Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne has been confirmed as the new owner of the four-AA-red- star, 26 bedroom Charlton House hotel in Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
His company, the Bannatyne Group, has purchased the property from administrators BDO, safeguarding the jobs of all 62 staff.
The holding company of the Grade II-listed country house hotel, Kilver Court Trading, went into administration in June 2009.
“I am delighted to announce the acquisition of Charlton House,” said Bannatyne. “It will be a credit to the Bannatyne portfolio and we look forward to welcoming our first visitors.”
Simon Stevens, director at Christie+ Co, who handled the deal on behalf of BDO, said: “This manor house hotel and spa with an award-wining reputation generated a high level of interest resulting in multiple bids.
“This established business offers tremendous future potenital, which I am sure the Bannatyne Group will be successful in fulfilling.”
Dating back to 1639, Charlton House was bought and refurbished by Roger and Monty Saul, the founders if the Mulberry Design Company, in 1996.
In recent years the hotel has been extended and now includes a 60-cover, two-AA rosette restaurant, conference facilities for 100 people in the Orangery, a helicopter landing pad and a spa with five treatment rooms.
Charlton House joins three other hotels in the Bannatyne Group – in Darlington, Durham and Hastings – alongside 60 health clubs and 30 spas.
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By Janet Harmer
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