ONE of the county’s oldest coaching inns has been bought by Lana de Savary, wife of international property developer and former owner of Land’s End in Cornwall, Peter de Savary.

The de Savary family bought the 16-bedroom Old Swan at Minster Lovell, along with the neighbouring 40-bedroom Minster Mill, from the de Vere Venues Group at the end of last month.

The hotel, which dates back to the 15th century, and mill are set in 60 acres along the river Windrush where the couple plan to create one of the nation’s largest wild flower meadows (40 acres), a new formal garden, an orchard , and traditional vegetable gardens.

A new great hall is planned for the hotel, together with a spa complete with indoor and outdoor pools. The 18th century woollen mill and mill race will also be refurbished and restored.

Lana de Savary, chairman of the family property business, Havana West, said: “My family are delighted to be taking ownership of these remarkable properties. The beauty of the location only a short drive from Oxford and London makes this a perfect country getaway.”

Neighbours of the hotel, who already use the village as a retreat, include former Justice Secretary in the last Labour government Jack Straw. Former prime minister Harold Wilson spent his honeymoon at the hotel.

Ms de Savary added: “We intend to divide the two businesses to some extent and each will specialise in a specific area.

“The Swan will be restored and become a luxury getaway for leisure travellers.

“We will improve facilities at the Minster Mill and create an enviable destination specialising in private parties, small meetings and weddings.”

The purchase of the Old Swan and Mill, which employs 50 people, follows the de Savary acquisition last year of the Cary Arms, an inn on the beach at Babbacombe, Devon.

The hotel’s general manager Gillian Roe said: “I don’t know how much the hotel was bought for, but the investment now planned will be in the millions.”

The de Savarys have started international hotels and clubs including the Vanderbilt Hall in Newport, Rhode Island, USA and Port Louis Marina, Granada. .In 1990 Peter de Savary reputedly came near to bankruptcy while transforming Skibo Castle in Scotland into a hotel and club for the very rich.