The distinctive Best Western Crown Hotel in Lyndhurst in the heart of the New Forest has changed hands in a deal brokered by Colliers International.
The imposing hotel which can trace it roots back to the early 1600s has been acquired by the Buzasi brothers’ Antoinette Group which now boasts four hotels, three of which have been acquired through Colliers.
The Antoinette Group plans to refresh the branding and invest in excess of £1 million into the property including creating a number of new bedrooms. Vendor Ian Dunn of Evergreen Hotels will now concentrate on running the Calcot Hotel in Reading which they retain.
The Crown, which has 39 letting bedrooms with the potential for at least four more, was on the market at £2.5m freehold – although the sale price was not disclosed.
Colliers Hotels Director Peter Brunt commented: “This is a great acquisition for the Buzasis. The Crown has a fabulous location in one of the country’s most visited areas and I am sure they will make great strides to build on the excellent reputation that our clients had already established for the business.”
Previously thought to have been the site of a coaching inn, the Crown subsequently evolved into a hotel. Dating from the late 1800s, the Grade II listed building exudes character charm reminiscent of a bygone era whilst offering all the creature comforts of the modern day.
The hotel appeals to a broad mix of business, leisure and local clientele and the spacious public areas have the flexibility to cater for meetings, conferences, functions and weddings.
Peter Brunt said: “Situated at the top of the High Street in Lyndhurst The Crown Hotel makes an ideal base to explore the surrounding 93,000 acres of National Park. Lymington, Beaulieu and Mudeford are close by with Southampton and Bournemouth an easy drive away.”
There are five meeting, conference and banqueting suites of differing sizes which cater for anything from small business meetings and private dinners up to 80 guests for a banquet-style function.
Acquired by the current owner in 2001, the Best Western Crown Hotel has enjoyed consistent levels of trade in recent years.
There is a lapsed planning permission to add another four letting bedrooms.
The recently refurbished Crown Brasserie seats up to 60 and overlooks the High Street to the front.
