19th century “hidden gem” welcomes first guests after restoration

An “idyllic” 19th century rectory in the Lincolnshire Wolds has reopened as a luxury guest house.

After more than a year of extensive restoration and refurbishment, The Massingberd-Mundy Old Rectory Guest House is open for bookings at the South Ormsby Estate.

The Old Rectory was built in 1849-50 for the Reverend Francis Charles Massingberd who was the vicar of nearby St Leonard’s Church and a member of the family that owned South Ormsby Estate for almost 400 years.

The building has now been lovingly restored by expert craftspeople and conservationists to be transformed into a luxury, five bed guest house in the Lincolnshire Wolds.


Now open for bookings, The Old Rectory is welcoming its first visitors after an initial ‘soft opening’ period.

Already, The Old Rectory Guest House has been shortlisted for an eviivo Hidden Gem Award; one of the leading awards for independent accommodation owners in the UK. As one of nine ‘hidden gems’ in the Midlands area to be named a finalist, the venue could be named regional winner and ‘Star Amongst Stars’ at an awards ceremony in October.

After a nationwide search to find the ideal people to manage the guest house, husband and wife, Tanya and Roy Murphy were chosen from a long list of applicants. The couple, who have worked in hospitality in the area throughout their lives now live in an apartment in the guest house and they are dedicated to its future.

Proprietor, Tanya Murphy said:

“When the South Ormsby Estate told us that we had the job, we were absolutely thrilled. Running a guest house in this beautiful part of the world really has been a dream for us and now we’re able to run the business full time and live in this incredible historic building; it’s a dream come true.

“The work to restore the building, which is 170 years old, has been a major undertaking, but now the work is completed, it was all worthwhile. It’s a beautiful place to stay in an amazing location, and the first feedback we’ve had from our first guests has been wonderful to hear.”

The Old Rectory guest house offers a spacious and peaceful place to stay while enjoying one of England’s most beautiful landscapes. The guest house is situated within the South Ormsby Estate; a 3,000 acre country estate within the Lincolnshire Wolds, the region’s only Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Situated a short walk from the village of South Ormsby, every room of the guest house offers impressive views over the hills, woodland and fields.

Already, The Old Rectory been shortlisted for the Hidden Gem - The Midlands Award at the eviivo Awards; Britain’s premier annual awards for the industry. The awards recognise the best of Britain’s world-class and world-famous independent accommodation - from bed and breakfasts and guest houses to vacation rentals and inns.

In addition to this, The Old Rectory has achieved a rating of 92/100 on Booking.com and 9.4/10 on beadandbreakfast.eu with outstanding reviews so far.

One of The Old Rectory’s first guests, Nicholas Hewka commented:

“I can not say enough about this beautiful place. It is idyllic, very hospitable and keeps the estates heritage within their renovations. We felt welcome, at home and relaxed. We, as a family can’t recommend this more but also we will retreat here for a break without the children; it offers everything. This is no standard guest house... it’s simply wonderful, with great hosts that couldn’t do enough for us.”

Another guest, Danny who visited from Australia said: “Tasteful, elegant extremely well appointed in a tranquil setting. Tanya is a wonderful host, excellent service. Delicious breakfast. Rooms are tastefully decorated. Serene old worldly ambience in an untouched historic setting. Highly recommended.”

Meanwhile, Denise has commented: “Wonderful quiet place with beautiful countryside views. Friendly hosts can't do enough for you to make you comfortable. Plenty of history with this great place, all done up with a fresh clean feel & all in keeping with this period property. Not to be missed if looking around this area. Breakfast was freshly prepared & adequate. If evening meal was required they would oblige. Tanya was full of information for trips out locally.”


Tastefully decorated to suit modern expectations and reflect the building’s history, The Old Rectory is furnished with period and antique furniture as well as paintings which are in-keeping with its former purpose. The guest house has a variety of king-size or twin bed rooms available with en-suite bathrooms. Cooked breakfasts are available, all rooms have TVs and free wi-fi is included.

You can find out more about The Old Rectory guest house by visiting www.southormsbyestate.co.uk/products/theoldrectory