Warner Leisure Hotels has bought Heythrop Park, a four-star property on the edge of the Cotswolds in Oxfordshire.
The adults-only chain has taken over the hotel from current owners Firoka Ltd, as part of the expansion of Warner’s nationwide portfolio.
The acquisition follows Warner’s announcement of a £50 million refurbishment of Studley Castle in Warwickshire, which opens in March 2019.
Heythorp Park’s current franchise with Crowne Plaza will end in December 2018.
The hotel will operate independently with the current team in place throughout 2019.
Refurbishment work will start in 2019, and it will open as a new Warner hotel in 2020.
Simon Thompson, Warner Leisure Hotels’ managing director, said: “The acquisition of Heythrop Park demonstrates our commitment to grow Warner.
“Hot on the heels of Studley Castle, this announcement confirms further significant investment for Warner and we are now focused on developing our plans for the grand opening in 2020.”
He added: “The market predicts Brits will spend £129 billion on the leisure industry in 2018, a 17% increase compared to five years ago.
“The expansion of our hotel portfolio ensures we remain a frontrunner…keeping the brand relevant to both loyal and new guests by offering variety and flexibility.”
Built in the 1700s by Charles Talbot, the 12th Earl and 1st Duke of Shrewsbury, Heythrop Park is a Grade II-listed property on 440 acres of parkland. It has more than 300 rooms and an 18-hole championship golf course.
Owned by Bourne Holidays, Warner Leisure Hotels specialises in short breaks for adults and currently has 14 sites across the UK.
Warner Leisure Hotels invests £50 million into Studley Castle