LONDON and AUSTIN – (Realty News Report) – Whim Hospitality, based in Austin, has acquired The Old Bell Hotel, a 13th-century inn in Wiltshire widely regarded as one of England’s oldest hotels.
Located in the historic market town of Malmesbury, north of the River Avon and adjacent to a 12th-century abbey, the 34-bedroom country hotel dates back to the Middle Ages and retains many original features from across the centuries.
Whim Hospitality operates Camp Lucy, a wedding and corporate retreat destination in Dripping Springs outside Austin. The buyer’s principal, Austin native Whit Hanks, is an entrepreneur with experience in property development and retail, including ownership of an antiques store in Austin.
The Old Bell Hotel recently underwent careful restoration and still showcases numerous historic elements, such as a restaurant fireplace dating to 1220. The hotel features a prominent dining program with a public restaurant and bar as well as private dining options. Fully licensed for both indoor and outdoor civil ceremonies, the venue hosts weddings of up to 65 guests. The Library and Garden Room accommodate parties and corporate events for up to 60 people.
Centrally located in Malmesbury, the hotel is also convenient for visitors exploring the nearby Cotswolds.
“We are thrilled to bring the Whim Hospitality approach to The Old Bell Hotel in the historic market town of Malmesbury, home to members of the Hanks family lineage,” said Whit Hanks.
Malmesbury is a town rich in history and was once regarded as one of Europe’s leading centers of learning during the Middle Ages. Notable historical figures associated with the town include King Athelstan, who ruled from 925 to 940 and is often considered the first king of all England; William of Malmesbury, an early English historian; and Thomas Hobbes, a philosopher often credited as a founder of modern political thought.
“As a property reportedly among England’s oldest hotels, The Old Bell unsurprisingly attracted international interest,” said Matthew Smith, a partner in the hotels team at Knight Frank, the real estate firm that handled the sale. “We are delighted for Whit and Kim Hanks as they make their first UK hotel acquisition. They plan substantial repositioning of the business, and we anticipate strong success under their stewardship. With the robust staycation market continuing to support the hotel sector, interest in distinctive heritage assets remains high among both domestic and international investors.”
April 12, 2021 Realty News Report Copyright 2021
File: Texan Buys England’s Oldest Hotel
Photo: Courtesy Knight Frank
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