Highly Attractive 8-bedroom Guest House And Self-catering Unit For Sale

Property Information

Property:

Freehold

Location:

Stornoway Bed and Breakfast has an excellent trading location within the main population centre of the Isle of Lewis. Nestled in a coastal setting, and situated a very short walk from the centre of Stornoway and its harbour areas, access from the ferry is very easy for pedestrians and vehicles.

Lewis is the most populated island of the Outer Hebrides (18,500) and the Isle of Lewis and Harris is the third largest of the British Isles. Stornoway is the main point of entry to the Outer Hebrides, offering two daily ferry sailings from Ullapool and a modern airport with a number of daily flights. Lewis is a popular tourist destination with a wide range of visitor attractions and museums including the ancient Carloway Broch and the 5000-year-old stone circles of Callanish. The island has a great many sandy beaches which attract surfers and kayakers. The coastline is also a haven for climbers and walkers of all abilities. The island has a wealth of flora and fauna and the rocky and rugged geography is home to red deer, as well as golden and sea eagles. Fishing is a popular pastime on the island with salmon frequenting several Lewis rivers and many of the fresh-water lochs being home to trout. Observed maritime life includes whales and dolphins.

Stornoway is both the cultural and commerce centre of Lewis and Harris with a wide range of social and welfare facilities. Education is provided to secondary level and Lews Castle College UHI providing tertiary education which specialises in Gaelic, music, renewable energy, health, rural development, art, and computing. As expected, there are a wide range of shops and other attractions in Stornoway.

Premises Details:

DESCRIPTION
This business comprises 2 buildings, No. 29 and No. 32 Kenneth Street. No. 29 was built in the middle of the 1800s and No. 32 was built towards the end of the 1900s. Both properties have been purposely redeveloped by the vendor as high-quality guest house premises.

To the rear of No. 29 there is a delightful self-catering unit which could be used as owners’ accommodation. These traditional buildings have been thoughtfully laid out for the benefit of their customers, offering a great level of quality and comfort. The business consistently trades 8 en-suite letting bedrooms and self-catering unit, all of which are spacious and provide high quality facilities. The in-room services are also provided to a high standard.

TRADE
The current operation generates income through the provision of 8 excellent en-suite letting bedrooms, supported by attractive guest areas and service facilities. This guest house offers 2 large breakfast rooms in No. 29 for the sole use of guests and a single large TV lounge area with comfortable leather sofa and chairs in No. 32. Kitchen facilities are also provided for the guests in No. 32. Both properties include outdoor seating areas for the enjoyment of guests. The combination of these attractive facilities and service provision ensures the business receives very positive feed-back. Stornoway Bed and Breakfast operates year-round and provides a highly profitable platform. The current model operates with one manager and seasonal staff who assist maintaining the guest rooms.

This appealing property is marketed through a number of web-based platforms including VisitScotland and Booking.com. It boasts an excellent reputation which is reflected in many travel review sites including TripAdvisor and booking.com. On TripAdvisor, Stornoway Bed and Breakfast is number 1 out of 21 properties in Stornoway to stay. In addition to the number of portal websites used, the business has its own website (https://www.stornowaybedandbreakfast.co.uk) which also offers an on-line booking facility to maximise occupancy uptake. The vendor has recently signed a contract with a booking company which ends in Dec 2024. This is understood to be transferable to the prospective owners, details available on request. These combined marketing activities enables the business to enjoy a high level of forward bookings and occupancy rates.

PROPERTY
Stornoway bed and breakfast is split between two buildings located on Kenneth Street. The buildings were completely renovated in 2015 and 2016 with the purpose of creating high quality Bed and Breakfast accommodation. The properties are well presented and in excellent condition. No. 29 is set over 3 floors, whilst No. 32 is set over 2 floors. Building No. 29 extends to 184m² with building No. 32 extending to 159m².

PUBLIC AREAS OF NO. 29
From the street pavement there is access into No. 29 directly into the lobby and stair. To the left-hand side is a large breakfast room. This principal breakfast room has been very tastefully refurbished, displaying an exposed stone wall. To the right-hand side is a further residents tabled seating area. In front of the entrance door is the stair to the bedroom floors. This lobby also allows access to the kitchens and rear decked area.

On the mid landing there is a guest’s WC. On the first floor en-suite bedrooms 1 to 3 are located. The stair also provides access to the 2nd floor where en-suite bedroom 4 is located plus bedroom 5 which has private facilities.

PUBLIC AREAS OF NO. 32
From the street pavement there is access into the corridor leading to No. 32. Entering the property, there are 2 en-suite bedrooms to the left-hand side and the lounge diner (which also offers guest kitchen facilities) to the right-hand side. This pleasant room enjoys a dual aspect. The lounge area has patio doors which open onto an elevated deck area. In front of the entrance door is the stair to the main bedroom floor above.

LETTING ACCOMMODATION
Stornoway Bed and Breakfast offers 9 comfortable bedrooms in total.

The rooms are spacious, attractively presented and have a wide range of in-room facilities including flat screen TV and Wi-Fi. A complimentary range of teas, coffee, biscuits and water are provided. Room furniture includes cosy arm chairs and drawer units. All areas of the property benefit from wireless broadband connection. The rooms are configured as follows:

Room 1 No. 29 Single occupancy double bed with en-suite shower room
Room 2 No. 29 Queen zip and link bed with en-suite shower room
Room 3 No. 29 Queen zip and link bed with en-suite shower room
Room 4 No. 29 Single occupancy double bed with en-suite shower room
Room 5 No. 29 Single occupancy double with private shower room (currently not traded)
Room 6 No. 32 King size with en-suite shower room
Room 7 No. 32 King size with en-suite shower room
Room 8 No. 32 Queen zip and link bed with en-suite shower room
Room 9 No. 32 Queen zip and link bed with en-suite shower room

THE STABLES SELF-CATERING
To the rear of No. 29 there is a delightful self-catering cottage set over 2 floors which is accessed through a pleasant lobby. The premises could also be used as owners’ accommodation. The Stables also benefits from independent access.

On the ground floor is open plan seating and a dining kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with a 2-ring hob plus extraction unit, fridge and sink. The kitchen also includes quality fitted appliances and ample work space. Off the kitchen is a large seating area with large leather corner sofa and TV. A shower room with WC and basin is also located on the ground floor.

A stair leads to the first floor where a very spacious Queen size room is located with wardrobe and drawer unit.

SERVICE AREAS
The kitchen is ideally suited to the provision of breakfast for the 8 letting rooms. A small laundry provision is adjacent to the rear door which allows access to the decked area. The main laundry is contracted out to a local provider, whom we understand should be content to continue on the similar terms.

EXTERNAL ASPECTS
No. 29 is well sign posted and sits within grounds extending to circa 0.15 of an acre. To the rear is an undeveloped area of ground of approximately 36m² which could be developed to add to the facilities currently offered by the business. There is also a decking area and a shed.

SERVICES
The property benefits from mains electricity, mains gas, water and drainage. The accommodation benefits from a gas-fired central heating system. The property is double glazed, fully fire and EHO compliant. There is Wi-Fi throughout. Both properties have a sprinkler system installed.

Business Operation

Reasons for selling:

The current proprietors have developed this profitable business from scratch and are now looking to move onto a complimentary development project locally.

Other Information

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