STANTON House Hotel is now under new ownership after being bought by Meridian Hotels for £4.95 million.

Global property advisers Knight Frank and Colliers completed the sale of the Cotswold stone manor house in Stanton Fitzwarren on behalf of Japanese car manufacturer Honda.

It is the first time in more than 30 years that the 11-acre site featuring 78-bedroom accommodation, landscaped gardens, a lake, orchard and rose garden has changed owners.

Meridian Hotels has set aside an estimated £2 million to pay for restoration work which operations director Paul Evans said would “bring the business and property back to its former glory, with a complete makeover carried out with sensitivity and care”.

He added: “Stanton House Hotel is a charming property with its unique character, beauty and elegance. We are very pleased with this acquisition. It offers both connectivity with all things modern, while providing guests with everything one expects from beautiful English countryside. 

“The views are absolutely breath-taking, the atmosphere serene, and service offered by an English countryside hotel at its best. 

“We look forward to working with the current team at the hotel and welcoming our future guests.” 

The main manor building was re-constructed in the 1930s and is linked to the 1990s bedroom block extension by a glazed, two-storey section.

Knight Frank’s hotels team partner Matthew Smith said: “We are thrilled to have completed the sale of Stanton House Hotel, with both buyer and seller pleased with a successful outcome. 

“This is the second hotel we have sold to John Mulchandani, having purchased The Holiday Inn Sittingbourne in Kent through Knight Frank in 2019. 

“Meridian Hotels have been appointed to operate the hotel and under their management along with the future investment plans for 

“Stanton House Hotel the business will no doubt be a huge success. Despite the ongoing lockdown restrictions, interest in the hotel was strong given its proximity to the Cotswolds, making it an ideal asset for the burgeoning staycation sector.”

Director of hotel agency at Colliers, Peter Brunt, added: “Stanton House’s combination of seclusion and accessibility make it a valuable leisure investment. 

“The hotel presents an excellent opportunity for hosting large events thanks to its numerous function rooms and manicured gardens. 

“It is an exciting asset, with significant potential for development, either through expansion of its current accommodation and facilities or through residential development, subject to planning permission. 

“The sale is further evidence of the strong demand for hotels in and close to popular tourist destinations that we are finding at Colliers.”