Knoll House in Studland Bay to become luxury resort with apartments

The new owners of Knoll House in Studland Bay, Dorset, intend to transform the 84-bedroom hotel into a luxury, 30-bedroom resort with 60 apartments.

It has emerged that the property has been acquired by Kingfisher Resorts Studland, a company that was incorporated in October 2016 as a joint venture between investment firm Armstrong Energy and the founding members of Kingfisher Resorts.

Nigel Chapman, founder and chief executive of Luxury Family Hotels, together with Anthony Nare, are named by Companies House as having "significant control" of the new business.

A statement from Armstrong Energy said that Kingfisher Studland will "further cement the strong relationship between the two teams and pave the way for future leisure deals" having previously worked together on Una St Ives, a resort of holiday homes with a spa and restaurant in Cornwall.

Kingfisher Resorts also owns Gara Rock, a resort it acquired last year, which comprises an 18-bedroom hotel, cottages, apartments and spa, near Salcombe, Devon.

Amstrong Energy described Knoll House as "not just an operational asset, but offering a rare redevelopment opportunity" within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and surrounded by Natural Trust-owned land.

Planning permission is being sought for the development, in conjunction with the National Trust.

Knoll House, which was built in the early 20th century, was sold by the Ferguson family after 60 years of ownership, off a guide price of around £15m. Property agent Savills concluded the deal.

Ferguson family sells Knoll House hotel after nearly 60 years >>

Gara Rock up for sale for £8.5m >>

Business profile: The Pig hotels >>

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