Key Features
Historic Highland Hotel in an elevated, scenic setting
Prime location on the North Coast 500 in Sutherland
Prominent main building with views over Kyle of Tongue, Ben Loyal & Ben Hope
11 en-suite guest bedrooms with attractive public and service areas
Extensive self-catering accommodation: 6 modern glamping pods and 2 three-bedroom houses
Five-bedroom owners’/staff accommodation within the main hotel
Set within spacious grounds with ample parking
Seasonal operation delivering strong results
Highlight
A rare opportunity to own a landmark Highland hotel in an elevated setting on Scotland’s iconic North Coast 500 in Sutherland. With sweeping views over the Kyle of Tongue, Ben Loyal and Ben Hope, this prominent property combines character and strong trading performance. Offering 11 en-suite bedrooms, attractive public areas, six modern glamping pods, two three-bedroom houses and five-bedroom owners’ accommodation, all set within spacious grounds with ample parking, it’s a proven seasonal business in a truly spectacular location.
Description
The Ben Loyal Hotel is an attractive, multi-faceted hospitality business set in a breathtaking elevated position above the Kyle of Tongue, centrally located on the highly popular North Coast 500 tourist route. The property enjoys outstanding views towards Ben Loyal, Ben Hope, and the ruins of Castle Varrich.
Originally comprising a collection of 19th-century buildings, the property was combined to form the current trading entity in 1961. The present owners have further enhanced the business to offer an excellent 11-bedroom hotel, two three-bedroom self-catering houses, and six high-quality glamping pods which were added in 2020. All benefit from exceptional views.
The properties are presented in generally excellent condition throughout, with spacious and well-appointed public and service areas. Operating seasonally from April to October, the hotel occupies a strong destination location and offers significant potential for new owners to further develop and grow the business.
Trade
The six glamping pods operate year round, while the hotel and bar trade from April to October. The hotel generates income through both accommodation and a well established food and beverage offering. Guests can enjoy breakfast, evening restaurant service, bar meals, and daily specials, with all dietary requirements catered for.
A vibrant, well stocked bar with regular live music draws in both visitors and locals, driving strong repeat business and an excellent reputation. Online ratings highlight the quality and popularity of the operation:
TripAdvisor: 4.3 – Very Good
Booking.com: 8.7 – Fabulous
With a modern online presence, a loyal customer base, and clear potential to extend the trading season, The Ben Loyal Hotel represents an exceptional lifestyle and investment opportunity on one of Scotland’s most iconic tourist routes.
The Ben Loyal Hotel benefits from having a dedicated website at www.benloyal.co.uk
Location
The Ben Loyal Hotel and Self-Catering Complex is located in the village of Tongue, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and close to the North Coast 500, one of Scotland’s most popular tourist routes. The area boasts stunning scenery, including the Kyle of Tongue, Ben Loyal, Ben Hope, and Castle Varrich, alongside rugged mountains, moorlands, and pristine beaches, attracting walkers, climbers, anglers, wildlife enthusiasts, and general tourists throughout the main season.
Tourism is supported by excellent local infrastructure, with shops, restaurants, and services in Tongue and the nearby town of Thurso, while Inverness and Dalcross Airport provide convenient transport links. With strong seasonal trade, diverse visitor appeal, and world-class natural surroundings, the property offers a significant opportunity for a new owner to build on an established and highly regarded business.
Accommodation
The Property
The subjects for sale comprise the Ben Loyal Hotel, a two-storey detached property of stone construction beneath a tiled roof, with original sections dating from the 1800s and complimented by latermodern extensions.
The hotel was reconfigured into its current layout in 1961 and has been continually upgraded by successive owners.
The sale also includes two modern three-bedroom self-catering houses, built around 2000, with six high-quality en-suite glamping pods added in 2020.
Owners Accommodation
OWNER’S ACCOMMODATION
The sale also includes a spacious five-bedroom cottage, ideal for owners’ or staff accommodation. The property offers flexible living space, with a double and single bedroom and family bathroom on the first floor, two further double bedrooms on the ground floor, and an additional double bedroom on a mezzanine level. The cottage benefits from independent access from the main road, as well as rear courtyard access, and offers excellent potential for extended family occupation or alternative use.
Terms
Reason For Sale
The owners, who have operated the hotel since 2010, are now retiring, creating an excellent opportunity for a new proprietor.
Rates / Council Tax
The Ben Loyal Hotel has a rateable value of £34,850 (as at Apr 2017) with a rates liability of £16,905 after allowable relief. The owner’s accommodation within Ben Loyal Hotel has a council tax banding of ‘B’.
Finance and Legal Services
ASG Commercial Ltd is in touch with several lenders who provide specialist finance. We have access to a large team of legal experts who can act in all legal matters arising to include conveyancing and license transfers.
Specification
The property benefits from mains electricity, water, and drainage. The hotel is partially heated by oil with supplementary electric heating, while the bars use wood-burning stoves with back-boilers feeding radiators. Cooking is via underground LPG gas tanks. The self-catering houses have oil-fired central heating and double glazing, and the glamping pods are heated with electric heaters. Wi-Fi is available throughout, and the property is fully fire compliant, meets Environmental Health standards, and is monitored by CCTV.