The Manor Hotel at Weston-on-the-Green near Bicester in Oxfordshire has been placed on the market with global real estate advisor Colliers International with an asking price of £5.6 million for the freehold.
The remains of a moat, splendid public areas, minstrels’ gallery and enormous Tudor fireplace point to the Manor Hotel’s early medieval origins – but very few properties from that period have been as well, or as stylishly preserved.
With Silverstone Racetrack and the Bicester retail village just a short drive away, there is plenty of potential for year-round trade for years to come.
Peter Brunt, a hotels director with Colliers International, said the luxury boutique hotel made the most of its stunning location near key tourist and business attractions.
“The sense of history at the magnificent, Grade II* listed Manor Hotel is palpable. There are very few buildings dating from this period that trade as hotels, let alone hotels with character and style in such glorious abundance,” said Peter Brunt.
With origins dating back to the Domesday Book, the original Weston Manor House can be traced to the 11th century when it belonged to Osney Abbey – until it was surrendered with all its lands during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539.
The Manor Hotel’s resident ghost – Mad Maude – is said to have originated from this period.
Royalist hero Prince Rupert is said to have stayed at the Manor during the final years of the English Civil War – and has given his name to the Grade II listed cottage – currently used for staff accommodation.
The House was converted in to a hotel in 1940.
Peter Brunt said: “The key to the modern Manor Hotel is its location less than two miles from Junction 9 of the M40 where the A34 and A41 meet.
“Blenheim Palace – the third fastest growing visitor attraction in the country- is just seven miles away, Oxford is ten miles away, Silverstone racetrack is 20 and Bicester retail village just five miles away. The development of the Oxford Business Park has resulted in a major increase in corporate business.
“Taken together, the area attracts millions of visitors all year round.”
Set in 12 acres of manicured grounds, including the remains of the original moat, the hotel has 32 letting rooms and extensive public areas as well as meeting or banqueting space.
“There are development opportunities to create further bedrooms, plans for a wedding barn on site and to convert Rupert’s cottage into a spa or further bedrooms. All are subject to the necessary planning consents.”
Weddings and events can be held in the Knot Garden for up to 130 guests. The Baron’s Hall restaurant has 46 covers but can provide for 70 in banquet form or 100 for drinks receptions. There is also a Minstrels’ Gallery, Bertie’s Bar and other dining rooms.
Peter Brunt said: “Our clients bought the hotel in 2012 – the previous owners had owned it for 30 years and the hotel required upgrading. This was undertaken in 2014 with considerable expenditure since. But our clients have other business interests and have decided the time is right to move on and give new owners the opportunity to enjoy this magnificent building.”
