New owner takes on haunted pub in south Norfolk

The new owner of a Grade 1 listed inn that is said to be haunted by a friendly ghost says he will refurbish it but keep its character and history.

Mark Reuben managing director of Verve Hotels said he fell in love with Scole Inn - which dates back to 1655 - as soon as he saw it.

And he wasn't put off in the slightest when he read about the White Lady of Scole who is said to frequent the property near Diss.

Rumour has it the ghost is a lady called Emma who was murdered by her jealous husband when they were staying at the inn in the 1750's.

Emma's husband accused her of having an affair with a highman that was also staying at the inn -although it was thought she was innocent.

More recently ghost busters staying in Emma's room reported that after lights out the bed started shaking as though someone was at the bottom of it.

Mark Reuben MD of Verve Hotels, said: 'Driving up to Scole Inn, I knew this was a special property, but walking up the magnificent staircase I knew I had to buy this sad hotel.

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'The paint had worn away, damp stains lined the ceilings, falling and crumbling plasterwork, wood splinters, old broken furniture, no internet or telephone access and the list goes on.

'Scole Inn dates back to 1655 and has many original features and boasts huge rooms with four poster beds.

'King Charles II stayed at this hotel and from reading about the hotel there's a friendly ghost called Emma.

'I fell in love with the hotel and realised that it needed a lot of love, care and attention and most importantly lots of money to bring it into the 21 century.

'But I knew the rooms had to be kept the same as you are only able to carry out cosmetic changes to such a beautiful property.'

The hotel will be closed for refurbishment and should reopen in late September or October headed by Debbie Wright general manager under the Verve group of hotels.