Hand Picked Hotels to enter the Cotswolds through acquisition of four country hotels.
Hand Picked Hotels, a collection of 21 luxury country houses and coastal retreats across the UK and Channel Islands founded by Julia Hands, today announces that it has agreed to acquire four hotels from Andrew Brownsword Hotels, the hotel collection owned by the Brownsword family.
This family-to-family transaction establishes Hand Picked Hotels' presence in the Cotswolds, one of the UK's most internationally recognised and sought-after leisure destinations, and marks a significant milestone in the group's continued growth and development.
As part of the transaction, Hand Picked Hotels will acquire the freehold properties of Buckland Manor, The Slaughters Country Inn, The Slaughters Manor House and Old Swan & Minster Mill. Together, the hotels comprise 118 bedrooms across key locations in the Cotswolds and are known for their individual character, established food and beverage offerings, and experienced local teams.
The hotels will continue trading under their existing names following completion while Hand Picked Hotels works to ensure a smooth transition for colleagues, guests, suppliers and local stakeholders.
The deal reflects the next phase of Hand Picked Hotels' development and supports its ambition to be the leading premium country house hotel collection in the UK and Channel Islands. Over the past year, the group has continued to invest across its portfolio, strengthen its leadership team and enhance the guest experience through a series of new luxury partnerships including Bollinger, Chapel Down, Blenheim Palace and the National Motor Museum within the Beaulieu estate.
Julia Hands, Chair of Hand Picked Hotels, said:
“The Cotswolds has long been one of Britain's most admired destinations and establishing a presence in the region has been an ambition of ours for some time.
"Our collection has been thoughtfully built over many years and these hotels are a natural fit, combining the heritage, individuality and quality that our guests value and expect. Their addition complements our existing portfolio while introducing Hand Picked Hotels to new audiences across the UK and internationally.
"We are proud to become the next custodian of these properties and are committed to preserving what makes them special while investing in their future success.”
Ignace Bauwens, Group Director of Hand Picked Hotels Holdings (Guernsey) Limited, said:
"We are excited to welcome our new colleagues from these hotels into the Hand Picked family and to support them through the next chapter of their journey.
"Our immediate focus will be ensuring continuity for guests, supporting colleagues and working closely with local partners and communities. Over time, we will bring the benefits of Hand Picked Hotels' operational expertise and investment approach while preserving the character and individuality that have made these hotels so successful.”
John Badley, Chief Executive Officer of Andrew Brownsword Hotels, said:
"These hotels have been developed and cared for with great pride over many years, and we are pleased to have reached an agreement that marks the beginning of their next chapter.
“We look forward to working together to ensure a smooth transition for our colleagues, guests and business partners, while the same care, long-term investment and commitment to exceptional hospitality that helped shape these four hotels will continue to guide everything we do, making our hotels very special as we continue to welcome our guests across our portfolio.
“I would like to thank our teams across these four hotels for their unwavering commitment, professionalism, and passion for hospitality. Every memorable guest experience and the outstanding reputation these properties enjoy today is a reflection of their dedication and care. We are immensely proud of everything they have achieved, thank them sincerely for their contribution to Andrew Brownsword Hotels, and wish them every success as they embark on this next chapter with Hand Picked Hotels.”
Hand Picked Hotels was advised by Deloitte, Michels & Taylor and Withers. Andrew Brownsword Hotels was advised by Savills and Burgess Salmon.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Hand Picked Hotels
Hand Picked Hotels is a distinctive collection of 21 privately owned luxury country houses and coastal retreats, each carefully selected for its individuality. Architecturally unique and quintessentially British, every hotel boasts a stunning location - from the rolling hills of Scotland to the shores of the Channel Islands.
Dedicated to creating unique and enchanting stays, personalised service lies at the heart of the Hand Picked experience. Delivered by warm and caring colleagues, the hotels offer a sanctuary where guests can unwind, relax, and be pampered. Every detail is thoughtfully managed to ensure magical moments that encourage guests to return time and again.
A passion for locally sourced food is evident throughout the collection. Award-winning chefs craft delectable modern British cuisine, complemented by fine wines, including selections from Villa Saletta, Hand Picked’s family-owned Tuscan vineyard.
Founded in 2001 by Chairman, Julia Hands MBE, Hand Picked Hotels operates with core values of family, individuality, community, and care - ensuring an authentic and personalised experience for every guest and employee.
Website: handpickedhotels.co.uk
X: @hp_hotels | Instagram: @handpickedhotels | Facebook: handpickedhotels
For further information, please contact: [email protected]
About Andrew Brownsword Hotels
Andrew Brownsword Hotels is a collection of six privately owned hotels, located in some of the UK’s most beautiful places. Comprised of three countryside properties, two city centre ABode hotels and Sydney House Chelsea, Andrew Brownsword Hotels is owned by the Brownsword family, who strive to create very special places that truly embody their own ethos of great hospitality.
brownswordhotels.co.uk
The Brownsword family also own and operate The Imperial Torquay.
