A New Forest hotel has been put on the market for an eight-figure sum following 25 years of family ownership.
For a quarter of a century, Chris and Alison Wilson have been the heartbeat of Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa, nestled in the heart of the ancient New Forest in Hampshire, though the time has come for the couple to bid farewell to the historic Brockenhurst building as it looks for new ownership to oversee its exciting future.
The 54-bed hotel is being sold with planning permission for another 38 bedrooms, increased function capacity (up to 250), enlarged spa facilities and another barn housing six staff bedrooms. Property consultancy, Knight Frank and independent hotel broker, Simon Stevens Associates, are marketing the property with offers invited in the region of £12.5m.
The planning permission will ensure the continued success of the hotel and cement its position as one of the best four-star hotels in the New Forest – an acknowledgement of the venue’s endless array of opportunities and successful initiatives that have helped pivot the business model towards positive and long-lasting change.
The multi-award-winning hotel, with already a quartet of accumulated accolades in 2022, recently launched its outside dining concept, The Lodge, which was built specifically to be a COVID-compliant environment to welcome guests safely back during the pandemic. The ambitious project successfully served 3,500 covers in the first three weeks of opening and 7,812 covers after just five weeks of outside dining in April 2021.
Steeped in history, the property was first built as a private hunting lodge and residence in the mid-1800s. It was later used as a field hospital during the First World War and an Army College in the Second World War. Additionally, the property has welcomed King George V and Sir Winston Churchill as visitors and guests.
Balmer Lawn Hotel is prominently located within The New Forest National Park – recently voted the best National Park in Europe per Tripadvisor.
Speaking of the decision to sell, Alison said, “Over the last 25 years, myself and Chris have dedicated our lives to the continued refurbishment and development of Balmer Lawn, though we now feel the time is right to hand over the reins of the hotel to someone able to deliver its planning consent to build a further 38 bedrooms and increase the function space to accommodate up to 250 people.
'We’ve worked incredibly hard to improve our array of facilities on offer, including a multimillion-pound facelift and re-brand, improved gardens and grounds, a stunning Spa and more recently of course, The Lodge.”
She continued, “There is no doubt that a new owner will be keen to deliver the granted planning permission and secure the future position of the hotel. All the staff at the hotel have been informed about our decision and have been incredibly supportive alongside our General Manager Michael Clitheroe.
'Combining Michaels desire to expand with that of his longstanding team and a new owner wanting to move the hotel to the next level, it would mean securing a very exciting future for all involved.”