Charjen Capital buys Horsley Lodge

Charjen Capital has purchased the Horsley Lodge Golf Club in Derbyshire for an undisclosed sum, with plans in place for a multi-million pound transformation.

As part of the plans Charjen, led by Derbyshire-based entrepreneur Marc Brough, is set to refurbish 14 hotel rooms and create two new ones.

There are also plans to enhance the existing golf course and members’ areas.

The company has applied for planning permission to demolish existing conservatories within the main members’ building to create brand new restaurants and terraces for member and non-members alike.

Charjen’s architect Sigma has set out designs to create a high-end brasserie of 85 covers, a signature fine dining space with 18 covers and a chef’s table for eight people and private dining space for 22.

There will be a kitchen garden growing produce for the restaurants and providing a stunning backdrop for diners, overlooking the garden and ninth hole.

If planning is approved, the restaurants are expected to open later this year.

In the longer term, Charjen intends to build a new wedding venue with space for hundreds of guests and further accommodation throughout the estate.

It will also build a new state-of-the-art driving range and simulators, high end spa facilities and swimming pools.

Brough said: “We saw an opportunity to own one of Derbyshire’s finest golf courses in a stunning location and have grand plans to enhance the golf course itself – as well as upgrade the hotel and venue space in a sensitive and sustainable manner.

“We have a three-year strategy to make the most of this vast, stunning destination, creating a larger wedding venue, enhanced facilities for golfers – including a new driving range with simulators – more rooms for guests to stay and, of course, an elevated dining experience for all, supporting local producers.”

He added: “We intend to build on the existing success of Horsley Lodge – investing in a planned programme of works. We have short-term plans for refurbishment which includes the upgrading of the current wedding venue on site, and longer-term plans to create fantastic new facilities.”