**Old Thorns Hotel & Resort: A Premier Golf and Leisure Destination Changes Hands**
In a prominent development for the hospitality and leisure sector, the renowned **[Old Thorns Hotel & Resort](https://www.oldthorns.com)** has found a new owner. Dubai-based real estate company **[Select Group](https://www.select-group.ae)** has acquired the picturesque 317-acre resort located near Liphook in East Hampshire. Although the sale price remains undisclosed, this transaction signifies a notable shift in the ownership of one of the South East’s most beloved golf venues.
**A Breathtaking Location and Facilities**
Nestled in the tranquil countryside, Old Thorns offers an impressive array of facilities that cater to golf enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike. The resort features a championship 18-hole golf course, designed by the legendary Peter Alliss, which is cherished for both its challenging layout and stunning scenery. Alongside the golf course, guests can indulge in luxury at the four-star hotel, comprising 153 well-appointed bedrooms that promise comfort and style.
The resort also boasts a state-of-the-art **25,000 square foot spa** and leisure complex, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. Additionally, Old Thorns is equipped with 51 self-catering apartments, offering guests the flexibility and privacy of home-away-from-home accommodations.
**Expanding Opportunities**
The property is not just limited to its existing offerings. It includes a three-bedroom cottage, staff accommodations with 33 bedrooms, and a driving range. There’s even a plot of land with potential for a new 9-hole golf course, subject to planning permission—a feature that could significantly enhance the resort’s appeal and operational capabilities.
**The Transaction Journey**
The sale was facilitated by **[HMH Golf & Leisure](https://www.hmhgolfandleisure.com/property-for-sale/)**, acting on behalf of Old Thorns Golf Hotel & Country Estate Limited, led by managing director Cathal Lynch and Xiaomin Zhang. The resort has undergone various transformations over the years, the most notable being the acquisition by Hampshire businessman Martin Shaw in 2007. Significant investments made under his stewardship helped in modernizing the facilities before selling it to the UFC Chinese investment group in 2013.
**Ambitious Plans for the Future**
Rahail Aslam, chairman of Select Group, expressed excitement over the acquisition. He emphasized that Old Thorns is a valuable addition to their expanding UK portfolio. “We are focused on identifying distinctive assets in prime locations that align with our long-term vision,” he noted. Aslam outlined Select Group’s commitment to building on Old Thorns’ legacy while enhancing the overall guest experience, showcasing a forward-thinking approach that aims to attract both local patrons and international guests.
**Market Insights and Potential**
Tom Marriott, a director at HMH Golf & Leisure, provided insights into the competitive landscape of the UK golf market. He remarked on the strong financial performance of Old Thorns, which attracted seven bids from various interested parties. “This is a fantastic result, once again demonstrating the strength of the UK golf market,” he stated. Marriott indicated that the recent transaction is part of a broader trend, highlighting that their agency has completed four sales within the year, including another golf hotel, with six additional properties currently under offer.
This acquisition reflects not only the resilience of the leisure industry amid fluctuating economic conditions but also the enduring allure of golf as a leisure pursuit. As Select Group embarks on the next chapter for Old Thorns, anticipation builds among the community and guests for what lies ahead at this beloved resort.
