Bannatyne Group, the company founded by TV Dragon and leisure entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne, has acquired the Clarice House country hotel and spa in Bury St Edmunds.

The Group, which operates a large portfolio of hotels, spas and health clubs across the country, described the deal as a “small local investment for an undisclosed sum.”

The Neo-Jacobean mansion sits on a 20-acre estate and boasts a range of facilities. The spa includes a 20m (66ft) swimming pool with a spa bath, sauna and steamroom. It offers a range of face and body treatments, using products from Germaine de Capuccini.

In addition to the hotel and spa, there is also a restaurant and a health club with equipment from Precor, as well as a dance studio offering a wide range of classes including Yoga, Pilates and Zumba.

A spokesperson for the Bannatyne Group said: “We are happy with the local management and the facilities will operate as normal. Terms and conditions of existing membership agreements will be honoured.”