Former 19th century guesthouse in Brean sold to local buyers

The Old Rectory enjoys an enviable position within the popular beachside holiday town, which is well known for its range of leisure and tourist attractions, including many golden sandy beaches, the cathedral city of Wells, the Mendip and Quantock and the renowned Burnham and Berrow golf course.

The guesthouse is situated 150 yards from the seven mile stretch of Brean Sands beach and the National Trust Brean Down coastal headland, on a one- acre plot of private walled garden which overlooks the medieval church of St Bridget and the open countryside to the rear. There are a total of 20 guest bedrooms, two of which are located in the main house, which dates back to circa 1835. The property also features a conservatory used as a guest bar and dining area, which opens out onto a large garden, along with a large owner’s flat.

Prior to closing in March 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, the business was a successful bed & breakfast operated by Wendy Nash and her late husband since 2012. The new owners, Mark and Diana Perrett are based locally in Bleadon and hold a strong affinity to the property, as Mark’s father and wife ran the business prior to the Nash’s taking it on.

Wendy Nash comments, “It has been a pleasure to run the guesthouse with Stuart over the past nine years but I am now looking forward to enjoying a relaxing retirement, with confidence that the new owners will take care of the property and help it grow. I wish them all the best for the future.”

Mark and Diana Perrett comment, “We are delighted to bring The Old Rectory back into the family once again and look forward to improving and building on the existing offering.  The current lockdown restrictions allow us the perfect opportunity to carry out needed improvements. One of the first things on the list is to replace the childrens play area and carry out various maintenance to the grounds and fish pond. We are also looking to rebrand and have already had a new logo designed, set up an online booking system and associated website. We aim to open as soon as we are able in whatever format that is allowed, and early indications are via the food offering outside in our lovely gardens. Once fully reopen, we intend to extend hours for the bar, and in time look to offer evening meals.”

Funding for Mark and Diana’s purchase of the business was secured by Gary Boyce, Director in Christie & Co’s sister company, Christie Finance. Gary comments, “Mark and Diana Perrett were seeking a lifestyle change and as a result of Mark’s father and step-mother previously owning The Old Rectory, it presented an exciting proposition to bring the business back within the family. We were able to overcome funding challenges by focusing on their strong and relevant transferrable skillsets, which I’m sure will stand them in good stead and help grow the business. The funding secured through Christie Finance provides them with a strong foundation and we look forward to seeing The Old Rectory go from strength to strength.”

Nicholas Calfe, Director in Christie & Co’s Hospitality team brokered the sale and comments, “I am very pleased that we were able to facilitate and smooth and relatively swift sale for the previous owner Wendy, against a backdrop of COVID-19, which has been a challenging period. The timing of launching of The Old Rectory was perfect for our buyers. It seemed like fate that brought the property back into the same family, who ran it many years before.”

The Old Rectory was sold on a freehold basis, off a guide price of £750,000.
 
 
 
For further information on this press release, contact:
Bronte Hughes, Corporate Communications Executive
P: 020 7227 0794 or E: bronte.hughes@christie.com
 

Contact the agent:
Nicholas Calfe, Director – Hospitality
P: +44 (0) 776 424 1295
E: Nicholas.calfe@christie.com