6/5/2019 | Hotels

Popular hotel & restaurant in Lancashire brought to the market

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has brought to the market the Rufford Arms Hotel, in the rural village of Rufford, in Lancashire.



The 15 bedroom, three star hotel also features an adjoining, 100 cover restaurant, Alexander’s Brasserie, and benefits from three bedroom private accommodation, situated on the first floor, which would be ideal for a hands-on operator wishing to reside on site. Alternatively, this could be used as manager’s accommodation if required. 

The Rufford Arms sits on the outskirts of the village of Rufford, which in the early 20th century was described as “one of the prettiest in South Lancashire”. Today, the hotel caters to visitors drawn to the area’s many attractions including Rufford Old Hall, a National Trust property in the village, Mere Sands nature reserve, and the championship golf courses of Royal Birkdale and Hurlston Hall.

Having been operated by the current owner, Susan Lockwood, for the past 27 years, during which time she has developed the hotel and restaurant’s popularity amongst guests and locals alike, the Rufford Arms has obtained consistently strong reviews for both the accommodation and dining on Tripadvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia. Susan is now seeking a sale in order to retire, and comments, “I have thoroughly enjoyed running the Rufford Arms over my extensive period of ownership, but the time has come to find a new owner for this wonderful hotel, so that I can enjoy my retirement.”

Alistair Greenhalgh, Director at Christie & Co, is handling the sale and comments, “The business currently benefits from diversified revenue streams as Alexander’s Brasserie is open to non-residents and thus attracts custom from local diners in addition to hotel guests. Though at present the hotel has minimal wedding and events trade, there is scope for an incoming operator to develop this further.

“With its strong trading history, excellent reputation, and high standard of accommodation we expect this opportunity to garner significant interest from the market.”

Christie & Co is seeking an asking price of £1,200,000 for the freehold interest of the Rufford Arms Hotel.