The well-known Grade II listed Luttrell Arms Hotel in Dunster is reopening under new ownership, after the previous owners sold it after 14 years.

A former 15th-century coaching inn and a landmark in the medieval village, it has been bought by Hall & Woodhouse, a family-owned brewer with a collection of 140 characterful pubs across the south, and all the current staff have been kept on.

The award-winning, 28-bedroom hotel was temporarily closed this week to allow the new company to complete team training and set up management systems. Further investment and renovation works are planned early in the new year.

Mark James, Property Director at Dorset-based Hall & Woodhouse, said: “We are delighted to purchase the highly successful Luttrell Arms Hotel and carry on the fantastic work of the former owners, with the support of the existing team who know the hotel and area so well.

“Although our business is almost 250 years old, we continually look to evolve by proactively managing our estate and investing in pubs of the future. We were immediately drawn to The Luttrell Arms Hotel because of its stunning location…it has a fabulous garden with views over historic Dunster Castle. There are so many exciting ways we feel we can build on the existing offering, giving locals and visitors a truly wonderful inn, where they can enjoy the very best hospitality.”

As well as investing in its trading areas, the company said it looks at other ways of enriching its communities, including partnering with local charities in the towns it operates in, and sets ambitious charitable fundraising targets for its teams.

Former owners Anne and Nigel Way and their daughter Becca shared the news with customers in a heartfelt email recently. “Over the years, we have shared so many happy occasions, wedding celebrations, birthday meals, anniversaries…and what started as a hotel business has become something much more personal.

“Thank you for your loyalty, your support and your friendship over the years. So many of you have become friends rather than simply guests.”

Becca Way said in a recent statement: “We’re sad to be leaving such a fantastic hotel and our fabulous team of staff, who we know will be a great asset to the Hall & Woodhouse team.

“Owning an important historic building like the Luttrell Arms, that has stood for centuries, brings huge responsibilities. As owners, we are only custodians of the property, however much we love and care for it...

“We know that we are leaving the hotel to reliable and professional people who we can trust to look after the interests of the village of Dunster, and our treasured team and customers.

“The Way family wish the new owners great success in moving the property and business forward to a great future for many more centuries.”

The hoteliers will continue to operate the Porlock Weir Hotel and luxury self-catering accommodation in Dartmouth, in south Devon.