ONE of East Lancashire’s top hotels has been sold in a £3 million deal.

Clitheroe-based James’ Places Group has bought Eaves Hall, West Bradford, from Richardson Hotels.

It means that the firm now owns a portfolio of venues including Mitton Hall, The Emporium in Clitheroe, the Waddington Arms and the Royal Hotel in Kirby Lonsdale.

James Warburton, owner of James’ Places Group, said: “Eaves Hall was built at eye-watering expense as a magnificent private residence.

"Although it's been incredibly well preserved, it is just a little bit dated.

“As can be expected from the existing properties within the James' Places Group, we'll be giving the building a sympathetic makeover, removing the layers of outdated make-up, to reveal the beauty within.

“It doesn't need anything too dramatic, but it's a safe bet the carpet will be going and we'll be investing in the hall's crowning glory, its garden and grounds to get them back to their beautiful best.”

The Grade II-listed hotel has 34 en-suite bedrooms and 13 acres of grounds including a tennis court, bowling green and a pitch and putt course.

Alistair Greenhalgh, associate director at Savills, which handled the sale, said: “Eaves Hall is a beautiful country hotel that benefits from a superb rural location, which made it a very appealing investment opportunity.

“This sale highlights an increasing trend over recent months of well-qualified purchasers returning to the hotel market to acquire correctly priced assets that offer good potential and growth opportunities.”