A S GCommercial LOCHCARRON HOTEL, WESTER ROSS, IV54 8YS Offers Over 395,000 (Freehold)
Highland Hotel with Loch-side frontage in the beautiful village of Lochcarron Well established mixed income based upon year-round trading Excellent turnover circa 430,000 (Net) in 2015 and good profitability providing an exceptional Home and Income opportunity 12 budget letting bedrooms (11 en-suites); 6 rooms have views over Loch Carron Good owner s and staff accommodation comprising of 2 self-contained attic flats
DESCRIPTION The Lochcarron Hotel is a substantial and traditional Highland Hotel extending a relaxed and friendly welcome to all of its customers. Situated on the shore of Loch Carron, it has an enviable trading location which is extremely popular with tourists. The business is buoyant during the main trading season which has certainly been expanding and now stretches from beginning of March to beginning of November. There is also a demand from business people and workers in the area, in particular Hydro Schemes and Wave energy projects as well as SSE and Scottish Salmon Farms are regular users of the Hotel. The new North Coast 500 route which is 500 miles of the best scenery the North Coast has to offer, passes right through Lochcarron and the Hotel is already seeing bookings from users. Other events which contribute to steady income for the Hotel include the Iron man triathlon, Bealach na Ba, Shieldaig to Applecross Cycle Race as well as various other cycle and sporting events. The roadside situation of the Hotel lends itself to a good deal of passing trade which can often result in the Hotel being fully booked. The website and word of mouth as well as repeat trade account for the majority of bookings, it is worth noting that at this time the owners do not utilize any of the main booking agencies, and there would certainly be scope here to expand this resource particularly in the off season months. Such is the setting that most of the wildlife for which Scotland is well known is right on the doorstep. Herds of wild deer are abundant in the neighbouring hills, sharing their habitat with the fox, grouse, golden eagle, raven and peregrine falcon amongst others. In the waters immediately in front of the Hotel the otter, Atlantic salmon and numerous
seabirds can be seen. The area is certainly rich in wildlife and ornithology. Geographically, Lochcarron is an excellent base from which to explore the beautiful west coast, including the Isle of Skye. The Lochcarron Hotel also enjoys healthy local support. With its homely bar and traditional catering the business is at the heart of the community. Twelve comfortable budget letting bedrooms and the busy restaurant complete the all-round appeal. With resident guests, casual dining, local trade and buoyant seasonal demand from tourism, the Lochcarron Hotel is certainly a successful business proposition and the combination of a profitable business and a beautiful highland setting come together in this fulfilling and rewarding lifestyle opportunity. The Hotel opens for breakfasts for residents and passing trade at 7.30 am until 9,30 am, the kitchen then reopens at 12 noon and then serves food until last orders at 8.45pm. The Bar itself is open every day from 11am until 1 am. In addition to successful catering and accommodation, on the beverage front the Hotel offers a good choice of wines, single malt whiskies and beers. The business is trading successfully within its current business model with good supporting accounts showing sound profitability. The business would certainly benefit further from some investment in capital and cosmetic upgrades and new owners injecting new energy and motivation could easily bring the hotel up to the next level. Primary schooling is provided in Lochcarron as well as a
thriving playgroup. Secondary Education is in either Plockton which is only a 40 minute bus ride away, or some elect to attend Garloch Secondary School, both having excellent reputations.. On the sporting side amongst other community groups there is a golf club, bowling club and sailing club. There is also a local dental practice, medical centre and a choice of shops. There is a train station at Strathcarron. The present owners bought the Hotel in May 2006 and have put every effort into developing the Hotel as a thriving business. They have enjoyed the rewarding and profitable lifestyle that accompanies ownership of a successful community based business such as this and it is now their planned retirement from the Licensed Trade to pursue alternative opportunities that brings this desirable Hotel onto the market. The location itself, the sound trading entity and the spacious trading and owners accommodation certainly makes Lochcarron Hotel an excellent opportunity for those seeking a self-employment lifestyle in a tremendous Highland setting. THE PROPERTY Lochcarron Hotel is a substantial property of traditional construction built circa 1800 with extensions in 1847 and 1937. It is well presented budget hotel, both inside and out. Stone built under a slate roof, the Hotel has an enviable loch-side frontage with accommodation arranged over 3 levels. PUBLIC AREAS The Hotel s main entrance faces the loch-side main road. Access is via an outer door leading to a vestibule thence into an inner reception area which is set to soft furnishings. Adjoining is the main dining area which leads to a sun lounge which is also set for dining. To the rear of the sun lounge is the main bar which has a traditional cosy atmosphere with a natural stone fireplace. The main servery is a wooden bar, which has a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits including about 63 single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Seating is both fixed and free-standing plus bar stools. In total, this area can accommodate in excess of 50 diners comfortably. To
the rear of the main bar is the public bar which has its own separate entrance and has a pool table, darts board gaming machine, cigarette machine and TV. The back bar benefits from a wood-burning stove. Both bars have separate guest ladies and gents bathroom facilities. In the main, the Hotel is well presented and exudes its very unique character with a bright and airy feel. A key feature of this establishment is that all public areas baring the public bar offer tremendous views across Loch Carron. Both the bar area and restaurant are conveniently located with good access off the kitchen. LETTING BEDROOMS The Hotel has 12 letting bedrooms to sleep 25 guests which are configured as follows; 1 family, 2 triple, 3 Double, 3 twin and 3 single. Some rooms have zip and link beds which provide a degree of flexibility in their provision. The bedrooms are appointed to a modest level and 11 rooms have en-suite facilities. Rooms have electric heating, and tea/coffee making facilities and TV. The Hotel is Wifi enabled throughout. Six of the letting bedrooms have Loch views. PRIVATE / STAFF ACCOMMODATION A beneficial feature of the Hotel is the two attic-flats for residential or staff use. Both units are arranged as follows: Flat 1: Landing, lounge, double bedroom with en-suite shower room. Flat 2: Lounge, double bedroom and shower room. SERVICE AREAS The Hotel has a spacious well equipped commercial kitchen and preparation areas with ample refrigeration and freezer units. The kitchen has an extractor unit, double fryers, microwaves, griddle and 6-ring cooker. In addition, the business is served with a wide range of storage areas plus a washing-up area, dry Store and laundry. The beer cellar is located affording excellent access for deliveries and there is a secure wines and spirits store. An administrative office plus a staff toilet are located to the rear of the property. On the first floor there are linen stores.
GROUNDS The Hotel benefits from a large frontage directly overlooking Loch Carron and a substantial private parking area conveniently set beside the main road and to the sides of the Hotel. A good range of bench and table type seating are set outside close to the loch side. These provide extra trading capacity and prove popular, especially during the main season. There is ample external storage for tools etc. There is also a covered over outside smoking area and a beer garden with tables and chairs to the front of the property to take advantage of the views. SERVICES The property benefits from mains electricity, water supply and drainage. An LPG gas tank serves the kitchen for cooking. Hot water is provided through an oil-fired boiler. Heating is facilitated by electric storage and panel heaters. The property has a new fire alarm system and security system with external flood lighting to the front of the subjects. LICENCES The business has a Licence in accordance with the Licensing Scotland Act 2005 and a copy of the Operating Plan will be made available to interested parties post viewing. TRADE Lochcarron Hotel is a profitable business with strong turnover and sound profit conversion ratios. Accounting information will be made available to seriously interested parties subsequent to formal viewing. PRICE Offers over 395,000 are invited for the heritable property complete with goodwill and trade contents (according to inventory), excluding personal items. Stock at valuation. FINANCE & LEGAL SERVICES ASG Commercial is in touch with several lenders who provide specialist finance to the hospitality trade. Paul Hart (Head of Commercial Sales) will be delighted to discuss your financing requirements with you and make an appropriate introduction. We have a large team of legal experts in-house and can act in all legal matters arising to include Conveyancing and Licence Transfers.
DIRECTIONS Take the main arterial A9 from Inverness to the Tore Roundabout and then the A832 signed for Ullapool. Just after Garve take the A890 which leads to Lochcarron where the Hotel is easily found in the centre of the village. (See Map Insert) Inverness 61 miles, Isle of Skye 24. WEBSITE www.lochcarronhotel.com VIEWING All appointments to view must be made through the vendors selling agents: ASG Commercial York House 20 Church Street Inverness IV1 1ED Tel: 01463 714757 E-mail: info@asgcommercial.co.uk Website: www.asgcommercial.co.uk OFFERS All offers should be submitted in writing to ASG Commercial with whom purchasers should register their interest if they wish to be advised of a Closing Date. A S GCommercial Hotels Guesthouses Licensed Retail Offices Industrial Units York House 20 Church Street Inverness Telephone 01463 714757 Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database 2012 www.bedandbreakfastsales.co.uk