A COUPLE who run an historic and reputedly haunted Forest B&B are celebrating winning a top award.

Australia-based hotel price comparison website HotelsCombined has selected Brayne Court at the foot of Littledean Hill to receive the official Recognition of Excellence Award, compiled from guest reviews.

The building dates back to Norman times when it was built as a keep to defend against raiders and even has Civil War bullet holes in the dining room’s panelling.

Owners Nigel and Jan Greenhalgh said: “We are delighted to have received this award especially as it is due to fantastic feedback from our guests.

“We love sharing our home with guests from all over the world and are always thrilled when they let us know how much they have enjoyed their stay.

“Brayne Court is steeped in history, dating back to the 11th century, plus it is reported to be haunted, so many of our guests enjoy hearing stories of its history and haunting.”

During 2019 Brayne Court consistently earned an impressive guest rating of 10 out of 10 on HotelsCombined.

Also known as ‘The Red House’, the building began life as a guard tower or keep after the Norman Conquest, now the central part of Brayne Court, before becoming a residential property during the Middle Ages, when the parts to the north and south of the keep were built.

The B&B’s website says that during the 16th century, a family named Brayne owned a considerable amount of property in and about Littledean, with Richard Brayne appointed High Sheriff of Gloucestershire in 1556.

The garden is supposedly haunted by a Quaker, and two grey ladies have been seen on one of the landings.

Brayne Court’s website describes ‘a ghost who never quite arrives for tea’, with previous owners reporting seeing a man from the dining room walk through the gate apparently without opening it before fading away.

“They describe him as a tall, thin man, with a guant face wearing a tall black hat with a silvery trim and a wide brim and black jacket. They only ever saw him from the window and he made no sound,” it adds.

Nigel and Jan, who have owned the house for more than 20 years, tell guests on their website: “Despite the many ghost stories surrounding Brayne Court it has a very welcoming atmosphere and we love living in a house with so much history.

“We love the house and the area and are keen to share it with others.”

“We want your stay to exceed your expectations and we will do everything possible to ensure you receive the best experience possible.

“We are very proud of our home and look forward to sharing it with you.”

Brayne Court reopens after a winter break at the end of February.