Acquisitive hotel group Von Essen has its sights on one of Wales's best-known hotels - Ynyshir Hall.
The group, which is in negotiations for half-a-dozen hotels in the UK, including Homewood Park hotel in Bath and the Buckland-Tout-Saints hotel in Kingsbridge, Devon, is now understood to be considering buying the nine-bedroom Ynyshir Hall in Eglwysfach, Powys.
The AA three-star and three-rosette hotel, owned by professional artist Rob Reen and his wife Joan, dates back to the 16th century and was once a retreat for Queen Victoria. If the deal goes ahead, Ynyshir Hall will be Von Essen's third Relais & Chƒteaux hotel and will take its number of hotels in the marketing consortium to the maximum allowed.
Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 12 August 2004