Countrywide Hotels acquires Laura Ashley The Manor hotel

Countrywide Hotels has acquired Laura Ashley The Manor hotel and renamed the property the Manor Hotel Elstree.

The hotel management company acquired the 49-bedroom Hertfordshire property from Laura Ashley for an undisclosed sum. The hotel also has a two-AA-rosette restaurant.

Darren Patt, managing director of Countrywide Hotels, said: "We are delighted to have acquired the Manor Elstree which is a beautiful hotel in a great location, and we look forward to developing the hotel and growing the business further."

Laura Ashley bought the hotel, formerly known as the Edgwarebury, in 2012 for £5.8m from Corus Hotels before rebranding it as a Laura Ashley property, showcasing the furnishings and furniture of the high-street retail brand.

Laura Ashley last year said it was optimistic about the franchising possibilities presented by its hotel and tea room concepts following disappointing financial results.

Laura Ashley The Belsfield in Windermere, Cumbria was launched in 2014 and Laura Ashley, Burnham Beeches on the border of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire is currently being rebranded. Both properties operate under a licensing agreement with owner Corus Hotels.

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