by four professional thespians looking for a change of lifestyle seven years ago, and is now on the market.

Former production manager Pippa Boss, actors Ric Johnson and Anthony Ollman, who is presently the chef and Louise Osborn, who works at the hotel between theatre contracts, have decided to sell after building the hotel up into a thriving business.

The four had no previous experience in the industry when they took it on. "We were all working in various theatre companies and had been thinking about selling our houses. We hadn't thought of going into business together and buying a hotel, it was purely circumstantial," said Pippa.

They have transformed the business over years. It is now a popular venue for musicians, has a good reputation for local food and is listed in The Red Book - Eat Well in Wales.

Situated in the 'Lakeland of Wales' near Caban Coch reservoir, the hotel was built in 1890 as a fishing lodge, around the same time the dams were constructed.

The 11-bedroom hotel is on the market through Brightwells' Hereford office, with a guide price of £385,000 freehold.