New owners confirmed for seaside hotel

The Cliffemount Hotel, on the North Yorkshire coast, has been sold.

The 20-bedroom hotel is on the cliffs above Runswick Bay, near Whitby, and was sold in a deal arranged by business property adviser, Christie & Co.

New owners, Karen Fojt and her family, plan to revive the business which will also feature a restaurant and bar. Works have begun on a significant investment programme, which will include a complete internal and external remodelling of the property.

Karen Fojt said: “My family and I are grateful to have spent many wonderful years holidaying in Runswick Bay and when this opportunity came up it was the perfect chance to invest back into the community and the local area.

“We’re extremely excited to start work on Cliffemount with an expected opening of spring 2024. We will endeavour to keep the community up to date with milestone developments.”

Acting for the seller was Mark Worley, director – hospitality at Christie & Co. He said: “Having sold this hotel in the past, I am acutely aware of the affinity that locals up and down this particular stretch of coastline have with the property.

“I was delighted when Karen got in touch and let me know of her plans and asked me to approach the owners regarding a possible sale.

“Fortunately, the timing was right for all and a deal was struck which will allow the owners to move on and for Karen to take over what I am sure will become one of the best hotels in the region.

“This illustrates the demand for coastal and tourist driven hotels and hospitality businesses across the North.”