New Forest’s South Lawn hotel sells for £1.25m

The South Lawn hotel in Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire, has been purchased at the guide price of £1.25m.
Originally a country house, the 24-bedroom property was purchased by experienced hotelier and owner of the East Close Hotel in Hinton, Tim Wedgwood, and features a restaurant and a purpose built function suite.
He said: “Having bought South Lawn I am looking forward to the challenge ahead. We will be investing in a major refurbishment programme to ensure we are offering the best standard of accommodation in what is a real visitor hotspot.”
The hotel is located close to the New Forest which has remained a top tourist destination. According to statistics from the New Forest District Council, the forest is enjoyed by millions of people every year, with almost 1 million visits including an overnight stay.
Tourism is estimated to create over 7,980 jobs in the forest and generates nearly £400m in tourism expenditure.
Simon Wells, director of hotels agency at Colliers, who advised on the sale, added: “With so many top notch hotels in the vicinity, buyers, like guests, are demanding top quality accommodation – and South Lawn at Milford-on-Sea, with its splendid location near Lymington and Christchurch, is certainly a cut above.
“Although popular with visitors the hotel enjoys regular and repeat business with many longstanding clientele and the restaurant is especially popular with local residents in what is a busy and prosperous area.”