Picturesque castle hotel in Northumberland up for sale

Otterburn Castle is ideally positioned within the historic village of Otterburn, which lies between Newcastle and the Scottish borders, and was initially gifted to Robert D’Umphraville, a cousin of William the Conqueror, during the 11th century, in recognition of his services. The estate has a rich history itself dating back to the 14th century, when a pele tower was constructed at the site to repel the Scots and this formed an integral part of the ‘Battle of Otterburn’ in 1388.

The Grade II listed castle hotel currently standing today was rebuilt in the 19th century with stone from the original tower. The hotel is set in four acres of beautiful private gardens and sloping woodland, with a further 28 acres of land available by separate negotiation, on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, creating an idyllic retreat for guests and the perfect base to explore all the area has to offer, which includes including scenic countryside within the national park - perfect for cycling and walking enthusiasts, the famed Northumberland heritage coastline, a multitude of historic castles, and sprawling picturesque towns and villages. Key nearby attractions, which draw in large numbers of visitors year-round include Hadrians Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sycamore Gap, Kielder Water & Forest Park and The Northumberland Dark Sky Park.

Over the years, Otterburn Castle has undergone a number of upgrades however, the property’s history and period charm has been retained throughout and seamlessly blended with contemporary features. The hotel comprises 17 spacious en-suite bedrooms, many of which overlook the picturesque castle grounds however, purchase of the additional land by  would also include further accommodation to include 4 flats, a workshop and a bar/bistro which would significantly increase  the number of potential bedrooms.

The castle also features a grand reception with an original oak staircase, a spacious breakfast room, elegant lounge, bar and restaurant with a private dining area and an array of meeting and event spaces including the Garden Room and a permanent outdoor marquee, both overlooking the charming grounds and perfect for weddings and large functions.

Owner, Elena Wynn has operated and lived in the castle for the past five years. She comments, “I have had some wonderful times here and feel proud to be the custodian of such a magnificent building however, I am not a hotelier and I feel that the time is right to allow the full potential of the castle and the business to be realised in the hands of a new owner.”

The sale of Otterburn Castle presents a very unique opportunity for an incoming owner to acquire an historic property in a tourism hotspot, which offers plenty of growth opportunity, particularly as a well-marketed wedding location. Within the grounds, there is also a separate title annex building and significant additional land which is available via separate negotiation, providing development opportunity.

Mark Worley, Director in Christie & Co’s Hospitality team is handling the sale and comments, “We’re thrilled to bring the beautiful Otterburn Castle Country House Hotel to market and expect to receive high levels of interest for this property. The leisure and hospitality industry is bracing itself for what should hopefully be a fantastic summer, as the pent-up demand for staycations and leisure breaks is released once lockdown restrictions are eased. This projected massive upsurge in trade and profits has proved to be a huge incentive and motivation for buyers to purchase tourist-related businesses over recent months.

“The sale of Otterburn Castle not only provides the opportunity for a buyer to capitalise on the spring, summer and autumn periods, but also to tap into the wedding trade, a sector which also has a very rosy future.”

Otterburn Castle Country House Hotel is currently on the market with a guide price of £1,750,000.
 
 
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:
Mark Worley, Director – Hospitality
P: +44 (0) 7791 980 852
E: mark.worley@christie.com