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A New Forest hotel has been brought to market with offers invited in the region of £12.5m, following 25 years of family ownership.
Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of the ancient New Forest, has been owned by Chris and Alison Wilson for 25 years.
The 54-bedroom hotel is now being sold with planning permission for another 38 bedrooms, increased function capacity (up to 250), enlarged spa facilities and another barn housing six staff bedrooms.
The multi-award-winning hotel recently launched its outside dining concept, The Lodge, which was built specifically to be a Covid-compliant environment. The venue served 3,500 covers in the first three weeks of opening and 7,812 covers after just five weeks of outside dining in April 2021.
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 College in the Second World War.
Speaking of the decision to sell, Alison Wilson said: “Over the last 25 years, myself and Chris have dedicated our lives to the continued refurbishment and development of Balmer Lawn, though we now feel the time is right to hand over the reins of the hotel to someone able to deliver its planning consent to build a further 38 bedrooms and increase the function space to accommodate up to 250 people.
“We’ve worked incredibly hard to improve our array of facilities on offer, including a multimillion-pound facelift and re-brand, improved gardens and grounds, a stunning Spa and more recently of course, The Lodge.”
She added: “There is no doubt that a new owner will be keen to deliver the granted planning permission and secure the future position of the hotel. All the staff at the hotel have been informed about our decision and have been incredibly supportive alongside our General Manager Michael Clitheroe.
“Combining Michaels desire to expand with that of his longstanding team and a new owner wanting to move the hotel to the next level, it would mean securing a very exciting future for all involved.”
