New Wroxall Abbey owners pledge to restore troubled hotel's reputation

The owners of the troubled Wroxall Abbey hotel in Warwickshire have pledged to “restore the reputation” of the estate after it fell into administration twice in four years.

The 73-room hotel, which reopened last autumn, will undergo a million-pound refurbishment and expansion under new owners ONS International Ltd.

It comes after financial difficulties forced the historic Grade II-listed property to close twice since 2019.

Wroxall Abbey held four-AA-stars when it shut down suddenly in 2019. Trinity Hotel Ltd reopened the hotel in 2021 following a refurbishment but it was unable to recover from the impact of lockdown restrictions during the pandemic and re-entered administration in July 2022.

Now the hotel’s new family owners have planned a major investment in the Victorian neo-Gothic brick mansion, which was a former girls’ school and country estate of architect Sir Christopher Wren.

Since ONS took over the business in September, the hotel was obtained a wedding licence and launched afternoon tea and Sunday lunch menus.

The on-site 14th century church has reopened after five years and, since March, has been holding Sunday services and hosting weddings and christenings with complimentary refreshments offered in the hotel afterwards.

The hotel currently offers 73 bedrooms, six conference rooms, a patio garden overlooking the 27-acre grounds, and a lounge bar and restaurant.

Plans include the launch of a spa and health club and renovation of the Courtyard Building to create an additional 24 bedrooms by the end of next year.

Company director Paresh Thakkar said: “While we understand the negative press that has surrounded Wroxall Abbey in the past, especially with the recent administration, our main goal as a business is to restore the historic reputation of this magnificent estate, re-building trust with the community and to provide a high-quality service for our guests.”

He added: “Our dedicated team are aware of the continuous and challenging up-keep with the Grade II-listed building. Our business has the long-term vision to continue to transform Wroxall Abbey into a beautiful and luxurious venue.”