Thornbury Castle on market for £8.5m plus

The three-red-AA-star, 27-bedroom Thornbury Castle, near Bristol, has gone on the market with a price tag in excess of £8.5m.

Dating back to 1330, the Grade I-listed property was acquired by Luxury Family Hotels in 2011 as part of a seven-strong portfolio bought for around £30m, following the administration of Von Essen hotels. Thornbury Castle was marketed, at that time, with a sales price of £7.5m.

The hotel's restaurant, which currently holds two AA rosettes, was one of the first recipients of a Michelin star in the UK, under the ownership of chef Kenneth Bell during the 1970s.

Originally built by Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, the castle was occupied for 10 nights by Henry VIII during his honeymoon tour with Anne Boleyn in 1535.

Located within 15 acres of grounds, the hotel retains many original features, including arrow slit windows and exposed beans.

Martin Rogers, head of UK hotel transactions at Savills, which is marketing the hotel, said: "Thornbury Castle offers a unique opportunity to an investor looking to own a historic hotel. The fantastic reputation of the business and the sympathetic Tudor interiors have ensured the hotel remains popular with guests and we expect significant interest while marketing the asset."

Stuart Shaw appointed head chef of Thornbury Castle >>

Seven Von Essen hotels sold to Halcyon Hotels and Resorts >>