Today’s news in brief – 12/2/25
Elite Hotels has announced a year-long celebration for The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, marking its 150th anniversary. Known as “The White Palace,” it is the UK’s only five-star seafront hotel. Since its opening in 1875, it has hosted notable figures like Claude Debussy, Sir Ernest Shackleton, and Charlie Chaplin. The hotel has played a significant role in history, including serving as a military headquarters during WWII. To commemorate the milestone, a three-day festival in November 2025 will feature performances celebrating past guests, accompanied by themed dining experiences.
St Elizabeth’s House Hotel, a Georgian country house hotel in Plympton St Maurice, Devon, has been sold to new owners for an undisclosed sum. The Grade II listed property, set on 5.5 acres, features 15 luxury guest rooms and is a popular wedding venue, hosting over 50 weddings annually. The previous owners, Teresa and Andreas Isaias, are retiring, while their children continue operating their restaurant in Plymouth. The sale highlights the strong demand for regional country house hotels.
The Doxford Group is launching eight high-end lakeside cabins on its Alnwick estate this spring, expanding its accommodation capacity to 100 guests. Each cabin, designed for two, will feature a private terrace with scenic lake views. The development is part of a broader estate expansion, including new leisure facilities. Since opening its 15-bedroom hotel, The Tempus, in 2023, the estate has steadily grown, driven by rising guest demand.
The Duke of Wellington Inn, a historic country inn in the North York Moors National Park, is on the market for £475k. Established in 1765, the inn features a bar, lounge, dining area, and eight guest rooms, with additional space for expansion. The property has a strong local following and benefits from high tourist footfall, making it an attractive investment opportunity.
