Harrison Drury advises on sale of Oaks Hotel in Burnley

Harrison Drury has successfully advised Lakeside Collection Limited on the sale of The Oaks Hotel & Leisure Club, a distinguished country house on the outskirts of Burnley.

The Oaks, dating back to 1885, encompasses 51 bedrooms set within approximately 3.5 acres of landscaped grounds and includes a leisure club, event suites, and the on-site Quills restaurant.

The property was acquired by Rambler Group as part of its ambitious two-year, £30 million expansion strategy under its Aura Hotels brand.

Rambler Group intends to preserve The Oaks’ historic character while investing in refurbishing guest rooms, expanding the leisure club, introducing new dining venues, and launching wellness services.

Harrison Drury’s specialist leisure sector team guided the seller, Lakeside Collection Limited, on the transaction – providing corporate, commercial property, and employment advice throughout. The deal was led by Jack Stephenson, partner in our corporate team, with support from trainee Jess Woodman.

Amanda Marwood, partner in our commercial property team, advised on the sale of the property and David Carmichael, partner in our employment and HR team, provided employment structuring support under the sale.

The team represented the seller throughout the negotiations and deal documentation, ensuring a seamless and collaborative delivery across its specialist legal teams.

Jack Stephenson, partner in our corporate team, said: “This strategic disposal was an important transaction for our client, enabling it to focus on its other hotel properties, while also presenting a valuable opportunity for the buyer to acquire a property that’s aligned with its own expansion plans.

“Advising our client on this transaction has been a joint effort across our leisure sector team, with input from corporate, property, and employment specialists. It’s always rewarding to see that collaboration deliver a smooth and successful deal.”

Originally built in 1885 as the Victorian home of tea merchant Abraham Altham, the Oaks Hotel later served as Burnley Rural District Council offices before being converted into a hotel in 1974.