Cofresh food's Patel family buys Barnsdale Hall hotel from Derek Penman

DINESHBHAI and Savitaben Patel, who helped launch Leicester's Cofresh foods back in 1974, have bought Barnsdale Hall Hotel in Rutland from Derek Penman, chairman of the UK's prominent Penman Group.

The property had been on the market with Frank Knight with a guide price of £10 million.

“We fell in love with it the moment we saw it, and are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to take it to the next stage of its development and journey," said the couple.

“We are delighted to be working with the exceptional management team who have shown remarkable resilience and determination over the past few months, which have been a challenging and difficult time for everyone working in the hospitality industry.”

The lakeside resort was built in 1890 as the family hunting lodge of the sixth Earl Fitzwilliam, where he hosted royalty, including Edward, the late Duke of Windsor along with other members of England’s aristocracy.

Under the Penman Group the hotel underwent extensive refurbishment to become a 55 acre lakeside resort. It has 66 guest bedrooms, 49 timeshare lodges and apartments, 11 function suites, four bars and restaurants, a swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, air-conditioned studio, gym and spa.

“Dineshbhai and Savitaben Patel and their family have acquired a truly exceptional lakeside resort, with its elevated position offering unparalleled views over Rutland Water," said Matthew Smith, partner at Knight Frank.

Recently, the Patel family sold their Indian snack business to Vibrant Foods, and took a minority stake in the new parent company.

The couple’s son Priyesh Patel is the second generation of his family to Cofresh, which is currently investing £20 million in a new factory in Nuneaton where it will move production of its healthier Eat Real range of snacks.