Paris-based Experimental Group – known for its innovative collection of restaurants, hotels and cocktail bars – has acquired Cowley Manor in the Cotswolds, marking the group’s first UK property outside of London and eighth in total, as it continues to take its food and drink focus throughout Europe and the United States.

Having visited the area regularly over the years, Experimental Group owners Olivier Bon, Pierre-Charles Cros and Romée De Goriainoff had ambitions for the location and decided to purchase the Italianate stone house from Jessica and Peter Frankopan, co-founders of British hospitality company A Curious Group of Hotels.

The property comprises 31 rooms in the main house and surrounding stable buildings, and offers 55 acres of lakes, Victorian cascades and woodland to explore. Cowley Manor is known for being one of the UK’s first luxury rural hotels with a destination spa; including indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, steam room and gym.

In purchasing Cowley Manor, Experimental Group will continue to operate the hotel in its current guise, with plans to refurbish the interiors over time and introduce four new room types. The General Manager and team of local staff will be retained, with support from the group to showcase its values and ethos. The business will continue to run without any changes to its members, with all existing events and weddings honoured.

Experimental Group will offer a modern hospitality experience, respecting heritage while enhancing the community by working with local farmers and food producers. Newly appointed chef, Dominic Hargreaves, will create an innovative menu for the restaurant, as well as open-air cooking in the summer months.

The drinks offering meanwhile will be refined, and plans are in place to collaborate with local breweries and distilleries in order to spotlight British-made products. Experimental Group is also set to introduce a sommelier to the hotel, who will be tasked with developing a specialist wine menu for the restaurant.