UK-based von Essen Hotels has acquired the Seaham Hall Hotel near Newcastle and The Samling hotel in the Lake District for an undisclosed sum.

Seaham Hall was bought in 1997 by Tom Maxfield, who transformed it from a derelict building into a luxury hotel. It is the only five-star hotel in the North East, and its White Room restaurant is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the region. The hotel also features a Serenity Spa designed by Jocelyn Maxfield.

The Samling, which was built more than 200 years ago, is a favourite with a-list celebrities, including Tom Cruise.

Andrew Davis, chair of von Essen hotels, said: “I am delighted with the acquisition of these two very special hotels, our first in 2008 which will complement our existing collection and expand the reach of von Essen into Northern England. Seaham Hall and The Samling are real treasures and we look forward to sharing them with our customers in the years to come.”

The von Essen portfolioels now numbers 27 and includes properties such as Cliveden in Berkshire and The Royal Crescent in Bath.