The Von Essen Hotels group has announced that an agreement has been reached between the boards of Luxury Family Hotels (LFH) – which is part of the von Essen group – and Luxury Family Hotels Five (LFH Five) for the purchase of LFH Five by LFH for £8.65m.

The LFH Five deal includes Ickworth Hotel, the former home of the Marquis of Bristol, which is surrounded by 1,800 acres of National Trust parkland.

Commenting on the acquisition, Andrew Davis, chair of von Essen, said: “Our aim to move into this very important family hotel market was achieved at the beginning of the year and we will continue to develop and support this collection of hotels as a key part of the von Essen business.”

LFH was acquired by Von Essen in January 2006 and includes three luxury hotels in the UK – Moonfleet Manor, Woolley Grange and Fowey Hall. The acquisition will include the entire share capital of LFH Five for around £4m, as well as the assumption of LFH Five’s liabilities.

The Von Essen group currently owns and operates 22 country house hotels throughout the UK. Details: www.vonessenhotels.com