ONE of the great party houses of the early 18th century is being restored so that once again it can echo to the sound of entertainment.

Tottenham House was built in 1820s as a place where the 1st Marquis of Ailesbury could stage lavish banquets.

Now it is set to be turned into one of the country's top hotels and golf resorts rivalling Scotland's famous Gleneagles.

If plans by an international consortium get the green light from Kennet District Council and English Heritage it could give the Grade I listed house an assured future.

Currently the house is in a sorry state after being used as a boy's prep school for 50 years and latterly by the charity Amber as a rehabilitation centre for young men and women with addiction and other problems.

A consortium of two British companies and one major USA leisure and hotel group are planning to spend £70 million on turning Tottenham House into a five star hotel and golf complex. The cost of restoring the main house alone is estimated at £20 million.

The plans were unveiled this week at a series of consultation meetings held in the Orangery at Tottenham House.

Members of the public were able to inspect the plans and discuss them with the developers at the weekend.

On Monday and Tuesday it was the turn of local councillors and members of amenity groups to meet the design team and comment on the proposals.

A detailed planning application has been submitted to Kennet by the consortium Golf Club Investments plc.

Given a favourable response it's likely that work will commence next year with the hotel and golf complex due to open in 2008.

The Earl of Cardigan whose family has owned the estate through 31 generations since 1067 said: "When completed this will put the Marlborough area on the international map and serve as a massive boost to the local economy."

The Gazette revealed last week that 200 new jobs would be created at the new complex.

Lord Cardigan said: "I am delighted with the plans. This will restore the house which was expressly built for entertaining to its former glory.

"Its condition has deteriorated a lot since the family moved out after the Second World War but this scheme will guarantee an important piece of this country's heritage."

The consortium has emphasised that the present appearance of Tottenham House currently on the English Heritage register of buildings at risk will remain unchanged when viewed from its main approach from the Durley-Bedwyn road.

The main house will accommodate 18 luxury guest suites with 130 more to be built in the kitchen gardens, now derelict but originally laid out by the famous 18th century landscaper Capability Brown.

Peter Alliss, the TV commentator known as the Voice of Golf, has been commissioned to design the 18 hole international standard golf course.