Northop Hall Country House Hotel sold to investor

A historic country house hotel near Chester has been sold to a new investor at a price of £850,000, following what was a “competitive” marketing process. Northop Hall Country House Hotel, which was previously known as The Chequers, was built in 1872 and is located in the small village of Northop Hall, surrounded by nine acres of private woodland and secluded gardens. The hotel features 37-bedrooms, three meeting rooms, restaurant and bar for 90 covers, as well as a function and banqueting suite for 150 covers, plus an additional three-bedroom owners’ cottage and parking for 70 vehicles. Previously recognised for having an “excellent” culinary reputation and being a popular venue of choice for events, the site ceased operations just prior to the pandemic. However, new owner Na’ím Anís Paymán, founder of Paymán Investments, has plans to operate the hotel as a wedding and events venue following a refurbishment, ahead of re-opening later this year. Paymán said: "We are extremely proud to have acquired Northop Hall Country House Hotel. As an impact investment company, we seek to acquire assets that besides making for a successful business, can also be revitalised into becoming a hub for the local community. “We very much feel that this acquisition will not only make for a very successful hotel, corporate events and wedding venue given its fantastic location in North Wales and proximity to both Liverpool and Manchester, but it also has the potential to bring employment and funds to the local area as well as attract residents as a base for various community initiatives.” He added: "We are keen to work with the local community to make this place a home away from home for everyone next door or in the neighbouring shires. We are open to ideas, businesses and locals interested to make this gem the ‘go to’ place for the best and most meaningful moments in our personal or professional lives. "The hotel and conference centre will trade under our group brand, Paymán Club. Having got married myself just a fortnight ago, my wife, Sara, and I have decided to set up a sister brand, Paymán Weddings, which will advertise a number of our wedding venues across the UK with Northop Hall Country House Hotel being one of the many beautiful venues in our collection." Neil Thomson, associate director for Colliers’ Hotel Agency, who helped handle the sale, added: “Northop Hall Country House Hotel is a magnificent property, immersed in history and undoubtedly one of North Wales’ premier venues. Not only is the hotel located in a leading tourist area, but the region is also a sought-after investment destination. “For a while now there has been a great deal of confidence within the hospitality industry in North Wales, and the number of transactions we have completed so far this year shows this. We predict the activity to continue with the help of the Welsh Government’s recent campaign, which has been placed to attract international visitors and high spending overseas tourists to the area.”