A FEATURE from a 400-year-old castle has been converted into a 21st Century beauty salon

The business in Bridgwater has been created by a Royal Marine, a teacher and a lawyer all looking for a career change.

Lee Ormerod, 32, his partner Emma Beasant, 31, and her sister Lauren Keates, have been working 15-hour days to get the cellar premises in West Quay ready for opening on Monday, April l2.

Emma Beasant

Emma Beasant

Lauren Keates

Lauren Keates

They have done much of the work themselves to create Brick Beauty ahead of the next stage in the easing of the Covid restrictions.

They are employing three staff to offer a full range of treatments from manicures to pedicures, nails, massages and waxing.

There is also a pamper party room that will stage parties for all ages, from five, through to proms, hen dos and bridal parties.

"We wanted to do something different," said Lee, who had been a Royal Marine for almost ten years.

Lee Ormerod

Lee Ormerod

"We have owned the space, which is part of the old Bridgwater Castle, for three years.

"We didn't know what to do with it for a long time, but a year ago during the first lockdown, we came up with the idea of a beauty salon.

The salon in the converted cellar

The salon in the converted cellar

"We're really excited about opening and have been working around the clock to get everything ready.

"We've taken our inspiration from businesses in London and California.

The salon in the converted cellar

The salon in the converted cellar

"Our customers will have a London experience in Somerset - at Somerset prices.

"We've created a beauty palace out of a 400-year-old castle feature."

The salon in the converted cellar

The salon in the converted cellar

A section of the building is already home to the Feather Coffee House and the three also run a holiday let business, with properties in Somerset, Newquay and Florida.

Lee left his role with the Commando Helicopter Force, based at RNAS Yeovilton at the end of March.

Emma recently handed in her notice at Millfield School, while Lauren has been a lawyer for a number of years.

While it is a big change for all three, they also run a holiday let business, with properties in Somerset, Newquay and Florida.

The salon in the converted cellar

The salon in the converted cellar