Country house hotel in the New Forest looking for new owner
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has brought to the market Woodlands Lodge Country House Hotel in the heart of Hampshire’s historic New Forest National Park, a mile from the village of Ashurst.
Occupying a substantial former hunting lodge believed to date back to 1770, the three storey detached building is set within three acres of manicured private gardens and surrounded by heathland, native ponies, and forest trails.
The hotel features 17 individually appointed en suite guest bedrooms, a large reception area, lounge bar, function and conference rooms, high specification commercial kitchen, and the AA Rosette awarded Cattle Grid Restaurant, which offers high quality, locally grown and sourced menus as well as produce from its own kitchen garden. Owners’ accommodation is also provided in the adjacent Woodlands Lodge Cottage, which is available under separate negotiation off a guide price of £550,000.
With extensive planning permission granted for a two storey extension to create eight additional bedrooms, an enclosed glazed link to the existing hotel, a single storey health & fitness centre, wedding pavilion and a roof extension over an existing garage for two additional staff bedrooms, this provides plenty of opportunity to grow the business.
Utilising the extensive outside space, seating is provided on the lawns to the rear of the property, offering al fresco dining, ideal to cater for the busy summertime trade and to provide an outdoor space for special occasions including weddings, anniversaries, and birthday celebrations. Additionally, the site can accommodate guest parking for approximately 30 vehicles.
Located in a picturesque setting within the popular New Forest, the venue provides guests with a scenic and secluded experience whilst remaining highly accessible, just off the main A35 and a short distance to Ashurst New Forest railway station. An ideal base for tourists drawn to the area, Woodlands Lodge has many amenities and attractions nearby with bustling Southampton a 20 minute drive away, the charming town of Lyndhurst and Beaulieu Motor Museum, plus a range of New Forest activities including kayaking, bike riding and horse riding.
Having been owned and operated by the current owners, Robert & Imogene Anglaret for the past seven years, Woodlands Lodge has built up an enviable reputation, enjoying repeat business from both corporate and leisure guests, as well as having a strong local following. Mr & Mrs Anglaret comment, “It is a tough decision to sell our business which we have enjoyed running since 2011, however, we feel the time is right for a new operator to take the helm. With scope to implement planning permission for the spa and leisure facilities, it provides an exciting opportunity to grow the hotel and take it to the next level.”
Ed Bellfield, Regional Director at Christie & Co’s Winchester office is handling the sale and comments, “Woodlands Lodge presents a unique opportunity to acquire a successful freehold hotel in what is a highly sought-after location in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Lying only six miles to the west of Southampton and just 10 minutes from Junction 2 of the M27 motorway, it is very easily accessible, and we expect strong interest.”
Christie & Co is seeking an asking price of £1,600,000 for the freehold interest.
