Andrew Davis's Llangoed Hall goes into administration
One of only two remaining hotels owned by Andrew Davis, the founder of the beleaguered Von Essen group, has been placed in administration.
Karen Dukes and Rob Lewis of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have been appointed joint administrators of the 23-bedroom Llangoed Hall hotel in Brecon, Powys. Originally created by the late Sir Bernard Ashley, the hotel was bought a year ago by Von Essen Hotels.The acquisition by Von Essen included Sir Bernard's private art collection incorporating 20 original James Whistler drawings.
Dukes said that as a result of the current economic climate facing the hotel industry, Llangoed Hall is facing significant challenges and the hotel has found trading conditions to be difficult over the past two years.
"Our immediate priority now is to review all options for the company," she said. "Whilst a buyer for the business is sought, we expect to continue trading and we will look to work with the company's existing management team, suppliers, employees and customers to try and ensure that a solution is found to take the business forward."
The hotel will continue to trade and the administrators aim to honour deposits paid for wedding bookings. However, where bookings are cancelled the administrators will not refund deposits.
Llangoed Hall was one of four properties that did not form part of the administration of Von Essen Hotels, following the collapse of the company with debts of more than £250m in April. Alongside the Forbury in Reading; Hunstrete House, near Bath; and Hotel Verta in London; it continued to be owned by Von Essen's founder Andrew Davis.
However, Hunstrete House, which was operated under licence by Von Essen, was placed into creditors voluntary liquidation in May, and closed. The Georgian country house hotel was said to have been a loss-making business for several years.
Meanwhile, Hotel Verta went into administration in July and is currently on the market for £20m.
Seven of the former Von Essen Hotels have now been sold out of administration. They include Amberley Castle, Buckland Manor, Lower Slaughter Manor, the Samling, Bishopstrow House, the Greenway Hotel & Spa, and Washbourne Court.
Prospective buyers for Llangoed Hall should contact Natalie Cartlidge at PwC at natalie.l.cartlidge@uk.pwc.com
Von Essen buys Llangoed Hall >>
Hotel Verta goes into administration >>
Cliveden tops the price tag on Von Essen hotels >>
By Janet Harmer
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