Abbey Hotel Is Hand Picked Hotels’ Latest Acquisition

Hand Picked Hotels has purchased Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, near Worcester, in a landmark move, that aims to raise the profile of the brand in the West Midlands.  As a result of the new acquisition, the hotel group now has 20 significant properties to its name.

The Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, which is a Grade ll listed Abbey, has been bought by Hotel and Venues Group Clarenco, as a going concern. Clarenco is part of the Amazing Venues brand; with the deal expected to be finalised by mid- March.

Ex- lawyer-turned Hotelier Jula Hands, runs Hand Picked Hotels; and their latest acquisition signifies a step forward for its expansion drive, following the selling off of two of its properties in 2015; Seiont Manor in Wales and The Priest House in Derbyshire.

Hand Picked Hotels is a hotel group started by Julia and her financier husband Guy Hands.  The group was formed in 2001, with a portfolio of hotels, already bought by her husband.

The Gothic Abbey is set within a walled estate of 26 acres, and was once inhabited by Benedictine monks, and the sons of Augustus Pugin.  It houses a church, cloisters and towers, and has 56 bedrooms, alongside a wedding events suite remodelled from the orginal presbytry.  There are 17 function rooms, including a banqueting hall, historic wine cellar, games rooms and a garden pavillion.

Julia Hands says “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.”

Suzanne Hurndall, CEO, Clarenco, said: “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. After purchasing the Abbey in 2010 and overseeing the largest of our development projects to date, we can see that Stanbrook Abbey Hotel is the perfect fit for the Hand Picked portfolio. This transaction leaves Clarenco able to focus on its remaining properties, developing and expanding them to enable them achieve their full potential over the coming years.”

Stanbrook Abbey Hotel
Jennet Tree Lane, Callow End
Worcester, WR2 4TY
https://www.stanbrookabbey.com/

Sandrine Lester