ONE of West Devon?s most resplendent country houses has been acquired by von Essen Hotels.

Lewtrenchard Manor has been purchased by the hotel chain in a confidential off-market transaction ? but no major changes are planned.

Sarah Harvey, who has been general manager for five years, said that she and all the staff would be staying on.

It was planned to add up to eight bedrooms immediately, with leisure facilities being added at a later date ? but the establishment would be run as before.

?We?re all delighted to be part of the von Essen Hotel group,? she said.

The Jacobean-style manor house ? which dates back to the Domesday book ? is Grade II* listed. Coins dating to the time of Edward II have been found in the walls and its rich history includes being owned by the Rev Sabine Baring Gould.

The house has exceptional plaster ceilings, oak panelling, an oak staircase and some imposing fireplaces.

Martin Rogers, partner at Knight Frank who acquired the hotel on behalf of von Essen Hotels, said Lewtrenchard Manor had an excellent reputation, standing in grounds of more than 800 acres, with private fishing and a wealth of stunning architecture and historical features.

?We are working on a number of further acquisitions with our clients which we hope to announce in the near future,? he added.

Lewtrenchard is von Essen?s first hotel acquisition in Devon. Previous owners Sue and James Murray have retired to North Devon.