Coastal village hotel with ‘special charm’ goes on market as owners set to retire

A COASTAL village hotel is up for sale at around £1.3 million, with its current owners looking to retire after running it for decades.

The family-owned Inverkip Hotel in Inverclyde is being marketed by property agent Graham + Sibbald, which noted the property’s proximity to the village’s marina and described it as an “enticing investment opportunity”.

Alistair Hardy, of the family which owns the hotel, said: “Despite hospitality facing several difficult ‘Covid’ years, our business has performed remarkably. It is very telling of this sound and stable business – regardless of economic factors – people always need their local. Currently, room occupancy sits at 72% and the business is consistently exceeding pre-covid levels across food and beverage.”

He added: “After 45 years running the business, my wife and I look to fully retire and embrace our next chapter. It is with great pride that we have been the custodians and raised our family in this very special historical place. The current management team have incredible vision and ambition for the opportunities awaiting this business.”

Graham + Sibbald said: “The renowned Inverkip Hotel boasts an exceptional property, seamlessly blending traditional Scottish architecture with contemporary comforts. The hotel’s exterior is immaculately presented, offering an inviting entrance which exudes warmth and character.

“The interior is equally impressive, combining traditional features with functional modern design across both guest and operational spaces.”

The property agent described the hotel as “exemplary” in the context of the Scottish hospitality sector, declaring the property possesses “an authentic and very special charm found only in a rare number of businesses of this type across Scotland”.

Graham+ Sibbald added: “From a business perspective, the Inverkip Hotel offers an enticing investment opportunity. The hotel has established a strong reputation and a loyal customer base, attracting visitors from near and far throughout the year. The restaurant, public bar, whisky bar and beer garden appeal to a broad market of guests, as well as the five wellappointed bedrooms.”

The property agent declared the “business is in exceptional condition with industryleading figures, a loyal and experienced team and accounts that represent resilient growth despite the Covid pandemic”.

It added: “The success of the business has no doubt come from the attractiveness of the traditional setting, as well as the stellar reputation of the family-run business.”