The newly formed Hive Hotel Group has acquired its first property, Callow Hall Country House hotel near Ashbourne for £2m.
The group acquired the 16-bedroom Derbyshire property from David and Joan Hardman, who had purchased it out of the Von Essen administration in 2011 for £2.25m. The property was marketed through Christie & Co.
The hotel will undergo an extensive £3.5m refurbishment, subject to planning permission, including the addition of self-catering accommodation.
Hive Hotel Group is overseen by Ed Burrows and Charles Randall, who are aiming to acquire five hotels under the group over the next 10 years.
Burrows and Randall also operate Barnsdale Lodge hotel in Rutland as managing director and financial director, respectively, under a separate company.
Randall said: "Our aim is to acquire country house hotels of architectural importance or beauty. We like to have land too. Location is not important although accessibility is important and as we want to appeal to leisure and corporate guests, we need to be within relatively close proximity to large towns or cities."
Burrows added: "Callow Hall, which has a deep and important local history, fits perfectly with our vision for the Hive, which is to create the perfect environment for friends, family and colleagues to gather and enjoy the hospitality we offer. The Peak District has so much to offer visitors and we are very much looking forward to making Callow Hall a special destination for all guests whether leisure or corporate."
Callow Hall is latest Von Essen hotel to be sold >>
Von Essen acquires Callow Hall hotel in Derbyshire >>