Business in new hands after couple relocate to west coast
It’s been a fairly dramatic change of scenery for the new owners of the Bellachroy Hotel on the Isle of Mull.
Anthony Ractliff and Christine Weaver recently made the move from Dubai, where Ractliff was director of food and beverage for Viceroy Hotels and Resorts, to take over the Scottish hotel.
Located at the head of Loch Cuin, the Bellachroy, which is said to date from 1608, has been extended over the years and now comprises a public bar, lounge bar, restaurant and breakfast room with 22 covers, six en suite letting rooms and owners’ accommodation.
The property was marketed by Christie & Co, and sold to Ractliff and Weaver for an undisclosed sum.
Ken Sims, director of Christie & Co’s Edinburgh office, said the deal showed there is “strong demand for quality inns and hotels on the west coast”.
“These are positive signs that the market is moving forward, which can only be good for the future,” he added.
Funding for the purchase was secured by Christie & Co’s sister company, Christie Finance.
Adrian Foster, associate director at Christie Finance, said Ractliff and Weaver’s search for the right property had taken “a number of years”, but that in spite of being first time buyers, the firm was able to “put a strong case” to the banks.
“I was so happy when I was able to secure the funding for them on really competitive terms as it finally allowed them to realise their dream,” said Foster.
