The historic Whately Hall Hotel in Banbury town centre has been acquired and reopened by a property firm.

The hotel, bought by Tulip Hotels and Real Estate, will be managed by UK hotel management company, Countrywide Hotels.

Whately Hall has also welcomed a new general manager, Leigh Gerard, who brings more than a decade's worth of experience in hotel management.

Managing director of Countrywide Hotels, Darren Patt said: "Having acquired Whately Hall during its period of closure, I am excited to welcome the people of Banbury, and guests from further afield back to the hotel.

"I understand how important the hotel is to the town of Banbury, as a landmark, but more importantly, as a place for people to come together.

"Our new team, led by our new General Manager Leigh, want to embrace the local community, and we hope that they will be there to support us moving forward as we reopen.”

Located in a building dating back to 1677, Whately Hall Hotel has many unique features such as stone passages, priest's holes, and a wooden staircase.

Public areas include an oak-panelled restaurant overlooking gardens, lounges and an art deco style bar and restaurant.

The 17th-century building now sports 69 ensuite bedrooms, with some offering views of the walled gardens.

The hotel has several meeting and conference spaces, and also provides the services for special occasions.

For further information about the hotel, visit the Whately Hall website.