The Villa hotel sold by administrators for £2.1m

AN HISTORIC Lancashire hotel has been bought out of administration in a deal worth £2.1m.

The Villa, based in Wrea Green near Blackpool, has been bought by the Rigby family who live nearby and farm neighbouring land.

General manager Stewart McIntosh will continue to run the venue and the original staff are also being kept on.

The venue – which has 25 en-suite bedrooms – was placed into administration earlier this year by former owners Mercury Management, a division of Mercury Inns.

The new owners have expressed their intention to focus on building links with North West producers and suppliers.

DLA acted for the administrators BDO.

David Hill, partner in the commercial property department at Lancashire solicitors Napthens, advised the new owners on the acquisition, with financial advice coming from Blackpool-based Rawcliffe and Co.

David Hill said: “The Villa Hotel is a real landmark and it was a great result securing a buyer to take on the venue.

“The Rigby family will invest time and resources turning it into a thriving business.”

Owner Simon Rigby said: “We are delighted that The Villa came on the market and we were able to acquire it – we own the surrounding land and intend to contribute to the community providing both jobs and a lovely venue for locals and visitors alike.

“As local farmers we are proud of the abundance of good local produce and are committed to sourcing all local produce.”

The Villa started life as a 19th century gentleman’s residence and has subsequently been converted into a hotel while retaining an air of quiet elegance.