A Unusual water feature, which will greet guests at what may become one of the country's top hotels, sprung to life yesterday.

The William Pye sculpture, in front of the entrance to the restored Seaham Hall, spiralled into action after a countdown by hotel owner Tom Maxfield.

The hotel, which opened this week, has already received bookings from personalities including Sir Tim Rice and David Essex.

Once the home of the wealthy Londonderry family and the romantic setting for the marriage of Lord Byron to Annabella Milbanke, Seaham Hall had fallen into disrepair when it was rescued by Mr Maxfield and his wife, Jocelyn.

Its restoration has cost them £12m, with £8m still to be spent on a Thai spa, pool, treatment rooms and restaurant.

The investment and the time spent sourcing the best of English furniture and fittings has transformed the hall.

"The setting and views are absolutely stunning,'' said Mrs Maxwell, who said that many top ranking companies had already booked in at the hall