HandPicked Hotels acquires Stanbrook Abbey from Clarenco
Clarenco, the operator of the Amazing Venues brand, has sold its second hotel in two days following the acquisition of the 56-bedroom Stanbrook Abbey hotel in Worcester by Hand Picked Hotels, for an undisclosed sum.
Yesterday the group sold the 30-bedroom Château Rhianfa in Menai Bridge on the Isle of Anglesey to Roger Hancox of Interesting Hotels.
The off-loading of the two properties has left Amazing Venue with four properties: Ackergill Tower in the Scottish Highlands and three hotels located on Second World War forts in the Solent estuary, including Spitbank, No Man's and Horse Sand.
The acquisition of Stanbrook Abbey takes the Hand Picked Hotels portfolio up to 20. Located within a 26-acre walled estate at the foot of the Malvern Hills, the hotel is located within a Gothic-style abbey dating back to the early 16th century, once inhabited by Benedict nuns. Additions to the building were later added by Augustus Pugin, the architect of the Houses of Parliament.
The property includes a wedding and events suite created with the abbey's presbytery and a 100ft bell tower overlooking the River Severn. There are a total of 17 function rooms.
Julia Hands, who founded Hand Picked Hotels in 2001 with her husband, financier Guy Hands, said: "The acquisition of Stanbrook Abbey Hotel is a delightful addition to our portfolio of country house hotels with fascinating histories and stunning architecture.
"It also fits with our planned growth to acquire hotels in strong locations across the UK, close to good transport links to major cities."
Hand Picked hopes to add a small number of bedrooms in disused spaces within existing buildings at Stanbrook Abbey, as well as look as other options to enhance the hotel.
Suzanne Hurndall, chief executive of Clarenco, said that the company has no plans to sell any more properties and will continue to grow and trade its remaining businesses.
"Clarenco is delighted to have found a purchaser for Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, who not only has a proven track record in the industry, but is as excited and passionate about the hotel and its opportunities as we have been."
Hurndall added that Mike Clare, the multi-millionaire founder of the Dreams bedroom stores and the property development business Clarenco, had very much enjoyed the renovation of Stanbrook Abbey, which the company had bought in 2010. "As a serial entrepreneur, there is always the chance that he will make further acquisitions," she added.
Interesting Hotels snaps up Isle of Anglesey's Château Rhianfa >>
Hand Picked Hotels sees turnover increase to £62.4m >>
Amazing Venues relaunches as hotel business >>
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