Escape Hotels, which operates hotels in Barbados, has made its UK debut with the purchase of Great Hallingbury Manor in Essex.
It was one of the few privately-owned hotels near Stansted Airport and occupies a seven-acre plot fronting the main road through the Essex village of Great Hallingbury.
The 15-bedroom hotel has planning permission to extend the number of letting bedrooms. Facilities include a 40-seat restaurant and a 20-seat lounge and cocktail bar.
The Ipswich office of Christie + Co sold the freehold off a guide price of £1.5m on behalf of Frank and Sue McGarrigan, who are retiring.
By Angela Frewin