Key Features
Prestigious and exceptionally finished turnkey Victorian Highland country house hotel in a delightful elevated position
Prominent and idyllic trading location in a rural setting within easy reach of a wide range of services and facilities
Seasonal trading providing a highly profitable “home and income” lifestyle opportunity but with business expansion potential
17 superior en-suite letting bedrooms, excellent recreational facilities and superb public rooms
Spacious modern 3-bedroom owner’s accommodation wing comprising a kitchen, lounge and 2 family bathrooms
Staff mobile home plus extensive parking all set within 5 acres of attractive garden grounds
Highlight
Exceptional Hotel with 17 letting bedrooms, recreational facilities, superb public rooms, 3-bed owners accommodation wing, staff mobile home, extensive parking and 5 acres of attractive grounds.
Description
Glenspean Lodge Hotel is an exceptional and beautiful traditional Victorian country house dating from 1880 with an established history. It cannot be over emphasised that one must visit to fully appreciate the superb level of finish and quality of the facilities offered. The property was initially a hunting lodge for Laird Macintosh of Macintosh, having a stunning southerly aspect with panoramic views towards the Nevis Range. Surrounded by dense woodland and towering hills, this beautiful and imposing property enjoys a spectacular trading location close to the Great Glen and Fort William whilst being strategically positioned on the A86, the arterial route from Speyside to the West Coast of Scotland. The character of the building, its elevated position and ample grounds provide an air of grandeur seldom seen, whilst providing lavish and diverse amenity space for both guests and owners to enjoy. The building benefits from being fully sympathetically refurbished and upgraded in 1999 as a consequence of a major fire. In addition to this, the current owners have continually upgraded facilities to offer exceptional comfort and service provision to its clientele. This is truly a rare business opportunity for anyone wishing to own a prestigious hotel in the heart of the Highlands. The hotel trades 17 quality guest bedrooms, all with modern en-suites. The business also features a range of guest facilities including; conservatory Jacuzzi - sauna - exercise & relaxation room as well as a games room.
In addition to the lavish trading aspects and accessed via the main hotel, with its own private entrance, is a three bedroomed wing including a kitchen, lounge and 2 family bathrooms which could be used by owners with extended family, staff or used as further letting space. Also within the grounds is a staff accommodation unit.
The hotel operated with 4-Stars under the now discontinued VisitScotland Award scheme, closes finally in 2025. The outstanding character and quality of this business is obvious upon entry with its superb public areas portraying many original Victorian features. The 17 high quality individually decorated and presented letting bedrooms offer outstanding quality and comfort. The service areas include a modern, professional and well-equipped kitchen with additional food preparation, storage and laundry facilities. The business facets coupled with spacious owner’s accommodation make this a superior proposition for a discerning buyer.
Trade
A turnkey operation, Glenspean Lodge Hotel operates on a restricted seasonal basis, by choice of the owners, currently opening from April to October annually. In addition, they also do not trade the business aggressively during the season, restricting operating hours by not opening to the public during lunchtimes or afternoons. Despite these lifestyle choices, business continues to trade successfully, maintaining a strong level of turnover and high profitability. Income is primarily generated through the 17 quality en-suite letting bedrooms with secondary income from licensed wet sales and evening meals. Trading as an independent hotel, the proprietors drive their provision offering a high level of service and facilities. There is little doubt that new owners could approach the trading aspects differently by operating throughout the shoulder months and offering a broader range of meal service times. Should they so desire, this would increase turnover and generate a greater profitability.
The vendors have developed their trading aspects over many years making this a truly delightful and profitable turn-key enterprise. Glenspean Lodge Hotel has a well-established reputation, being a popular destination venue benefiting from a high level of repeat trade and being highly commended on numerous visitor review websites. The business has an active modern website, a good social media presence and utilises a number of portal websites.
The hotel’s clientele is derived from the many holiday makers, including celebrities, and business people who visit Fort William, the Great Glen and the surrounding areas. The location and stature of the hotel is such that it is easy to locate for those who have booked via the internet or for the casual passer-by. The vast majority of room occupancy is booked in advance and forward bookings are always at a high level.
The business trades highly profitably but offers genuine scope for new motivated owners to trade more fully which would result in improved turnover and income levels. Full accounting information will be made available to interested parties subsequent to viewing.
Location
The area around Spean Bridge is renowned for its outdoor activities including walking and climbing in the summer months with skiing and ice-climbing being popular in the winter. Tourism is the key driver of trade and includes the many visitors who fish, undertake walking, cycling and climbing holidays or partake in a more sedate excursion of the Highlands taking in the many sites and historical features. Other visitors include ornithologists and naturalists who find an abundance of wildlife to keep them busy for an extended stay.
For walkers the range of terrain provides a great variety in the level of challenge from non-technical hill-walking to more strenuous mountaineering. There are numerous mountains in this area located within easy reach, Ben Nevis, the Munros and Corbetts and two long distance walks the Great Glen Way and the East Highland Way. This generates a good deal of trade for the accommodation providers in the area. Numerous national and international sporting events occur in the area throughout the year bringing even more visitors.
For mountain bikers there are plenty of demanding venues, both at Nevis Range which is close by, as well as Laggan Wolftrax. In addition to the usual car touring holiday makers this property is well located for the world-famous Jacobite Steam train which operates twice daily from May to October carrying up to 600 passengers per day. This train travels over the Glenfinnan viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies and brings many fans of the films to this area. Spean Bridge is also an ideal stop-over point for travellers to Skye, the North Coast 500 and the outer isles including Lewis and Harris.
The village itself has a number of facilities including visitor attractions, 9-hole golf course, shops and restaurants. The area has an abundance of wildlife, attracting ornithologists and naturalists with red deer, pine marten, otter, osprey, red squirrels, elusive golden eagles and rare butterflies helping to attract visitors.Accommodation
The Property
Of traditional stone construction, built in 1880, Glenspean Lodge Hotel is a substantial detached villa under a pitched slate roof. The property is deceptively spacious with accommodation being laid out across three floors. The property offers many original Victorian features which adds to the charm of this impressive hotel.
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
Glenspean Lodge Hotel presently trades on a restricted seasonal basis, through personal preference, offering the opportunity for new owners to expand the trading model if so desired. The business also does not open for lunches and afternoon teas, again affording a degree of further business development. The spacious grounds may also offer some development potential subject to obtaining the necessary consents.
Owners Accommodation
OWNERS / STAFF ACCOMMODATION
The main owner’s accommodation wing within the hotel is situated to the rear and can be accessed via a private courtyard entrance. Access can also be gained via the main hotel building. This spacious and comfortable accommodation comprises of 3 double bedrooms on the first floor; there are also 2 family bathrooms on this level. On the ground floor there is a large modern, well-appointed kitchen which could accommodate a dining table. There is also a family lounge. This annexe is more than ideal to act as family accommodation, or alternatively for staff use. If not required for either use, the house could bolster income being let out as a self-contained house or equally could be developed into further letting bedrooms.
OWNERS HOUSE – AVAILABLE BY SEPARATE NEGOTIATION
A completely separate owner’s house is situated to the rear of the title and also benefits from an elevated location with stunning views. This three-bedroom (all en-suite) house comprises a spacious sitting room, beautifully-appointed lounge / dining room, large utility room, study room / office plus elegant family bathroom. This property is available by separate negotiation, further details can be obtained from the selling agents.
STAFF CARAVANS
Within the site there is a staff caravan which has LPG gas heating.
GROUNDS
With excellent signage, Glenspean Lodge Hotel is a substantial property benefiting from an elegant, elevated and prominent trading location. The property sits in around 5 acres which is set to a mix of mature woodland, grassed areas and extensive car parking for about 30 cars. There are a number of patio areas located around the building allowing guests to take advantage of the sun throughout the day. Parking areas benefit from lighting and there are recharging points for electric cars. The property benefits from excellent external storage units and sheds.
Terms
Reason For Sale
The present owners purchased Glenspean Lodge Hotel in 2007 and have enjoyed operating this impressive and rewarding business. However, it is their desire to retire which brings this exquisite business to the market.
Rates / Council Tax
The business elements have rateable value of £25,000 (effective from 01 Apr 2023).
Finance and Legal Services
ASG Commercial Ltd is in touch with a variety of different lenders who can provide specialist finance. We will be delighted to discuss your financing requirements with you and make an appropriate introduction where appropriate. We also have many contacts in the legal profession who can assist in all legal matters arising.
Specification
The property benefits from mains electricity, with private water and drainage. The property has a biomass boiler system feeding the hot water and central heating system; this system also feeds the detached residence. There are also solar panels to supplement the other heating systems. The hotel benefits from a standby LPG gas heating system which can be used during power outages; LPG gas is used for cooking. Glenspean Lodge Hotel is fully compliant with extant fire regulations and environmental health requirements. The property is fully double glazed. Recently the business has benefitted from a new connection to Openreach’s super-fast fibre network. There is free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. The property has a CCTV security system.