Fishponds Country House hotel in East Devon has been sold off a guide price of £1.65m.
The popular conference and wedding venue close to the village of Dunkeswell was sold by Stonesmith of Exeter to a local businessman within 48 hours of receiving instructions to sell from vendors Janet Cole and Mick Hartley.
The hotel will be run under the management of Bespoke Hotels, which has installed experienced chef Martin Barrett to head up the operation.
Parts of Fishponds date back to 1201, when it was a cottage for the lake keeper who supplied the monks at Dunkeswell Manor.
The hotel occupies 45 acres parkland, including four lakes with fishing facilities.
It offers 18 en-suite bedrooms to sleep 44 (including two family rooms), a restaurant with two dining areas to seat 20 and 30 guests, and a conservatory room for civil wedding ceremonies and conferences that can seat around 80 customers.
A permanent marquee outside will seat another 120 guests.
The grounds also incorporate a campsite and caravan area overlooking one of the lakes (which has been suspended for future development) and three self-catering cottages.
By Angela Frewin