- Historic Highland 3-Star (VisitScotland) hotel in a stunning elevated setting on the ever-popular North Coast 500 tourist route in beautiful Sutherland
- Prominent main building within an idyllic and popular trading location with views towards the Kyle of Tongue plus Ben Loyal and Ben Hope
- Hotel accommodation extends to 11 comfortable en-suite bedrooms with stunning public rooms plus excellent service areas
- Self-catering facilities include 6 spacious and modern glamping pods plus two 3-bedroom houses which can be used as self-catering or hotel annex accommodation
- Includes 5-bedroom owners’ / staff accommodation within the main hotel plus spacious grounds and ample parking, within a tranquil setting
- Operating on a mainly seasonal basis (April to October), with strong underlying turnover and sound adjusted net profitability
Location
The Ben Loyal Hotel and Self-Catering Complex is situated within the village of Tongue, on the junction of the A836 and A838, in a truly dramatic elevated location offering uninterrupted and fantastic far-reaching views along the Kyle of Tongue. Other stunning views from the hotel include the mountains Ben Loyal and Ben Hope plus the ruin of Castle Varrich. The shores along the Sutherland coast offer some beautiful white sandy beaches which are popular with water sports enthusiasts and those enjoying the majestic landscapes. To the south of the village is a mix of rugged mountains and extensive moorlands. Set to the popular North Coast 500 tourist route, at its approximate mid-point, the hotel draws in many walkers, climbers, field sports enthusiast, in addition to the general tourists who take in the natural surroundings and the many places of interest in the local region. Not only does the area host an impressive range of top salmon rivers, it is a prime Scottish destination for wild brown trout angling with sea fishing offering an alternative to game angling. Sutherland is an area rich in wildlife, home to herds of wild red deer, the otter and the Atlantic salmon amongst other species. Ornithologists are frequent visitors to the county, attracted by the golden eagle, hen harrier, peregrine falcon, short eared owl, and numerous other birds of prey. The nearby town of Thurso offers a wide range of shops, restaurants and facilities. Tongue has a Primary School with senior schooling in Thurso High School. The village and locality have a range of small shops / post office.
Accommodation
SERVICE AREAS
With a fully provisioned commercial kitchen and supporting storage facilities, the food production aspects of the business are of an excellent standard with a still room off the main kitchen. There is a separate pot-wash area and supplementary food preparation spaces. Ample kitchen storage with refrigerated and freezer storage, including a walk-in freezer, plus dry-goods stores are included. Additionally, there is a laundry and sufficient house-keeping storage throughout. An office to the rear of the reception enables day to day control of the business and a cellar provides ease of access for deliveries from the internal courtyard.
OWNER’S ACCOMMODATION
Included with the Ben Loyal Hotel is a 5-bedroom cottage that can be used for staff or owners’ private accommodation. The first-floor accommodation comprises of a double and a single bedroom; there is also a family bathroom on this floor. On the ground floor are a further 2 double bedrooms and to a mezzanine floor is a further double room. The cottage can be accessed either from the front aspects of the building from the main road or via a rear access off the courtyard. The owner’s accommodation would suit an extended family occupation once upgraded to suit individual needs.
SELF-CATERING HOUSES
An attractive feature of this sale is the 2 semi-detached, 2-storey, houses that offer a range of flexible uses. These high-quality buildings could be used as owners’ accommodation, if required. Entry to both properties is via a ramped access. Each property has been designed so that a ground floor en-suite bedroom can be accessed from the ramp directly making it ideal for less able guests. Though similar in size and general layout, Ben Lodge is used as a mix of hotel and staff accommodation and The Lodge is used as a self-catering unit.
Ben Lodge
Ben Lodge is currently utilised as a mix of hotel accommodation comprising 3 en-suite rooms and 2 staff accommodation bedrooms. Situated to the left-hand side of the property, this unit is orientated offering some exceptional views from 2 ground floor rooms and the master bedroom on the first floor. Entry leads into a hallway with stairs to the front leading to the first-floor. To the left is a corridor providing access to Bedroom 14 which is configured to a double plus en-suite shower room. Further along are 2 staff bedrooms which have access to the staff kitchen, an adjoining shower room and separate WC. A door provides staff private access via the rear aspects. Set to the first-floor are 2 large bedrooms. Room 15 is set to twin beds and room 16 is a triple, 3 singles; both bedrooms have modern en-suite facilities.
The Lodge
This unit is set to the right-hand side of the property and presently used as a self-catering holiday let. Access into a hallway and a corridor to the right leads to an open-plan kitchen / diner / lounge. There is a utility room and a W.C. off the kitchen. This is an attractive space, ideal for family use and is beautifully appointed. A double bedroom is located to the ground-floor and 2 further rooms on the first-floor (1 twin and a double).
GLAMPING PODS
A new addition to this trading entity is the 6 modern and stunning glamping pods, built in 2020. These spacious units are beautifully appointed and benefit from integral en-suite shower rooms. Three units can accommodate up to 4 persons (1 double and bunk beds) and the other 3 are configured to double occupancy. Each unit has a small kitchenette (sink and work top, microwave, toaster, kettle and fridge), a dining table and chairs, TV, electric heater and soft furnishings. Every pod has its own decking area plus a patio and picnic table; all benefit from stunning views
Terms
The Ben Loyal Hotel is set to an area of flat ground with the car park to the rear being laid to tarmac. There are 2 areas of lawn which combined can seat up to 60 guests who enjoy the views on offer. The glamping pod area is accessed down a path and the units sit below the site line of the hotel. The hotel boasts a good level of guest parking with over 20 parking slots plus there is additional public parking adjacent to the main road opposite the hotel. Externally there are a number of general-purpose storage units.
Specification
This business generates a solid level of turnover from a mainly seasonal and restricted trading model due to the preferences of the current owners. There is undoubted scope to develop the business further under new stewardship with either hands-on operators or a multi-site operator trading under management. Full accounting information will be made available to seriously interested parties subsequent to formal viewing.