Brakspear adds to managed division

Pub operator Brakspear has added to its newly-rebranded managed division, Honeycomb Houses, with the purchase of Ghyll Manor, a historic hotel near Horsham, West Sussex.

The acquisition takes Honeycomb Houses up to 10 pubs and for the first time stretches the estate's reach beyond its Cotswolds and Oxfordshire heartland. Ghyll Manor is located in the village of Rusper, which is close to Gatwick Airport.

Built in 1678, the timber-framed building is set in 25 acres of grounds that include a lake, landscaped gardens, woodlands and tennis courts. Accommodation is offered via 29 bedrooms within the main house and in cottages in the grounds, while weddings for up to 120 people are held in several spaces.

The site was closed during the 2020 lockdown by previous owners Boundless Breaks, and was bought by Brakspear in December last year.

"We're thrilled to bring Ghyll Manor into the Honeycomb Houses family," says Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies. "It's an outstanding venue with enormous potential and commands huge affection locally which we're confident we can harness to restore it as the most sought-after wedding venue in the area. 

"Ghyll Manor becomes our first wedding business outside the Cotswolds. In developing it, we will draw on our experience at The Frogmill near Cheltenham, which has thrived since we opened it in 2018, both as a function venue and as a weekend break and dining destination - so we'll be looking to build the same broad appeal at Ghyll Manor." 

Brakspear intends to reopen Ghyll Manor in 2023.

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