Private investors are becoming increasingly active in the hotels market, with destinations including the Lake District and the Peak District proving popular with small chains looking to expand. This week, the four star Stone Manor Hotel in Worcestershire has changed hands, with new owners Helena and Andy Hogarth now considering refurbishment options for the 1920s property.
The Hogarths, who also own Hogarths Hotel and Restaurant in Dorridge, acquired the hotel from Charles Wilfred Dunn who is currently preparing to retire. He believes that the new owners will prove popular with visitors thanks to their commitment to improvements whilst still retaining the traditions which made the destination so popular.
He says; “I bought the hotel from Franco D’anielo in 1984 and since then we have developed and extended the country house hotel into the beautiful and imposing property it is today.
“Stone Manor Hotel has always been part of the local area and it is also known by many people far and wide who have visited over the years.
“I feel the time has now come to take a well-deserved retirement and with the rest of my family, I wish Helena and Andy Hogarth and their team much success and happiness at this wonderful hotel.”
Although no plans have yet been released regarding the future renovation works which will be conducted by the new owners, they have expressed an interest in upgrading the 56 bedrooms and public areas as a means of attracting trade within the lucrative weddings sector. They will also modernise the hotel’s numerous conference suites and the Fields Restaurant, and rebrand the property as the “Hogarths Stone Manor” to reconcile the addition with their existing portfolio.
The Hogarths have much to bring to the property, as their first hotel has earned four AA stars, an AA rosette and the “Hotel Restaurant of the Year” prize for the Midlands in the 2014 Food Awards England and Wales. All 120 existing staff members will retain their positions and the refurbishment may create further job roles in the future.
Helena Hogarth says; “I remember my grandfather bringing me to the Stone Manor Hotel for tea when I was younger with my family and when we discovered it was for sale we thought it was ideal as a second hotel.
“At Hogarths Hotel and Restaurant we have become renowned for providing high levels of service in high quality settings.
“We fully understand the traditions of the Stone Manor Hotel which we will be continuing and there is so much scope to further develop the bedrooms, conference and function suites and 25 acres of landscaped gardens.”
