Wear Business Wear Business Issue 1 | Page 9

News Ramside Hall's treehouses include a wraparound balcony. BESPOKE YOUR INSURANCE THE HEIGHT OF LUXURY M A leading County Durham hotel is reaching new heights with its latest luxury accommodation. Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa is currently adding the finishing touches to its new treehouses, which are built on stilts in the hotel’s private woodland and offer stunning views of the estate. And those looking to be among the first to stay in the lodges can make the most of the Luxury Treehouse Pamper Package, for groups of up to 12. Each of the three treehouses features three bedrooms, a private living room and a state- of-the-art bathroom with a free-standing copper bath and a wraparound balcony with two hot tubs. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of fizz on arrival and relax with a treatment without even having to leave their room. And the offer, which is priced at £220 per person based on a minimum of nine guests, also includes dining in the spa’s Fusion restaurant in the evening and a hamper breakfast delivered to the door by a butler. Tim Boyd, general manager at Ramside Hall Hotel, believes the new accommodation offers guests something completely different. “We want our guests to have a really memorable experience when they stay at the hotel and the treehouses are totally unique to anything else we currently offer,” said Tim. “Guests can enjoy a completely private stay, with beautiful views across the green, while still having the option to make the most of the spa and the hotel’s restaurants. “The treehouses are truly versatile and have great potential for everything from corporate team-building to family gatherings and the team has created a fantastic deal for anyone looking to experience the whole package.” The treehouses can be booked as a three-bedroom lodge, split into one or two bedroom suites and can also be used an intimate venue for weddings. Ramside Hall Hotel is also home to four restaurants and the award-winning Spa at Ramside, with five pools, a sophisticated thermal suite and a state-of-the-art gym. For more information visit ramsidehallhotel.co.uk or to book, call 0191 386 5282. Metro moves on Washington and County Durham M oves to expand the Tyne and Wear Metro into Washington, County Durham and Sunderland have moved a step closer. Councillors in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Gateshead are seeking funding for new investigations into extending the Sunderland section into Washington, Doxford Park and Seaham, across to Durham and Ferryhill to the south, as well as Newcastle’s West End and the Metrocentre. Metro operator Nexus has previously released expansion plans to extend the network substantially by 2030 and any new funding will be used to carry out feasibility studies on the demand for services, new routes and central government funding. any successful business people diversify their wealth into property, which is smart – long-term, property is always a good investment. As they become landlords, they’ll benefit from already being aware of the importance of insurance to safeguard investments. But if there is one area where we, as commercial insurance brokers, see even experienced and knowledgable investors occasionally slip up, it is in making sure they take out the appropriate insurance for their portfolio. In insurance of any kind, one size does not fit all. It’s not just good enough to have house insurance, car insurance, personal insurance per se - you have to bespoke your insurance to fit the risks your portfolio faces. Insuring against flood is all well and good but if your house is in the desert, the chances are you won’t need it. Similarly, if you just bought somewhere in Venice, well, you really ought to look into it. We can’t recommend enough the value of talking to an insurance broker about the detail of what particular insurance solutions are out there. Extra features which may be worth considering are: • Accidental damage - red wine on cream sofas, footballs into TVs • Loss of rent - such as the property being unlettable as a result of an insured event, like fire • Landlords’ Contents Insurance • Theft by a tenant • Legal expenses, terrorism cover, employer’s liability. It’s always worth taking a few extra minutes to consider these elements. It could save you a small fortune. Lucy Elliott Managing director, Elliott Westland Insurance Brokers wear.business – the voice of business for the Wear region | 9