Country retreat falls into administration

A LANCASHIRE health spa that underwent a £500,000 revamp two years ago has fallen into administration.

Simon Wilson, Kevin Coates and Anne O’Keefe of Zolfo Cooper have been appointed joint administrators at Brooklands Health Farm near Preston on May 19.

The company operates Brooklands Retreat, a health spa on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, near Preston.


Paul and Tracy Metcalfe oversaw an extensive renovation of the countryside retreat in 2008.

The administrators, who will continue to trade the business with a view to selling it as a going concern, have made eight redundancies, leaving 26 staff still in employment.

They said they will continue to honour all existing bookings, including the redemption of customer gift vouchers.

Simon Wilson, partner at Zolfo Cooper, said: “Unfortunately, the business has experienced severe cash flow difficulties, which has led to the need for administration. However, we’re considering all possible options for the future of the business and are hopeful of finding a buyer.”

Surrounded by five acres of gardens, the main house has been a hotel and spa for the past 25 years.

It has an events license for up to 200 guests and is a venue for civil ceremonies, wedding receptions and corporate events.