After considerable international interest from investors, the Belfry has been acquired by KSL Capital Partners, owners of Club Corp which owns or operates a network of more than 150 golf and country clubs, business clubs, sports clubs and alumni clubs in 24 states, the District of Columbia and two foreign countries.
Situated on 54 hectares and housing the headquarters of the UK PGA, the Belfry resort comprises 324-rooms, with meeting and conferencing facilities as well as three 18-hole golf courses including the famous Brabazon course, the host of four Ryder Cups, more than any other golf course.
The hotel was sold through Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels as the owners’ exclusive agents, and George Nicholas, executive vice president, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, said:
“The Belfry attracted wide international interest from investors looking to capitalise on the existing golfing reputation and grow the business through renovation of the hotel and restaurants.
“The sale is vote of confidence by KSL Capital Partners in to the UK and bolsters the sentiment in the UK lodging sector as evidenced by £1.123 billion in hotel property sales year to date 2012, representing growth of 12% over the same period last year with the majority of investment coming from offshore.”
As owner of ClubCorp, the world’s preeminent golf club operator, the investment by KSL Capital Partners in The Belfry represents KSL Capital Partners first golf acquisition in to Europe.
De Vere Group wins management contract
The Belfry will be managed and operated by De Vere Group – which previously owned it prior to its sale in 2005 – and will once again enhance its golfing facilities, which already comprise 11 hotels and venues, with a total of 16 championship golf courses.
It is understood that The Belfry will go through a comprehensive but phased renovation of all spaces in order to keep it open whilst enhancing the overall guest experience and returning the resort to the position of one of Europe’s leading 4-star destinations