Honda’s Swindon hotel sold to leisure group

A 78-bedroom hotel owned by motor manufacturer Honda until the firm announced its intention to leave Swindon has been sold.

The luxury Stanton House Hotel was used, in part, to accommodate visiting Honda executives, and had a plaudit-winning Japanese restaurant that was open to the general public.

The hotel was put on the market in October last year, with a guide price of £4.95 million.

This week joint agents Knight Frank and Colliers announced the sale of the hotel to businessman John Mulchandani.

The hotel will be operated by Meridian Hotels, which runs the Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn brands.

The hotel, set in 11 acres of private grounds at Stanton Fitzwarren, will benefit from a £2 million makeover and will continue to trade under the Stanton House Hotel name, said Paul Evans, operations director Meridian Hotels.

Matthew Smith, partner in the hotels team at Knight Frank, said: “We are thrilled to have completed the sale of Stanton House Hotel, with both buyer and seller pleased with a successful outcome.

“This is the second hotel we have sold to John Mulchandani, having purchased The Holiday Inn Sittingbourne in Kent through Knight Frank in 2019.

“Meridian Hotels have been appointed to operate the hotel and under their management along with the future investment plans for Stanton House Hotel the business will no doubt be a huge success.

“Despite the ongoing lockdown restrictions interest in Stanton House was strong given its proximity to the Cotswolds, making it an ideal asset for the burgeoning staycation sector.”

Peter Brunt, director of hotel agency at Colliers, said: “Stanton House’s combination of seclusion and accessibility make it a valuable leisure investment.

“The hotel also presents an excellent opportunity for hosting large events thanks to its numerous function rooms and manicured gardens.

“It is an exciting asset, with significant potential for development, either through expansion of its current accommodation and facilities or through residential development, subject to planning permission.

“The sale is further evidence of the strong demand for hotels in and close to popular tourist destinations that we are finding at Colliers.”

The manor house was built in the 1930s and was extended in the 1990s. It has three function rooms boasting original features, in addition to a modern main function room with room for up to 110 guests, which is suitable for weddings and conferences.