Room at the Zin!

Published 28 Jun 2009 15:00 0 Comments

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HIDDEN away in a Victorian-style street rugby star Zinzan Brooke is adding the

final touches to a new, modern B&B.

The former New Zealand rugby union player, who briefly played for Home-Park based Windsor RFC, and his wife, Alison, purchased a Victorian villa last year with a vision of constructing a bed and breakfast to be reckoned with.

The perfectionist was due to open the doors to Frances Lodge in May, but decided to set back the official launch date to July, giving him time to add a few last minute design touches.

He said: 'I like to set the bar high, but I think that comes from the sports I have played. If I try and do something I do the best I can.'

Mr Brooke has been involved in the design and construction of the B&B in Frances Road, Windsor, from knocking down walls to make bigger, more practical living spaces, to the layout of furniture.

If that was not enough the couple are due to become parents for a fifth time on Sunday.

The 44-year-old, who played 58 times for the All Blacks, said: 'I like to have room. There are so many different size beds available.

'Before ordering furniture I cut beds of cardboard and placed them on the floor, then I cut bedside tables to see how much room there was. If I have a decent amount of space I know other people will.

'I like quality. I probably didn"t have to spend as much as I did, but I am terrible like that.'

The 10-bedroom modern facility with rates ranging from £70 to £200 a night, has taken seven months to build costing around £200,000.

Mr Brooke added: 'I am really pleased with it. I think it is really nice, but there are still a few things I would like to do. I will be here all the time. It is good and well building something, but you have to have a presence as well.'

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