Historic hotel taken over by new overseas investor

Overseas investor Mokan Hotels Co. has bought New Place, at Shirrell Heath, from the Principal Hotel Company, part of Starwood Capital, who ran the hotel as a De Vere venue.

The hotel – a Grade I-listed formal Jacobean-style red brick manor house that dates back to the early 17th century – will be managed by Legacy Hotels and Resorts, which has 15 hotels in the UK.

Andy Townsend, chief executive officer, said: ‘We are delighted to add such a respected and established regional hotel to Legacy’s growing portfolio. The acquisition of New Place is testament to our continued growth in the sector and the first this year of several projects in the pipeline that are due to complete.

‘The property is very popular with a diverse group of loyal corporate and leisure guests and is host to over 100 wedding and social events each year. The hotel has just completed a full refurbishment of its dedicated banqueting facility, The Arden Suite, and an upgrade to the main house’s ground floor restaurant and bar facilities – so I am confident that New Place will continue to be a local gem and one of Hampshire’s premier hotels.’

Staff will remain in their current positions.