White Hart Hotel brought to market for £1.85m

A 24-bedroom grade II listed hotel in Dorchester-on-Thames has been brought to market for £1.85m.

The White Hart Hotel, a former coaching inn, dates back in parts to the 1600s and has been owned by Nigel and Sue Oddy since 2000. 

After having invested in the hotel over the years to modernise the venue, while remaining true to its original character, the couple have put the business on the market in order to begin their retirement. 

As well as 24 en suite bedrooms, the hotel has a recently refurbished 50 cover restaurant, and a bar and residents’ lounge with 40 covers serving real ale, as well as an outside patio area. Two private meeting rooms are also available for hire, and the hotel has a commercial kitchen, managers’ office, and five staff bedrooms.

The hotel is located within walking distance of Dorchester Abbey, while the city of Oxford is a short drive away. It is also near the popular shopping destination Bicester Village.

Nigel Oddy said: “We are fortunate to have a great team looking after our guests at the White Hart and this is reflected in our exceptional TripAdvisor reviews and number one position in Dorchester-on-Thames. There are still opportunities to develop the business further but as we are now in our mid-seventies, we feel it’s time to sell and bring in some new energy to the business.”

Peter Brunt from the Colliers Hotel Agency team, who handled the sale, added: “Nigel and Sue have built a strong business at the White Hart Hotel which is popular not only with overnight guests but also with the local residents and visitors to the area who enjoy the quality food and real ale available behind the bar.

“This is a beautiful property in the heart of the local high street, with potential opportunities to expand further. It’s rare to have the opportunity to invest in a property of this size in the region, and I’m sure will attract plenty of interest from buyers.”