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Losses at country house hotel chain Hand Picked Hotels have been cut to less than £4 million due to increased occupancy and room rates.

Turnover for the year to November 27, 2014, rose from £58.1 million to £60.2 million while losses of £9.1 million were reduced to £3.9 million, according to weekend reports on the company’s latest accounts.

The 21-strong country house chain is owned by financier Guy Hands and his wife Julia.

It has been loss-making for several years and?owes £11 million to Mr Hands and £14 million to Mrs Hands, the Mail on Sunday reported.

Chief executive, Julia Hands, said: “In 2014 Hand Picked Hotels delivered another 7% increase in its earnings before deductions, despite some turbulence in trading conditions and increased challenges to the cost base.”

Hand Picked Hotels continued to invest in its portfolio, spending £5 million during the year on upgrades – particularly to rooms, public areas and leisure facilities.

It runs hotels including the Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa in Jersey, Rhinefield House in the New Forest and Bailbroo