Highbullen hotel joins Bespoke Hotels Collection

The four-AA-star Highbullen hotel in Chittlehamholt, Devon, has joined the Bespoke Hotels Collection of independent boutique hotels.

As a result the 37-bedroom hotel will benefit from Bespoke's management and operations support, while retaining its family ownership.

Highbullen dates back to 1879 and is set within a 127-acre estate with an 18-hole golf course and views across the Mole Valley and Exmoor.

The hotel was bought out of administration nearly five years ago for around £1.6m by Frank Chapman, the pioneer of timeshare properties in the UK. He invested a total of £10m, including the acquisition price, in renovating and upgrading the Victorian property.

The manor house has 12 bedrooms, including a loft suite with its own steam room and infrared sauna, with a further 30 bedrooms throughout the estate and four self-catering cottages. The hotel also has a two-AA-rosette formal dining Devon View restaurant.

Founded in 2000 by Robin Sheppard and Haydn Fentum, Bespoke Hotels has a portfolio of more than 200 owned and managed properties located in the UK and overseas.

Managing director of Bespoke Hotels International, Nick Turner, said: "We are delighted to have entered into this arrangement with Highbullen, a property of huge potential in a fantastic location."

Owner Chapman added: "We look forward to offering Bespoke Hotel guests a unique opportunity to enjoy the charms of North Devon in our delightful hotel."

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