A historic country estate and hotel once owned by St Paul's Cathedral architect Sir Christopher Wren is to undergo a major overhaul.
Wroxall Abbey Hotel north of Warwick has struggled in recent years with operators falling into administration twice since 2019.
But its new owners are now pledging to invest in the estate and four-star hotel, parts of which date back to the 1100s, by creating a spa and health club, renovating the 1800s courtyard building and adding 24 bedrooms by the end of next year.
The hotel currently has 73 bedrooms, six conference rooms, a patio garden overlooking the 27-acre grounds, a bar and restaurant.
The venue suddenly closed in October 2019 but was reopened by Trinity Hotel following refurbishment works in summer 2021. It struggled in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions and ended up falling into administration last July.
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The hotel then reopened its doors last autumn following the takeover by family-run firm ONS International.
The Victorian neo-Gothic brick mansion hotel, which is also a former girls' school, is said to be the only hotel in the country with its own on-site chapel.
Since relaunching, the business has obtained a wedding licence, launched afternoon tea and Sunday lunch menus and reopened the 14th-century church after being closed for five years. It now holds Sunday services again for The Order of St. Leonard as well as hosting weddings and christenings.
ONS International's director Paresh Thakkar said: "We acknowledge the rich history of Wroxall Abbey and understand its significant importance and value to the local community.
"While we understand the negative press that has surrounded Wroxall Abbey in the past, especially with the recent administration, our main goal as a business is to restore the historic reputation of this magnificent estate, rebuilding trust with the community and to provide a high-quality service for our guests.
"Our dedicated team is aware of the continuous and challenging upkeep with the grade II-listed building. Our business has the long-term vision to continue to transform Wroxall Abbey into a beautiful and luxurious venue."
The hotel was originally founded as a Benedictine nunnery by Hugh Fitz Richard of Hatton in the middle of the 12th century. The church was built in around 1315, originally part of the priory itself and the only part that remains standing.
In recent history, it was made into a cathedral of the Free Methodist Church but has been returned to The Church of England under its new owner.
