Archive: This report describes the 2025 sale of the hotel businesses. In December 2025, Derbyshire County Council confirmed that the sale had completed and its original loan had been repaid. The Crescent hotel building remains jointly owned by Derbyshire County Council and High Peak Borough Council. Read the council’s update.

In November 2025, Champneys announced it was acquiring the Buxton Crescent and Old Hall hotel businesses in partnership with Cheyne Capital. The two hotels had previously been operated by Ensana.

Champneys said Buxton Crescent would become the seventh UK spa in its portfolio. The operator also announced plans to invest in the Old Hall Hotel.

A Seamless Transition for an Iconic Destination

Speaking about the transition, Deirdre Billing, General Manager of Buxton Crescent Hotel, said:

“Champneys comprises of a number of spa resorts, spa hotels and city spas. They are now in their 100th year and see the future management of our hotels as a big part of that centenary of successful trading. We have been in long and detailed negotiations and discussions to ensure a successful transition and to secure the future of the hotels and staff.”

£11.4m loan repaid as part of the sale

The council confirmed in December 2025 that its original loan had been repaid. Local reporting had put the original loan at approximately £11.4 million, with interest due separately.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Alan Graves has welcomed the sale of the hotel. Councillor Graves said:

“This is a great day for Derbyshire and for the people of Buxton in particular with the future of the hotel secured. Built in the 1780s by the Fifth Duke of Devonshire as the centrepiece of his Georgian Spa development, the Crescent is an important piece of Buxton’s past history and today’s tourism economy.

Aerial view of Buxton Crescent and surrounding buildings

“Securing the future operation of Buxton Crescent will protect jobs in the town and continue to attract visitors to the area. I’m also pleased to confirm that as part of the sale of the hotel business to Champneys the original loan made by Derbyshire County Council to the hotel which led the project to restore the nationally important and unique Grade 1 Listed Building and adjoining Grade 2 Listed Natural Baths will be repaid.”

Trevor Osborne, speaking on behalf of CP Holdings and the Trevor Osborne Property Group which are the previous owners of the business, said:

“We are delighted that our vision, our endeavours, our passion and our deep love for Buxton will be in the hands of Champneys who share a love of creating special places. We leave our legacy in these capable hands and in a good place for the future success for the hotel and of the town of Buxton.”

Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel: A Georgian Gem Reimagined

Previously operated by Ensana Hotels, the five-star Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel has become one of Britain’s most acclaimed spa destinations. With 81 luxurious bedrooms, the hotel is a showcase of elegance and restoration – its spa facilities include:

  • A thermal pool with Buxton mineral water, a stained-glass canopy and original wall tiles dating from the 1924 refurbishment.

  • An indoor relaxation pool under a shimmering starry ceiling.

  • An indoor-to-outdoor rooftop pool, inviting guests to bathe in warmth whatever the weather.

The Grade I listed Crescent was commissioned by the Fifth Duke of Devonshire in the 1780s as part of Buxton’s spa development.

The Crescent spa’s indoor relaxation pool beneath a starry ceiling

Buxton Crescent was a finalist in the 2025 Good Spa Guide Regional Awards. It had also been ranked 15th among UK destination spas in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.

Old Hall Hotel: Where History Lives On

The Old Hall Hotel is Grade II* listed. Historic England says its original 1572 building is reputed to have been one of the Earl of Shrewsbury’s houses used to imprison Mary, Queen of Scots.

The stone exterior of the Old Hall Hotel

In 2025, Champneys said it planned to invest in the Old Hall Hotel.

About Champneys: A Century of Wellness Innovation

Founded in 1925, Champneys opened a health resort in Tring and celebrated its centenary in 2025.

In its 2025 announcement, Champneys described its portfolio as four spa resorts, two spa hotels and two city spas.