Selkirk’s Philipburn Hotel long term owners, Ian and Marie Wells, are retiring from the trade, and have now sold the popular venue to Adrian Leopard and Graham Hobson, who have moved up from Gloucestershire for the opportunity.
The deal was done by Glasgow-based Smith and Clough Business Associates, acting jointly with UK property firm Graham + Sibbald. The purchase price has not been disclosed, but the agents had been inviting offers around £1,350,000 for the property..
The Wells family owned and operated the Philipburn for over 16 years, and had in that period extended and renovated the hotel to a high standard. Part of the Best Western Group Signature Collection Brand, the hotel has 20 letting bedrooms and an excellent range of bar, restaurant, meeting and function facilities.
This is complimented by attractive gardens, seating terrace and an open air pavilion ideal for wedding ceremonies. In addition, there are three two-bedroom apartments for private/staff accommodation.
The buyers now plan to develop and promote the hotel to encourage new custom, especially weddings and events. The company running the hotel is All Seasons Philipburn Ltd which is a wholly owned subsidiary of All Seasons Hotel Holdings Ltd.
Amongst the ideas the new owners bring to the business is All Seasons Cars, a private hire taxi business which was previously operating in Gloucestershire. In opening the hotel facilities up to the local people, Adrian and Graham hope that their all-electric taxi service with the mantra ‘don’t drink and drive’ will encourage patrons, especially with a guarantee of a taxi ride home at closing time!
Director with Smith and Clough, Graeme Smith, commented: “The Philipburn Hotel is a fantastic business that has built up an excellent reputation under the ownership of Ian and Marie over the last 16 years and it was a delight to be instructed jointly with Graham+Sibbald to handle the sale.”
Alistair Letham, hotel and leisure consultant with Graham+Sibbald, added: “Having sold the Philipburn to Ian & Marie Wells I am delighted to have acted in the sale to facilitate their well-earned retirement. New owners Adrian Leopard and Graham Hobson have an excellent hotel product and business base from which to further develop additional custom.”
