Brakspear swoops on iconic Cotswolds hotel

Reputed to be England’s oldest Inn The Royalist in Stow-on-the-Wold has been bought by Brakspear in a deal brokered by Colliers International. The deal means both the Royalist and its partner hotel The Grapevine on the opposite side of the road can look forward to brighter futures under new ownership after spending some time on the market.

Colliers International hotels director Peter Brunt said: “The Royalist represented fantastic value for money. A superb hotel in a prime Cotswolds location proved an opportunity not to be missed.”

The stunning grade II listed, 14-bedroom hotel has been fully modernised and offers an award-winning restaurant as well as a popular gastro pub, the Eagle and Child. Although the listing suggests sixteenth or seventeenth century, parts of the building are reputed to form part of a refuge dating back to 947AD built on the Fosse Way by a Saxon Duke called Aethelmar.

Just across the road from the Royalist, The Grapevine has been bought by hotel entrepreneurs Elaine and Martyn Booth, who are finalising plans for a major overhaul of their latest acquisition.