Deal sees hotel that Shakespeare worked in begin new chapter

A hotel that lays claim to William Shakespeare having written some of his work in its library has been sold to an overseas investor.

The 4-star Billesley Manor Hotel, on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon, had been part of a 10-strong portfolio of regional UK hotels that had been put up for sale by The Hotel Collection in April 2016 for £130m.

The value of the deal for the Grade II-listed hotel has not been disclosed, but the property had been marketed individually for around £8m.

Martin Rogers, head of UK hotel transactions at Savills, which represented the seller, said: “The sale leaves just one property left from the Project Solstice portfolio, of which we expect a sale imminently.

“The UK regional hotel market continues to attract both overseas investors and high net worth individuals looking for smaller lot sizes and long term income.”

Billesley Manor Hotel dates back to the 16th Century and offers 72 bedrooms, a health club, an AA rosette restaurant, two bars and 10 conference rooms. The hotel will be managed by Bespoke Hotels.