An historic hotel near Brampton is set to undergo a multi-million pound refurbishment programme to become a "must-visit retreat".

Northern Powerhouse Developments is investing £5.5m to modernise Gilsland Hall Hotel, which will include the addition of a spa, swimming pool and self catering holiday cottages.

The Halifax-based firm bought the former convalescent home, known locally as Glisland Spa, from the Co-op - which has owned the building and its grounds for more than 100 years - in December last year.

It's now revealed details of an ambitious scheme to breathe new life into the 19th century property.

A rolling refurbishment is due to begin in the winter and will include the construction of a new building within the existing grounds to accommodate spa facilities and a swimming pool.

Construction director Dax Bradley said: “Gilsland Hall, having been neglected from any major investment for many years under the previous owners, is now having major investment programmed over the next three years.

"Due to the size of this hotel we intend to keep the hotel open and operational throughout this programme of works.

"Our intention is to make Gilsland Hall Hotel a destination hotel for weddings, group conferences and events, family holidays and short spa breaks.

"With this in mind, we will be adding additional facilities such as a modern spa, the possibility of some outdoor activities - the hotel is set in more than 140 acres, ideal for the more active or possibly just to keep the younger ones busy while the parents relax - and also having fishing rights on the River Irthing. This hotel will have it all."

The hotel, which is one of 17 owned by the developer, will comprise of 91 bedrooms, made up of double, twin and family rooms plus palatial suites.

It will also boast lounge areas, improved conference and event facilities, a fine dining restaurant, fitness suite and a cocktail lounge bar.

Several cottages in the hotel grounds will be used as self catering facilities for groups and families.

A large spa villa, located on the long driveway leading up to the hotel, will be renovated for large parties of up to 25 people. It would cater for groups of three or four large families or a wedding party.

Mr Bradley added: "The hotel is ideally located for visiting the Northumberland moors, Cumbria and the Lake District.

"There are also many other tourist attractions located within minutes of the hotel such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall and much more.”

The hotel's takeover has been welcomed locally and it's hoped it will bring a boost to the local economy.

Dan Newrick, chairman of Upper Denton parish council and member of the Campaign to Open Gilsland Station (COGS), hopes the reinstatement of the railway station and a transformed local hotel would see the numbers steadily rise.

"Generally speaking we are all for investment in the area.

"We don't really know what sort of difference it is going to make to people locally but as far as I'm concern any investment in the area will be welcomed."

He continued: "It's a chicken and egg situation. We have got a 90-bed hotel here but the majority of people who have come over the years have come on bus trips. You do get a few who travel by there own car.

"If we open up the station you would have more people coming.

"We are opening up an airport at Crosby and the public transport that will take you to the nearest part of the wall is what?"

A steady flow of visitors to the hotel and the steady stream of walkers on the Hadrian’s Wall Trail would also mean there is a market for a proposed community electric taxi service, an ambition for COGS and the whole community.