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Ocean Cove Group Limited has bought the Gara Rock Hotel and Spa in Salcombe for an undisclosed price, after its previous owners decided to focus on their holiday park business.
Located on a clifftop on the South Devon Coast, the luxury hotel is made up of refurbished suites, apartments, cottages and letting bedrooms, as well as a spa and restaurant with seaside views.
Features of the spa include indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, a steam room and treatment rooms, while the restaurant is fitted with an outdoor terrace and grill.
Originally a coastguard cottage, the property’s long history has seen it serve as a family board house, attract celebrity guests such as Sir Laurence Olivier and ownership by the Royal Air Force.
Since 2017, substantial investment has been directed at renovating all of its suites, apartments and public spaces.
Gara Rock’s previous owners, Away Resorts, said: “Gara Rock hotel is a fantastic hotel in an amazing location. We’re delighted to pass on the stewardship of this unique asset to Ocean Cove Group who we are confident will provide the right focus, care and attention for the next chapter, providing guests with unforgettable memories and experiences.
“The property has been purchased by Chagford-based Ocean Cove Group Limited. Sam Scougall-Knight, on their behalf, commented, “We are delighted to be the new custodians of Gara Rock and look forward to evolving the property into the finest coastal hotel in the region.”
They added: “Uniquely positioned at the end of Devon, we look forward to welcoming guests to explore the South Hams’ stunning landscapes and retreat from the pace of modern life throughout the seasons.”
Stephen Champion, director of hotels for the south west at Christie and Co, who is managing the sale, said: “The sale of Gara Rock Hotel & Spa presented a truly rare opportunity to acquire one of the most stunningly located luxury hotels in the South West.
“This, combined with the extensive recent capital expenditure on the hotel, as well as the significant prospect of growing the business further, made Gara Rock a tantalising prospect. We received serious interest from a number of buyers and a deal that went under offer in less than five weeks after the hotel was launched to the market. We wish the new owners every success with their new venture.”
