Wiltshire’s Cricklade Hotel sold to Ambienza Hotels

The Cricklade Hotel & Country Club in Wiltshire has been sold to Ambienza Hotels, operator of the Cotswolds88hotel in Gloucestershire, for an undisclosed sum.​

The 46-bedroom country house hotel features a restaurant, six conference rooms, a nine-hole golf course, outdoor tennis court, indoor pool, spa, steam room and gymnasium.

The property is the third hotel for Ambienza operators Phil and Val Harris, who also run Chateau de Sanse in South-West France.

Neil Scott, group general manger for Ambienza Hotels, said Cricklade would under go an ‘extensive programme’ of improvements.

“Our goal for the hotel is to become one of the best four-star hotels in the region,” he said. “I am confident that we can achieve this within 18 months.”

Lee Scott, group executive head chef, who was recently named Cotswolds Chef of the year, will now oversee Cricklade’s food and beverage operation.

Fast transaction​

Simon Stevens, director at Christie & Co who negotiated the deal, said: “Despite the current challenging climate, quality hotel businesses continue to attract high-levels of interest, with buyers willing to act decisively for the right opportunity. Cricklade Hotel & Country Club was no different, with a deal agreed and completed for this established business within eight weeks.

“We believe Cricklade Hotel & Country Club will make the perfect addition to Phil Harris’ already impressive portfolio.”