One-time Von Essen hotel Llangoed Hall is sold
Llangoed Hall - created by Sir Bernard Ashley and more recently briefly owned by the beleaguered Von Essen group - has been sold for an undisclosed sum.
The 23-bedroom property has been bought through Savills property agent by businessman Roger Hancox, who confirmed his intention to continue the "at home" experience which was established by Sir Bernard in 1990.
Set in 15 acres of gardens and grounds in the Wye Valley, the Grade II-listed hotel was put on the market at the beginning of the year after going into administration in November 2011. Although it was at one time owned by Von Essen, it was not included in the administration of the company - which collapsed with debts of nearly £300m in April 2011 - and initially remained in the ownership of the company's founder, Andrew Davis.
While the origins of the property date back to 1632, the main house was one of the first major commissions in 1912 for the architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. Following the death of his wife, Laura Ashley, Sir Bernard bought the property in 1987 with the intention of creating the ambiance of an Edwardian country house party.
After extensive renovations and the introduction of antiques and art works by Edwardian artists Walter Sickert, Augustus John and Rex Whistler, the property opened as a hotel in 1990.
Llangoed Hall goes on the market >>
Von Essen buys Llangoed Hall >>
By Janet Harmer
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