A HOTEL believed to be one of the oldest inns in England is under new ownership following an extensive refurbishment.

The Shaven Crown, in Shipton-under-Wychwood, near Witney, has been bought by Larry Lipman, managing director of property specialist Safeland PLC.

The venue is believed to have first been licensed back in 1384 and was first built as a hospice for monks at the nearby Bruern Abbey.

It was placed on the market at £1.1m, with the deal brokered by global real estate advisor Colliers International.

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Previous owners Evelyn and Phil Roberts, who bought the pub and hotel in 2013, invested £600,000 in a major revamp but said running the business had taken a far greater toll than they had imagined on family life.

The hotel has reportedly hosted Queen Elizabeth I and wartime fascist leader Oswald Mosley in its long history.

It retains many medieval features, including the Great Hall, which now serves as a lounge for villagers, business and tourists.

The Grade II listed building has an entrance porch with a Tudor door, cobbled floors and heavy timber doors opening in to the Great Hall.

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There are also many period features including mullion windows, a heavy beamed ceiling and a staircase leading up to the seven comfortable letting rooms.

A three-bedroom accommodation is located in a wing at its rear, which is completely private.

The bar seats about 30, with beamed ceiling and fireplace, a snug for around five or six guests and a breakfast room seating 12 to 18 diners.

Mr Lipman is one of the driving forces behind Safestay, which runs 13 hostels in seven countries and claims to deliver one million rooms per night across the world.