Exclusive: Ian and Christa Taylor buy Homewood Park

The Taylors acquired the hotel from Longleat Group Hotels, owned by theme park owner Longleat Enterprises, which acquired Homewood in 2011 out of the administration of Von Essen hotels along with Bishopstrow House. Longleat Enterprises also recently sold Bishopstrow to Frank Mountain of Versant Developers.

The Taylors plan to transform Homewood into "a laid-back country hideaway", with gardens and shepherd's huts in the woodlands, as well as onsite artisans producing ceramics and homeware available to buy. General manager Ian Griebenow will be staying on to oversee the property.

The bedrooms, public spaces, restaurant and spa will be refreshed, while the next phase of the project will see collaborations with local businesses and artists. As with the group's other properties, statement artwork will be at the heart of its transformation, which is expected to take two years to complete.

Overseeing the kitchen team will be Kaleidoscope's executive chef Marc Hardiman, who took up the position in June. He will launch a new restaurant concept at the hotel focused on local and home-grown produce and a nature-inspired afternoon tea menu.

Ian Taylor said: "We're delighted that Homewood continues the next phase of growth for the Kaleidoscope Collection. Adding a relaxed country house hotel to the group has been part of our long-term plan for some time now."

The sale was completed today (1 August) with the help of Barclays, local law firm Mogers Drewett and accountants Moore Stephens.

Ian and Christa Taylor sell the Abbey hotel in Bath >>

Marc Hardiman appointed executive chef of the Kaleidoscope Collection >>

Homewood Park appoints Scott Galloway as head chef >>

Longleat Enterprises buys Von Essen's Homewood Park hotel and spa >>

Get The Caterer every week on your smartphone, tablet, or even in good old-fashioned hard copy (or all three!).