DescriptionThe Chatsworth Hotel presents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a substantial former hotel in the heart of Hastings. Comprising 52 letting bedrooms and offered with vacant possession, the property provides scope for a range of future uses, subject to any necessary consents. Occupying a prominent position, the property offers purchasers the chance to reposition, refurbish or redevelop a sizeable hospitality asset in a highly accessible location.
LocationHastings is a historic coastal town located on the East Sussex coastline, approximately 60 miles south-east of London. Renowned for the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the town combines rich heritage with a vibrant seaside atmosphere, offering an attractive mix of historic architecture, cultural attractions, independent retailing and leisure amenities. Hastings benefits from good road and rail connections to London and the wider South East, whilst its popular seafront, fishing quarter, Old Town and surrounding countryside continue to attract visitors throughout the year.
Internal DetailsInternally, the property provides extensive accommodation arranged over multiple floors, historically operating as a 52-bedroom hotel with a broad range of ancillary facilities. The ground floor comprises the principal reception area with entrance lobby, substantial former restaurant and catering facilities, including commercial kitchen, preparation and wash-up areas, together with offices, training rooms, breakout rooms, stores and a self-contained manager's flat.
The first, second and third floors are predominantly arranged to provide the hotel's former bedroom accommodation, comprising a substantial number of guest letting rooms, the majority of which benefit from en-suite bath or shower facilities. The bedrooms are arranged off central corridors and are served by lift and staircase access throughout the building. A number of the rooms enjoy attractive sea-facing aspects over Hastings seafront, enhancing the property's appeal as a hospitality offering. The scale and flexibility of the accommodation present considerable scope for refurbishment, repositioning or alternative use, subject to the necessary consents.
The lower ground floor provides a range of former function, seminar and conference facilities, including a large function room/night club, bar area, classrooms/meeting rooms, cloakroom facilities, customer WCs, stores, plant rooms and ancillary service accommodation. This level also benefits from access to external parking areas to the rear of the building.
Fixtures & FittingsTrade fixtures and fittings to be included.
Letting AccommodationTotal Upper Floor Accommodation:
- First Floor: 19 bedrooms
- Second Floor: 18 bedrooms
- Third Floor: 15 bedrooms
The upper floors provide a total of 52 guest letting rooms, predominantly arranged with en-suite bathroom facilities. A number of rooms benefit from attractive sea-facing aspects overlooking Hastings seafront, whilst lift and staircase access serve all levels of the accommodation.
Owner's AccommodationThe property benefits from a self-contained one-bedroom manager's apartment situated on the ground floor. The accommodation comprises a bedroom, bathroom and associated living accommodation, providing convenient on-site residential facilities suitable for management occupation or ancillary staff use.
The OpportunityMost immediately, the building offers an exciting prospect for re-establishment as a prominent hotel, capitalising on its seafront location, extensive guest accommodation, conference and function facilities, and numerous sea-facing rooms. Subject to refurbishment and repositioning, purchasers have the opportunity to restore the property as a significant hospitality destination within one of the South East's most established seaside resorts.
In addition to its hospitality potential, discussions with Hastings Borough Council have identified several alternative redevelopment and operational opportunities. Whilst planning permission has previously been granted for hotel use, it may be possible to retain the property's former educational residential institution classification, subject to confirmation of its lawful planning status. This could open the door to a variety of alternative uses.
Development PotentialPotential opportunities include:
- Care Home / Assisted Living accommodation, which planning officers indicated would be viewed favourably and could potentially be accommodated through the reconfiguration of existing bedroom layouts into larger residential suites.
- Residential Conversion, with planners indicating that conversion to flats may represent a strong and viable redevelopment opportunity.
- Mixed-Use Development, incorporating a combination of hotel accommodation alongside care, assisted living or other residential-based uses.
- Educational or Residential Institution Use.
TenureThis property is held freehold.
Business RatesCurrent rateable value (1 April 2026 to present): £97,000.