Paris-based Experimental Group has announced the acquisition of Cowley Manor in the Cotswolds, as the group’s first UK property outside of London.
Experimental Group has acquired Cowley Manor from Jessica and Peter Frankopan, co-founders of A Curious Group of Hotels. The property’s incredible surroundings and scenery make it the perfect addition to the brand’s existing portfolio of hotels, and the Cotswolds has always been a desired location for the group, whose owners are regular visitors to the area.
The elegant hotel comprises 31 rooms in both the main house and surrounding stable buildings, and offers guests 55 acres of natural lakes, Victorian cascades and woodland to explore. Cowley Manor is known for being one of the UK’s first luxury rural hotels to offer a destination spa; with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sauna, steam room and gym.
In purchasing Cowley Manor, Experimental Group will continue to operate the hotel in its current guise, with plans to refurbish the interior over time, and introduce four new room types to the existing property. The hotel’s team of local staff and its General Manager will be retained, with support from the brand to showcase the Experimental Group values and work ethos. The business will continue to run without any changes to its members, and all existing events and weddings will be honoured.
Experimental Group will offer a contemporary hospitality experience, respecting the heritage of the location and enhancing the community by working with local farmers and food producers. Newly appointed local chef, Dominic Hargreaves, joins Cowley Manor to create an innovative menu for the restaurant, with the introduction of open-air cooking during the summer months.
Celebrated for bringing the cocktail bar culture to Paris, the drinks offering at Cowley Manor will be refined, with plans to work with local breweries and distilleries to spotlight British-made products. Experimental Group will also introduce a sommelier to the hotel, who will be tasked with creating a specialist wine menu for the restaurant.
The property will become the eighth hotel in Experimental Group’s collection, as the group continues to expand throughout Europe and the US.
