UK-based Von Essen Hotels’ offer for Luxury Family Hotels (LFH) has been declared unconditional, paving the way for the group to take over the four child-friendly properties in LFH’s portfolio.

The deal is thought to be worth between £20m-£30m.

Von Essen – which owns some of Britain’s best known country houses, including the Cliveden in Berkshire – will continue to operate the LFH hotels – Woolley Grange in Wiltshire, Fowey Hall in Cornwall, Moonfleet Manor in Dorset and Ickworth Hall in Suffolk – as family hotels, to complement its two existing collections, Classic hotels and Country hotels.

The company is also thought to be looking at expansion into Italy and France as well as seeking to acquire a large London hotel and roll out its Bath House Spa brand.

A £2.5m facility opened at the New Park Manor hotel in Hampshire last November and spas are also scheduled to be introduced at Washbourne Court and The Greenway, both in Gloucestershire; The Elms in Worcestershire and Congham Hall in Norfolk. Details: www.vonessenhotels.co.uk