Bridge Square, Ballater, Aberdeenshire

Summary

CCL are delighted to offer the opportunity to purchase the charming Alexandra Hotel. A family run hotel in the ever-popular tourist town Ballater in Royal Deeside in the Cairngorm National Park. Offering the warmest of welcomes and great service this charming hotel and Ballater is often frequented by members if the Royal Family when staying at nearby Balmoral. Early viewing is strong recommended to truly appreciate the quality of this property and the full business potential it offers.

Situation

The Victorian village of Ballater sits in the heart of Royal Deeside, Scotland at the eastern gateway to the Cairngorms National Park, making it one of Scotland’s most scenic visitor spots. Visitors to this picturesque Victorian village can enjoy a range of accommodation, cosy cafes, quality restaurants, excellent shopping, and great links to outdoor adventure, including hiking, climbing, and skiing. Golf can be played in the beautiful surroundings of the 18-hole Ballater golf club and fishing is available, with the appropriate permits, on the river Dee. There are many castles located close to Ballater, the most famous being Balmoral Castle, the summer residence of the Royal Family, described by Queen Victoria as ‘my dear paradise in the Highlands’. Aberdeen is 42 miles away and has excellent intercity rail links. Aberdeen airport is 38 miles away and has an excellent range of daily national and international flights.

The Business

The Alexandra Hotel is a substantial property that has traded as a hotel for many years, the current vendors have owned and operated the business since 2008. The hotel provides hearty meals, refreshing ales, good whisky and comfortable accommodation for locals and visitors to the Scottish Highlands alike. It has been recommended by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) for over 10 years. The property has now been placed on the market due to the current proprietor’s impending wish to retire from the hospitality trade. The business is open throughout the year with peak trading from Easter through to the end of October. The bar and restaurant are open to both residents and non-residents. There is a healthy split of income across accommodation, food, and wet sales. There are 5 letting bedrooms, all of which have en-suite facilities. The letting bedrooms are all located on the first floor of the property. All the bedrooms have been individually furnished and decorated to a high standard. Room rates range between £60 and £100 in the low season and rising to £120 in high season. There is also a beer garden at the rear of the property that is incredibly popular during the summer months. There are opportunities to expand the business to include increasing opening hours for non-residents, offering a takeaway service and outside catering.

Property

The Alexandra Hotel is a traditionally built Victorian Hotel that has been extended and renovated over the years. It boasts many original features and is presented in immaculate condition throughout. Entrance to the hotel is from Bridge Square where guests and customers enter a long reception hall. To the right is an immaculate and well-presented dining room that can cater for 35 people. It has been recently refurbished. To the left is the substantial lounge bar. This is exceptionally popular with both tourists and locals. Exuding a modern Scottish theme, it is furnished with a variety of free-standing tables and chairs and a long solid wooden bar which exceptionally well stocked. Also located on the ground floor is the well-equipped commercial kitchen, male and female toilets, and ample service areas. A stair from the main hall leads to the first floor where there are 5 letting rooms. All rooms benefit from en-suite bathrooms, and each is individually decorated. They all have free view televisions, hospitality trays, hair dryers, and WiFi. Three rooms overlook the square and there are two rooms with a rear outlook. A stair leads from the first-floor landing to the owner’s accommodation on the second floor. This consists of 3 bedrooms and a lounge.

External

The main entrance is from Bridge Square and there is ample on street parking close by. There is some seating at the front of the property and a more substantial beer garden to the rear of the property. The lounge bar has its own access.