The Wessex Hotel, 32-33 High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UP

The Wessex Hotel is a Georgian Grade II listed property in the heart of Dorchester, with a symmetrical frontage and elegant stucco façade. It currently trades as the Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester and is reverting to its original name, The Wessex Hotel, ahead of relaunching under the Best Western brand at the end of October 2026. The hotel has been extensively refurbished in recent years and is presented in excellent condition throughout. Our client has repositioned the business as a room-only operation, delivering strong profit margins as shown in the trading accounts. Two function rooms add further revenue from meetings and private events.

There is real scope to grow. Our client estimates that up to 11 additional bedrooms could be created by converting underused areas, including the former kitchen and function space. In addition, a commercial unit attached to the rear of the hotel is available by separate negotiation. It is currently let to an existing tenant at £12,000 per annum and offers potential for a further 3 to 4 bedrooms. Together, these could take the hotel to over 40 bedrooms, subject to the necessary consents.

The business runs with a small, capable team and minimal owner involvement in day-to-day operations, making it well placed for a smooth handover to a new owner.

The Wessex Hotel occupies a prime position on High West Street in the centre of Dorchester, Dorset's county town. Shops, restaurants and leisure amenities are on the doorstep, and the town is served by two railway stations, Dorchester South and Dorchester West.

The hotel is an ideal base for exploring the Jurassic Coast and the wider Dorset countryside. It also draws steady corporate and public sector demand from Dorchester's role as the county's principal administrative and commercial centre, including Dorset County Hospital.

• Guest lounge with coffee station
• The William Barnes Room, a function room seating up to 80, with adjoining bar
• The Regency Room, a function room seating up to 18
• Guest dining area
• Manager's office
• Commercial kitchen
• Large basement

Trade fixtures and fittings are included.

A commercial unit attached to the rear of the hotel is available by separate negotiation. It is currently let to an existing tenant at £12,000 per annum, providing additional income, with potential for conversion to 3 to 4 further bedrooms, subject to vacant possession and the necessary consents.

The hotel features 29 well-appointed and comfortable bedrooms, comprising:
• 17 Double / Twin rooms
• 8 Deluxe Rooms
• 2 Family Rooms
•2 Single Rooms

The property benefits from a generous plot which extends all the way back to Prince's Street at the rear where the entrance to the car park is located.

Accounts for the year ending March 2026 show net sales of £655,645 and an EBITDA of £289,587

Rateable value with effect from April 2026 £144,000