Hazlewood Castle sold
ONE of Yorkshire’s most historic properties has new owners.
Hazlewood Castle has been bought by Ashdale Hotels from Brian and Andrea Walker for an undisclosed sum.
Mr and Mrs Walker acquired the property in 1996 and spent around a year on its restoration, transforming it into a hotel, conference and wedding venue.
Set within 77 acres of parkland and historic landscaped grounds, Hazlewood Castle Hotel comprises 21 bedrooms and suites, six conference or function rooms, including the Great Hall which can accommodate up to 150 guests, and St Leonard’s Chapel.
Hazlewood Castle, which is located less than 30 minutes drive from Leeds and York off the A64 near Tadcaster, has been part of the Vavasours’ family estate since Norman times and was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. Parts of the current property date from the 13th century and the castle is listed grade I by English Heritage for its historical and architectural merit.
The purchase is Ashdale Hotels’ fifth hotel acquisition with its portfolio already consisting of The Kings Head in Richmond, the Dower House in Knaresborough, the Angel & Royal in Grantham and the recently-purchased Grants in Harrogate.
Jonathan Grant, of Leeds-based Grants Accountants, provided corporate finance advice to Mr and Mrs Walker.
Grants advised the couple when they acquired Hazlewood Castle in 1996 and Mr Grant said it had been pleasing to see the situation “come full circle”.
Mr Grant said: “It’s nice to have seen from the beginning an acorn planted and watched it grow. The Walkers had a vision from the beginning to transform Hazlewood into a wedding venue and a posh hotel and restaurant and they’ve achieved that.
“When they first got it it really was an old monastery. They’ve turned it into a first class venue and it was ahead of its time in the late 90s.”
Matthew Smith of law firm Dickinson Dees’ York office, which advised Mr and Mrs Walker on the sale, said: “Hazlewood Castle is a magnificent venue well known throughout the region and we are delighted to have been able to assist Brian and Andrea Walker throughout the sale process.”
The property was sold through Knight Frank’s hotels team in Leeds.
Martin Wicks, managing director of Ashdale Hotels, said: “We are delighted to have added Hazlewood Castle to our portfolio. Our intentions for the hotel are to continue to operate the business along the lines of the previous owners who have done a fantastic job.
“Longer-term it would be our intention to add a spa facility and perhaps high quality eco-friendly lodges within the woodland.”
Leigh Parsons, partner, hotels and leisure at Knight Frank in Leeds, added: “Hazlewood Castle is a beautiful property which has been expertly converted and operated by Brian and Andrea to become one of the region’s top wedding, conference and dining venues.
“We are extremely pleased to have found a purchaser in Ashdale Hotels who recognise these qualities and have the expertise to not only continue the current high standards but take the business to the next level. We wish them every success in the venture.”
