Ex-Judas Priest Guitarist Opening Luxury Hotel In His Own Backyard?

K.K. Downing isn't rocking out with Judas Priest anymore, but that doesn't mean he is out of the public eye. In fact, he could be opening his own estate in Shropshire, England, up in a very public way if his plans to open a 63-room luxury hotel there go through.

Downing, who parted ways with Priest last year after more than 40 years of service, on Monday (Jan. 25) unveiled big plans for a multi-million dollar development on his 320-acre Astbury Hall estate. This would include a hotel, an indoor swimming pool, a leisure spa and a world-class restaurant. The proposal would tie into the 18-hole Astbury Hall Golf Club that the golfing enthusiast designed and built on his property in 2010.

“I am speaking to various corporations about investment and I’m optimistic we can start pushing through with the plans for development this year," he told the Shropshire Star. “The next step is putting together all the costing of everything, which includes the golf, practice areas and purpose built clubhouse – as well as the hotel, leisure and spa facilities.

“I have spent most of my own personal fortune on this. It’s been hard work but also rewarding and enjoyable to see it grow and grow... I’m now keen to speed up the process."

So while it's not likely he'll be seen onstage with Rob Halford anytime soon, you could very well come across him on the links, in the spa or while eating a meal at his proposed restaurant. Not exactly the stuff of rock 'n' roll fantasy, but if you want to rub elbows with this legend, you may have to take what you can get.