Von Essen, the upscale hotel operator and owner of the Battersea Heliport in West London, has acquired Hunstrete House ” a landmark quintessential country house hotel close to the city of Bath.
Hunstrete was home to the Popham family of Littlecote for some 350 years and can trace its lineage as far back as the reign of King Athelstone in 936 AD. The house has retained the atmosphere of a private country retreat and is furnished with antiques and original paintings, with much of the furniture, porcelain and artwork decorating the Georgian property”s 25 bedrooms.
The acquisition of Hunstrete House sustains a successful year for von Essen and is the latest addition to its 24-strong collection, which includes well known properties such as the Cliveden in Berkshire and The Royal Crescent in Bath.
Von Essen Hotels chairman Andrew Davis commented: ”The last few months has seen von Essen”s first step into London and the start of our drive into Europe. We have also expanded our luxury aviation business, with the purchase of Premi-Air from the Sir Robert McAlpine Group.
”The acquisition of Hunstrete is a reminder that our primary passion is for great British houses, beautiful landscapes and fine art, so ensuring their joys are conserved for the delight of our guests and the benefit of future generations.”