The former world number one batsman has expanded an impressive list of properties he already owns around the globe after agreeing to become involved in a development to create one of the North of England's most exclusive hotels.

Under a scheme which originated from America, Vaughan has bought a room for an undisclosed sum at the £100m Flaxby Park Golf and Country Club between York and Harrogate.

The acquisition is the latest to a burgeoning list of properties which the Yorkshire County Cricket Club star has snapped up across the world, although Vaughan claimed the opportunity to invest in the flagship development presented a new facet to his portfolio.

Vaughan said: "This is a one-off opportunity to invest in one of Yorkshire's best developments. I'm delighted to be involved and think it will be a showcase for the best the county has to offer.

"I have a diverse property portfolio but this offers a different investment that is not linked to the property market, which is very appealing in the current climate.

"The Flaxby Country Club will complement the many attractions that the area has to offer and it's a location that I have known for many years. I look forward to seeing the development come out of the ground and staying in the hotel when it's completed."

It emerged in 2006 that Vaughan had bought a £1m villa in Barbados on the exclusive Royal Westmoreland estate, which serves as a second home to some of the world's most famous sporting stars including fellow cricketer Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff.

Vaughan has joined forces with Flintoff in another venture to invest in a wine bar, called Players, in Hale, near Manchester.

The Yorkshire Post revealed last month that York-based developer the Skelwith Group had drawn up plans for the 303-room five star hotel, which will also include four helipads, three restaurants, a luxury spa complex, bars and boutiques set in 283 acres of countryside.

Premiership footballers, mega-rich royalty from across the globe and world famous pop stars are among the target market, and the backing of Vaughan has been seen as a ringing endorsement of the project.

The development, which is expected to create 500 jobs, represents one of the Skelwith Group's most ambitious schemes to date, and includes the chance for investors to purchase individual hotel rooms from £90,000 and up to £250,000 with guaranteed returns for eight years.

However, with interest for the scheme already stretching as far afield as the Middle East, the starting price to buy a hotel room is due to increase to just under £100,000 from the middle of next month.

The company's managing director, Paul Ellis, said: "Michael Vaughan has been a tremendous ambassador for the region throughout his illustrious career.

"It's fantastic that he has bought into the vision of what we are trying to achieve with the Flaxby Country Club and can see the investment benefits of this concept."

The 80,000 sq ft hotel, with rooms available for up to £800 a night, will be set in woodland, although it is strategically located just off the A1 and a 30-minute drive from Leeds.

The complex will also feature conference space, nature trails throughout the grounds and a floodlit driving range to allow 24-hour use.

Work on building the hotel is due to start later this year once its final designs have been agreed with Harrogate Borough Council.

It is hoped the development will be completed by 2011.