A DREAM came true for the owners of Norton Manor near Presteigne when they opened their doors to 100 guests, writes Evelyn Armitstead.

The Barr family was celebrating the launch of their home as a Country Hotel.

The opening honours were carried out by Sir Robert Green-Price, a descendant of the renowned Sir Richard Green-Price, who created the magnificent pile in 1861.

He expressed great pleasure in seeing the house beautifully restored and brought to life once more by the Barrs, who have lived there since 1996.

Passing on some of his ancestor's chequered history he said the manor had been built on the site of an older house by Sir Richard, a successful solicitor in Knighton, who enlarged the house to accommodate his large family and staff.

Sir Richard was also responsible for completing the rail link from Knighton to Craven Arms, and encouraging its progress westwards, including the lines to Kington and Hay-on-Wye.

He served as a liberal MP for the constituency for 20 years, supporting home rule for Ireland and the creation of unions for agricultural workers. He was created a Baronet for his services in 1874. He also had houses built in Norton and restored the village church.

The mayors of Hereford, Presteigne and Norton and Knighton, councillors Richard Thomas, Garry Banks and Trevor Thomas respectively, planted three trees on the terrace to commemorate the event.

A fourth tree was planted by Fred Barr, father of the Barr brothers, and Edith Barr, their 92-year-old grandmother.

The second phase of the manor's restoration, rebuilding the west wing, is expected to begin next spring.

The main building is currently open to non residents, the roads and utilities through the residential park have been completely renewed and planning permission has been granted to extend the present 60 units to 200, including holiday chalets.