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Description

Substantial and elegant hotel with superb town centre location and stunning views Listed building (Grade B) designed in 1778 for famous local family Trading profitably with year-round business supported by local and tourist activity 7 comfortable letting rooms (6 en suite) with stylish public rooms

DESCRIPTION
The County Hotel is a classic example of a Georgian building of circa 1778 which was built for the former provost of Banff. With a strategic situation in the centre of the Royal Burgh of Banff, this much admired property (which was converted to a hotel in 1977) has excellent road-side appeal. The business trades on the three income streams of a traditional hotel with a fine reputation for excellent food coupled with excellence in service. The business offers a warm welcome to both new clientele and repeat guests.
A town full of history with a population of around 8000, Banff started life as a port on the west side of the mouth of the River Deveron in the 1100s. There is evidence that King Malcolm 4th stayed in the town in 1163. Banff received its Charter from Robert de Bruce in 1324. It was during the 1800s when that part of Banff on the east side changed names and became the now neighbouring smaller settlement of Macduff. The two towns don’t quite merge but are separated by the valley of the River Deveron.
Within the Deveron Valley lies Duff House, designed by William Adam, built between 1735 and 1740 and widely thought to be one of Britain’s finest Georgian houses. Duff House was built by William Braco, who became Earl of Fife in 1759. These days the house serves part of the National Gallery of Scotland. Duff House golf course is literally round the corner from the Hotel but there are also other nearby golf courses such as Cullen and Turriff. The River Deveron provides salmon and sea trout fishing and for tourists, there are ancient buildings and majestic scenery in abundance. The famous Whisky Trail in the Spey Valley is within an easy drive of the Hotel. Banff is also a popular commuter town for the Oil Capital of Europe, Aberdeen, which is within a one hour drive.
The vendors purchased the County Hotel 10 years ago and with a young family quickly built up an excellent reputation for fine food and comfortable accommodation. The owner has effectively run the business as Chef Proprietor. The business concentrates primarily on the food and beverage side of the business providing tremendous business development potential for the accommodation aspects of the business. The Hotel has a good reputation for excellent cuisine but the current proprietors freely admit that an emphasis on casual laid-back dining could trade particularly well in this busy seaside town which attracts visitors throughout the year.
Presently the Hotel trades year-round and is operated predominantly full time by one of the owners; the other being employed out with the business. This Hotel would ideally suit a full time couple but it could also easily appeal to those looking to take on a boutique style Bed and Breakfast. Such a business would offer an excellent lifestyle in a lovely part of Scotland whilst also offering strong profitability.
THE PROPERTY
This is a handsome Georgian House with stunning views over the town of Banff, the harbour and coastline. The building retains many original Georgian features which also feature on nearby Duff House. Over 4 floors, this substantial property provides an excellent combination of style and comfort.
PUBLIC AREAS
Entry to the property is via a Grecian style porch way with segmented fanlight which was added about 1830. A spacious entrance hallway leads to a small reception area. Off this area is the elegant restaurant which benefits from excellent views. The 35 cover restaurant with its attractive cornicing and other period features has an ambience and warmth seldom seen in contemporary properties. To the left of the main hallway is the cosy lounge/bistro which can accommodate 25 guests. This public room is also reflective of its Georgian origins and has a feature fireplace.
All 7 bedrooms have private facilities and provide a high level of comfort. Rooms have central heating and offer tea making facilities. The rooms are presently configured to 1 family, 1 twin, 2 doubles, 1 single and a suite of 2 rooms with private facilities on the top floor.
SERVICE AREAS
The property boasts a full commercial kitchen with freezer room, dry store, laundry, wine cellar; all located at basement level facilitating easy delivery access. The Hotel has good storage throughout the subjects.
GROUNDS
The property has mature gardens to the front planted with shrubs and bushes with a well-maintained garden to the rear offering outstanding views across the town and the bay. Private car parking to the side is provided for 6 guest cars with additional on street parking as required. There is also a private garage at the basement level and a small workshop.
OWNERS ACCOMMODATION
Mainly situated at basement level the owner’s accommodation provides easy access to the garden. Comprising a 2-bedroom apartment with shower room, it is spacious and bright affording a good level of comfort and amenity.
TRADING INFORMATION
Our clients have other interests now and have run the business much more casually over recent years however there is no question that trade can be increased easily in many ways.
SERVICES
The subjects benefit from mains electricity, gas, water supply, drainage and gas fired central heating. The external area is provided with floodlighting.
LICENCES
The business holds a Premises Licence in accordance with the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. A copy of the Operating Plan, with building outline, will be made available to interested parties after viewing.
TRADE
The County Hotel is an easily run lifestyle business demonstrating a good level of profitability. Accounting information will be made available to seriously interested parties subsequent to formal viewing.
PRICE
Offers over £475,000 are invited for the heritable property complete with goodwill and trade contents (according to inventory), excluding personal items. Stock items to be purchased by independent valuation at cost less VAT.