Bids are being sought this week for some of Britain's finest country house hotels following the collapse of the Von Essen chain. Up for grabs are Cliveden in Berkshire, made famous by the 1960s Profumo scandal, and the Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath amongst others.
Final offers for the Von Essen Hotels chain must be lodged by Friday, but the 28-properties could be sold off piecemeal, according to a report in The Times.
However, is believed that two offers have been made for the whole group, including one from Nigel Chapman who sold the Luxury Family Hotels business to Von Essen six years ago for about £30m. The Von Essen Hotels chain, which was placed in administration in April, was last valued at £430m.
All hotels are continuing to operate normally pending the sale.
By Linsey McNeill
