Boy Hall in Ashford, Kent, has appointed its first general manager, Tim Batchelor, as the property seeks to expand its wellness and accommodation offering.

The nine-bedroom manor house hotel, which resides in a Grade II-listed 17th-century building, was opened by husband and wife pair Brad and Kristie Lomas in summer 2022.

Prior to Batchelor's appointment, Brad had been in charge of managing the hotel.

Batchelor joins from the Pig Hotels, where he has spent the past eight years leading from the bar. He will work closely with Boys Hall's head chef Charlie Dilworth as the hotel prepares to make "some exciting new changes" later in the year.

The two-AA-rosette hotel is also set to double its accommodation with the development of nine new bedroom huts in the garden, as well as launch a wilderness spa, a treatment hut, sauna, hot tub and plunge pool.

Furthermore, there are plans to transform the old stable into an antiques barn, while a workshop space and outdoor kitchen are due to be added for alfresco events and floristry classes.

Batchelor said: "I am thrilled to join such a passionate team at Boys Hall and look forward to heading up this exciting new chapter for the hotel. Boys Hall has already been recognised for so many prestigious awards, I hope to be able to uphold its many wonderful achievements."