New vision for Bishopstrow Hotel

The determination to rebuild our sector is demonstrated not only by the numerous refurbishment projects that have been completed during lockdowns, but that independent operators are continuing to invest and provide new-look offerings to lure guests.

Bath-based boutique hotelier company, Kaleidoscope Collection, overseen by Ian and Christa Taylor, has acquired a third hotel, Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa in Wiltshire, to add to its quirky and artistic portfolio. Along with the creation of almost 30 new jobs, the move represents one of the South West’s biggest hotel acquisitions of the last year and a half. With a purchase price in the region of £5.5 million, handled by Matthew Smith, partner in the Knight Frank hotels team, the hotel joins the Kaleidoscope stable which also includes Homewood and The Bird, both in Bath. The 19th century, 32-bedroom historic country house and spa is set within 27 acres of Wiltshire countryside, handy for visits to Longleat, Stonehenge and the Salisbury Plains and the Roman city of Bath.

The Taylors say: “The hospitality sector has arguably been hit harder than any other both within the local and national economy. But it has the potential to bounce back stronger than ever before. We understand that there was significant interest in Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa from investors both in terms of its heritage and a spike in the staycation market as a direct consequence of the pandemic.”

Acorn award-winner Mark Bevan will continue in his role as general manager. He says: “Bishopstrow has been through a number of changes in recent years. But under the ownership of Ian and Christa Taylor with co-investor Jonathan Walker, and the creative vision they have for the hotel over the next few months and beyond, there is optimism and a sense of excitement for what lies ahead.” The hotel, with its 32 rooms, spa and wellness facilities and the Maple bar and terrace, reopened at the start of July. It will also cater for boutique weddings of up to 40 guests. With a vast green space on the banks of the River Wylye, and some historic Grade II listed monuments for guests to view, the hotel has ambitions to be heavily outdoor-oriented.

The Taylors have made noteworthy additions to the sector by creating some of the region’s most eccentric and sought-after hotels, including the Abbey Hotel and multi-award-winning No.15 Great Pulteney.