Hand Picked Hotels Acquires Four Cotswolds Hotels to Expand UK Luxury Hospitality Portfolio

Image generated with Ai

A collection of four distinguished hotels in the Cotswolds, one of England’s most sought-after rural locations, is to join Hand Picked Hotels’ portfolio of luxury hotels following its acquisition. The four properties will be the group’s first in the Cotswolds and will bring its collection of country house and coastal hotels around the UK and Channel Islands to over 20.

Hand Picked Hotels has agreed to acquire four Cotswolds hotels from Andrew Brownsword Hotels: Buckland Manor, The Slaughters Country Inn, The Slaughters Manor House and Old Swan & Minster Mill. They collectively bring 118 bedrooms and a well-established food and beverage offer to its portfolio of country house and coastal hotels.

Hand Picked Hotels enters the Cotswolds luxury tourism market

The Cotswolds has long been an enticing location for heritage breaks, countryside retreats and differentiated hospitality experiences. Its conserved areas, historic market towns and authentic villages remain one of the most popular destinations for UK and overseas visitors.

The four existing hotels will enable Hand Picked Hotels to deepen its presence within the luxury accommodation market in the UK. The company now owns a portfolio of 21 country house and coastal hotels that provide a broader offering of luxury stays for leisure guests.

The newly acquired hotels bring distinctive experiences for visitors:

• Buckland Manor offers a historic country house setting surrounded by gardens and countryside.
• The Slaughters Manor House provides an elegant luxury retreat near the picturesque village of Lower Slaughter.
• The Slaughters Country Inn combines traditional hospitality with a relaxed countryside atmosphere.
• Old Swan & Minster Mill delivers a riverside escape with historic character and leisure facilities.

For travellers planning a Cotswolds visit, these properties provide access to popular attractions, walking routes, heritage sites and local food experiences.

Acquisition supports wider UK hospitality growth

The Hand Picked Hotels acquisition reflects continued investment in Britain’s luxury hotel sector. Country house hotels remain popular among travellers looking for personalised stays, regional cuisine and experiences connected to local culture.

The company has invested in its existing portfolio while developing partnerships with recognised British brands and attractions, including Bollinger, Chapel Down, Blenheim Palace and the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.

The expansion into the Cotswolds also creates opportunities for stronger destination connections. Visitors staying at these hotels can explore historic villages, gardens, cultural attractions and outdoor activities throughout the region.

The transition will also include welcoming employees from the four acquired hotels into the Hand Picked Hotels network. The company has highlighted continuity, operational support and long-term investment as key priorities following the acquisition.

What travellers can expect from the four Cotswolds hotels

Visitors can continue booking stays at the four properties while Hand Picked Hotels manages the ownership transition. Existing hotel identities and guest experiences will remain central during the next phase of development.

Travellers visiting the Cotswolds can expect:

• Heritage architecture and traditional British interiors
• Countryside locations ideal for relaxation
• Dining experiences featuring regional influences
• Access to walking trails and cultural attractions
• Premium accommodation options for short breaks and longer stays

The region remains especially popular for weekend escapes from major UK cities, including London, Birmingham and Bristol. International visitors also increasingly choose the Cotswolds for authentic English countryside experiences.

Andrew Brownsword Hotels begins transition process

Andrew Brownsword Hotels acquired these four properties over a long period of time before the sale was agreed with Hand Picked Hotels. The company will work with the buyer to deliver a smooth transfer for the customer, employee and partner.

The sale provides a new chapter for the properties while helping retain their inherent identity as a hotels and preserve their wonderful sense of place. Terms of the sale remain undisclosed.

Deloitte, Michels & Taylor and Withers advised Hand Picked Hotels on the deal. Andrew Brownsword Hotels worked with advisors from Savills and Burgess Salmon.

image source: https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/