NEW owners have saved a historic site from potential developers.

The Ravenswood Country House Inn, Sharpthorne, near East Grinstead had started to close down and plans were going ahead to convert the building into residential units.

But East Grinstead-based Samantha Wordie of Samantha Wordie Photography and businessman Stuart Guy have now purchased the business.

Samantha noticed that The Ravenswood website was down while trying to find a wedding venue for a couple, and she called to find out why.

She was told it was being sold, at which point she got in touch with her businessman friend, Stuart Guy, who got together with her and other friends to save it.

She said: “Stuart and I had been looking for a venue to buy for a few years.

“When we found out The Ravenswood was being sold and possibly converted into apartments, we decided the place was too beautiful to be lost to developers and we got together to save it!

“It all happened by chance!

“I have many years of experience in the wedding business, and I have always wanted to run my own dream wedding venue.

“With all its character, charm and history, that’s exactly what The Ravenswood is – not only for weddings but also for parties, conferences, concerts and all manner of other events.

“This is a dream come true for Stuart and me. We want people to know we’re fully open for business.”