Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa comes to market after 25 years

The New Forest’s Balmer Lawn Hotel and Spa, a full service hotel with planning permission granted, is being brought to market for the first time in 25 years, with a guide price inviting offers in the region of £12.5m, freehold. The independently-owned and operated hotel, located in the heart of The New Forest National Park, features 54 en-suite bedrooms, attracting a mix of leisure and corporate guests. It is also a popular wedding and conference venue. Facilities include extensive public areas, the recently constructed Lodge Kitchen and Bar, leisure club, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, wedding pavilion, landscaped gardens and grounds and extensive staff accommodation. Planning permission has been granted for an additional 38 bedrooms, increased function capacity for up to 250 heads, enlarged spa facilities and a further six staff bedrooms. The property was first built as a private hunting lodge and residence in the mid-1800s, and was later used as a field hospital during the First World War and an army staff college in the Second World War. Additionally, the property has welcomed King George V, Queen Mary and Winston Churchill as visitors and guests. During renovations, numerous documents from the Second World War were discovered at the property and can now be found on the walls in the lounge area of the hotel. Matthew Smith, partner in Knight Frank’s Hotel Agency team, who is handling the sale alongside independent hotel broker Simon Stevens Associates, said: “This independent New Forest hotel has been under the same family ownership for the past 25 years and enjoys an award-winning reputation. “This is a superb opportunity for a new owner to purchase a highly profitable hotel within The New Forest National Park which benefits from a number of value-add opportunities, including planning permission to construct an additional 38 bedrooms and increase the function & leisure facilities.” He added: "UK regional hotels have witnessed substantial investment interest over the first few months of 2022, attracting over £800 million. We expect investment levels to remain strong throughout the year as capital continues to be deployed into assets in prime locations." Simon Stevens and Associates director Simon Stevens, added: “The business is well established as a destination 4 star hotel, delivering high quality service with a reputation renowned for excellence, supported by a list of industry accolades. “This independent hotel is successfully operated with a structured management team that is reflected within its profitable trading history. This is a unique opportunity for an investor to purchase a successful hotel within The New Forest National Park of this scale together with the opportunity to develop additional letting accommodation." Balmer Lawn owners Chris and Alison Wilson, concluded: “After 25 years ownership, it is now our time to retire from the industry and hand over the reins to a new owner who can continue to take the business forward and capitalise on the investments we have made. The business is in great shape, with strong performance in all sectors including leisure, corporate and weddings.”