THE Grade I Listed former home of celebrity television presenter Noel Edmonds is set to enter a new era in its history, now it has been given permission to become Britain's first 'Medi-Spa' and hotel.

The Wood Estate at South Tawton is due to be restored to its former glory by its new owner, one of the UK's leading plastic surgeons.

The new spa, which will include an operating theatre and five bedrooms for surgical patients, will also boast four luxury suites, six standard rooms, and five hospital rooms for first night, post-op patients.

Leading plastic surgeon James McDiarmid said he fell in love with the estate as soon as he saw it.

He said: 'This uniquely tranquil and beautiful location is perfect for a holistic medical spa.

'We have something very special and I see my role as the next custodian of this extraordinary place.

'Hopefully I will be the person who breathes life back into the place and makes it vibrant once again.'

The top of the range luxury spa will also have a swimming pool and spa therapy, along with ten residential spa suites for clients in the late recovery phase following surgery.

Mr McDiarmid said he remained confident in his multi-million pound investment, despite the credit crunch.

He said: 'Although the first quarter of 2009 was quiet, the second has been busier than the same period in 2008.

'I think we are through the worst of the recession. People are still spending on surgery and non-surgical treatments and I am convinced that consumer confidence is returning.'

The new spa is set to offer around 30 full-time jobs — Mr McDiarmid believes it will put Devon on the map of international spa destinations.

He added: 'I'm really looking forward to this spa being up and running and am very happy to be taking it on in such a beautiful part of the country.'

Work on the grounds of the property, some 29.9 acres, is set to start once the development is completed in late 2010.