First time owners acquire country house hotel in Powys

Built in 1760 as a dower house to the nearby Stanage Castle, the property was once the home of British explorer and author, Sir Wilfred Thesiger and has also been visited by Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. Set in approximately 2.5 acres of picturesque gardens, the hotel was sympathetically extended in 1996 and now comprises 10 individually styled letting rooms, two beautifully decorated sitting rooms, and a bar and restaurant, which leads to a terrace overlooking the garden. A marquee for 150 guests can be placed in the gardens, ideal for hosting weddings and functions. Additionally, three rooms on the second floor are utilised as owner’s accommodation.

Situated next to the River Teme, the hotel attracts a variety of tourists, walkers, cyclists and bird watchers visiting the rolling countryside of the Welsh Marches on the English/Welsh border. Maintaining a strong reputation, the hotel was awarded Welsh Hotel of the Year by the Good Hotel Guide 2015, in addition to a number of accolades, and has also featured in many renowned hotel guides.

The previous owners, Mr & Mrs Marsden, have owned the hotel since 1986 and decided to sell in order to pursue retirement. They comment, “After 32 happy years at The Milebook, it has been a wrench to leave. We carefully renovated and altered the house to enhance the already lovely building and gave a lot of thought to the gardens, which of course we'll miss. Over these years we have made friends with many guests and local customers, and we have very happy memories of our years there. We would like to thank everyone for their loyal support. We send our best wishes to Zoe and James.”

New owners, Zoe Carter and James Sheehan, are previously from London although Zoe grew up in the nearby Shropshire town of Tenbury Wells.

Zoe Carter and James Sheehan comment, “We are delighted to be the new owners of the Milebrook House Hotel and look forward to welcoming all our guests both new and old. It is our wish to continue the success of the hotel and we will endeavour to ensure that quality of customer service, good food and relaxation are always on the menu.”

Gary Boyce, Director at Christie Finance, worked with Zoe and James to secure funding, and comments, “Zoe and James are highly driven individuals with the required skillset and enthusiasm as new owners of Milebrook House Hotel. Based on their previous experience, they plan to heavily invest in branding, marketing and the general day-to-day running of the business. I wish them both the very best in growing the business and taking it forward.”

Corrina Jones, Business Agent at Christie & Co handled the sale and comments, “Milebrook House Hotel is a beautiful property and Mr & Mrs Marsden have always been an integral part of the business, having built up a wonderful reputation within the area with guests returning time and time again to enjoy the service provided. Now looking forward to their well-deserved retirement, we are pleased to of been able to broker the sale of Milebrook House Hotel on behalf of Mr & Mrs Marsden and into the secure hands of James and Zoe, who have displayed the passion and drive to develop and grow the business in the future. We wish both parties all the best in their future endeavours.”

Christie & Co sought offers in excess of £695,000 for the freehold interest of Milebrook House Hotel.