Paddocks House hotel sold out of administration and relaunched as wedding venue

The 13-bedroom Paddocks House hotel near Newmarket, Cambridgeshire, has been relaunched as an exclusive-use events venue following its sale to wedding venue operator Hedley James for an undisclosed sum.

 

Featuring a 50-cover restaurant and three function rooms including a conservatory with a capacity for 150 guests, the property formed one half of the House Collection, which went into administration in July 2015. One time sister hotel, the 21-bedroom Poet's House in Ely, is still on the market with Colliers International.

 

The hotel will now operate under its new name of Swynford Manor. Prior to being acquired by the House Collection in 2013, the hotel briefly operated as Manor 64, having been rebranded from its original name of Swynford Paddocks hotel.

 

David Leathem, founder of Hedley James, described the property as a "historic and beautiful" addition to the company's portfolio of venues.

 

"I'm also particularly delighted that we've been able to reintroduce the Swynford name to this venue as it is steeped in history and connections with the local horseracing community in and around Newmarket," he added.

 

Funding for the acquisition has been provided by investment group Downing. David Martin Smith of Downing said: "The exclusive-use wedding venue model fits well with our funds' strategy as we continue to expand our interest in the sector."

 

Cross, the commercial director, left the business at the end of 2014, but Toulson-Burke and Baker, previously managing director and financial director respectively of the House Collection, took steps to recover the company after accountancy firm BDO was appointed as administrator.

 

At the time, Toulson-Burke and Baker told The Caterer that the House Collection had been working with its lender Eastern Counties Finance to refinance the business following litigation losses stemming from a dispute with contractors during the renovation of the two properties, which led to the administration.

 

Poet’s House and Paddock House up for sale >>

 

Former directors of the House Collection fight for business >>

 

The House Collection launch second hotel in Newmarket >>

 

 

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