A grade II-listed hotel and spa in the Cotswolds has been sold for an undisclosed sum to a French hotel group.
The 31-bedroom Cowley Manor & Spa was bought by Experimental Group from Peter and Jessica Frankopan of A Curious Group of Hotels, who have owned the venue since 1999.
It is the French group’s second acquisition since its partnership with Brookfield and its first outside of London.
The Gloucestershire-based country house hotel, which dates back to the 1860s and is located within 55 acres of gardens, is said to have inspired the adventures of Alice in Wonderland. It will continue to operate as normal, with all the team remaining in place, following the deal.
Mr Frankopan, chairman of A Curious Group of Hotels, said: “We are immensely proud of what we have achieved over more than two decades, during which time we transformed a wonderful country house into one of the best-known and most-celebrated hotels in the UK.
“The list of awards that we won in this time – including Conde Nast Traveller Best Spa in the UK and the hotel pool being named ‘coolest in the world’ by GQ – speak to the commitment of the staff and the huge popularity of Cowley Manor over many, many years.”
Experimental is a European hospitality group, with restaurants, bars and hotels in France, Switzerland, Spain, the US and UK.
Romée de Goriainoff, founder of Experimental, said Cowley Manor & Spa was an “exciting and landmark” addition to the group’s portfolio. He said: "It’s been in safe hands for a generation and we now look forward to making it a popular addition to our offering."
Mr Frankopan added: “Their plans involve building on what we have created, retaining the contemporary design, and maintaining the outstanding service that has made Cowley Manor so popular with its many regular guests.”
A Curious Group of Hotels' other properties – including The Portobello Hotel in London, L’Hotel in Paris and Canal House in Amsterdam – will continue as normal, according to the group. The business said it was currently exploring “at least one” other acquisition to add to the portfolio which it expects to announce later this year.
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