Runswick’s Cliffemount Hotel to be rebuilt under new owners

The Cliffemount Hotel on the North Yorkshire coast has been sold for an undisclosed amount to new owners with plans to rebuild the business. 

The hotel boasts 20-bedrooms and is located above the honeypot seaside town of Runswick Bay, a major tourist and holiday village close to Whitby.  

The hotel has views across the coastline and seascapes. However, in recent years it has suffered lack of investment in the building.

The hotel has been purchased by Karen Fojt and her family, who plan to rebuild the business into a bespoke hotel, restaurant and bar. Work has already begun on the “significant investment programme”, including a complete remodelling of both the exterior and interior.

Fojt said: “My family and I are grateful to have spent many wonderful years holidaying in Runswick Bay and when this opportunity came up it was the perfect chance to invest back into the community and the local area. 

“We’re extremely excited to start work on Cliffemount with an expected opening of Spring 2024. We will endeavour to keep the community up to date with milestone developments, so keep an eye out.”

Mark Worley, director of hospitality at Christie and Co who handled the sale, said: “Having sold this hotel in the past, I am acutely aware of the affinity that locals up and down this particular stretch of coastline have with the property and I too, was alarmed by its declining reputation. 

“I was delighted therefore, when Karen got in touch and let me know of her plans and asked me to approach the owners regarding a possible sale. Fortunately, the timing was right for all and a deal was struck which will allow the owners to move on and for Karen to take over what I am sure will become one of the best hotels in the region.”

He added: “This is a hugely pleasing good news story and it illustrates the demand for coastal and tourist driven hotels and hospitality businesses across the north,” continues Mark. “We wish Karen all the best in this exciting new venture.”