Barnsdale Hall sold to the Patel family for £10m

Barnsdale Hall hotel in Rutland has been sold off a guide price of £10m to Dineshbhai and Savitaben Patel on behalf of trustees.

The lakeside resort was constructed in 1890 as the family hunting lodge of the sixth Earl Fitzwilliam. The property was subsequently acquired by Derek Penman, entrepreneur and chairman of the Penman Group, under whose ownership it underwent extensive long-term redevelopment and refurbishment work to become a 55-acre lakeside resort.

It now has 66 bedrooms, 49 timeshare lodges and apartments, 11 function suites, four bars and restaurants, a swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, air-conditioned studio, gym and spa.

Dineshbhai Patel said: “We are delighted to be working with the exceptional management team who have shown remarkable resilience and determination over the past few months, which have been a challenging and difficult time for everyone working in the hospitality industry. The commitment and loyalty of staff at all levels has been incredible, the accommodation and grounds are looking beautiful and we look forward to welcoming guests again with a focus on delivering the very highest standards of quality, luxury and service.”

Matthew Smith, partner at Knight Frank, which completed the sale, added: “We are thrilled to announce the sale of Barnsdale Hall hotel, and given the exceptional circumstances over the past few months we agreed the sale in the midst of the government lockdown with all parties involved working tirelessly to achieve a successful outcome. Although challenging times, it has been a pleasure working with both buyers and sellers to overcome unprecedented and uncertain obstacles to ensure the transaction continued on course.

“Dineshbhai and Savitaben Patel and their family have acquired a truly exceptional lakeside resort, with its elevated position offering unparalleled views over Rutland Water. Having been in the same family ownership for the past 35 years, this now represents an exciting new chapter for the business under the ownership of the Patel family.”