Keys to the Manor

The Old Manor House, above, at Keynsham, halfway between Bath and Bristol, has been sold to first-time hotel buyers Andrew and Nicola Valentine. Selling agent Robert Barry & Co (Cirencester office) said the Grade II-listed 17th-century manor had undergone a major refurbishment and was now a charming nine-bedroom hotel. The owners plan to do more function and conference trade at the hotel in the future. The sale price was not disclosed, but the asking price was £695,000. Apollo is sold The Apollo Hotel ­ a 126-bedroom complex situated to the west of Birmingham city centre on Hagley Road ­ has been sold to a private hotelier and businessman for an undisclosed sum. John Sheppard, of Robert Barry & Co (London office), said: "The sale of this hotel attracted significant interest from both hoteliers and property developers, and the vendor (Grace Hotels) achieved a sale in line with expectations." The hotel has extensive conference, banqueting and training facilities. The agent was asking for offers in the region of £4.75m.