Major refinancing deal supports transformation of Grade II Dumbleton Hall into luxury destination.

Ortus Secured Finance has announced a significant loan facility to refinance and support the redevelopment of Dumbleton Hall Hotel, a Grade II listed country house set in the heart of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The historic 34-bedroom property, dating back to the mid-19th century, is undergoing a multi-million-pound transformation that will see it repositioned as a premium hospitality destination, with careful attention paid to its listed status and sensitive heritage setting.

The loan facility will refinance an existing lender and fund the completion of major renovation works. 

Practical completion is expected in Q3 2025, with the redeveloped hotel to be operated by Bespoke Hotels, one of the UK’s leading independent hotel groups.

Blending commercial viability with Heritage responsibility

Owned by Chatham Park Development, a US-based development firm, Dumbleton Hall sits within 15.8 acres of mature parkland near Evesham, Worcestershire. 

The project has been structured to ensure both financial rigour and heritage sensitivity, with further expansion planned for 2026, including the addition of 20 woodland lodges nestled discreetly within the estate’s grounds.

“This is exactly the kind of complex operational real estate transaction Ortus excels at,” said Jamie Russell, Director at Ortus Secured Finance.

“We were impressed by the borrower’s commitment to the scheme, their track record, and the level of progress already made. The structure ensures alignment on every drawdown and gives us strong visibility on the delivery path.

We look forward to seeing Dumbleton Hall re-emerge as a high-quality destination hotel in a resilient UK leisure market. While we are not usually known for development and refurbishment projects, given the strength of the borrower and asset, we are pleased to support Chatham Park Development and expand our portfolio.”

The loan facility was arranged by Westfort Advisors, who acted on behalf of Chatham Park Development. Legal advice was provided by Stevens & Bolton LLP.

Listed challenges met with practical solutions

As a Grade II listed building, Dumbleton Hall presents a number of structural and planning constraints. From navigating listed building consent to staging works around protected architectural features, the scheme demanded a lender capable of underwriting complexity and operating with flexibility.

“This transaction presented several structural challenges, most notably the listed status of the asset and the need to refinance part-way through the development phase,” said Deepak Drubhra, Co-Founder of Westfort Advisors.

“Working closely with Ortus, we were able to agree a funding structure that balanced development risk and significantly improved the sponsor’s return on capital. Ortus’ pragmatic, solutions-led approach and ability to underwrite complexity were instrumental in closing the deal efficiently.”

The hotel’s rich heritage, coupled with its idyllic location, has long made it a favourite for leisure travellers, weddings, and retreats. As such, its reimagining as a boutique destination is being welcomed by both the hospitality sector and heritage specialists alike.

“Dumbleton Hall is a truly special property in one of the UK’s most iconic destinations,” said Robin Sheppard, President of Bespoke Hotels.

“We’re delighted to be returning as operator and look forward to unveiling the next chapter in its storied history. Ortus’ commitment to seeing the redevelopment through has been instrumental in bringing this project to life.”

A Heritage asset with a future

The Dumbleton Hall deal follows a series of high-profile transactions by Ortus in the hotel, care home, and mixed-use sectors, reinforcing the firm’s growing reputation as a reliable and agile lender for projects involving complex real estate and listed buildings.

For the heritage construction sector, the redevelopment stands as a compelling case study in how listed properties can be restored and repositioned without compromising their historical significance.

As Dumbleton Hall approaches its next chapter, it does so as a rare example of modern finance, conservation craftsmanship, and commercial foresight working in tandem to preserve one of the Cotswolds’ architectural jewels.