New owners take over national park hotel

Kearton Country Hotel and Tearoom in Thwaite, North Yorkshire, has been sold.

The hotel is in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Dating back to the 1800s, the building comprises six en-suite letting rooms and two letting apartments as well as a bar, restaurant, gift shop and tea room. To the back of the property is a large beer garden.

Kearton Country Hotel and Tearoom has been owned and operated by Paul and Wendy Lyons, who sold to seek retirement. The deal was arranged by specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co.

The Lyons’ said: “We have owned the business for over 10 years and were initially attracted to it by the stunning location, the local people and the lovely way of life it offered us.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to sell to seek retirement and we are certain that the new owners will be welcomed and supported as we have, by guests and residents alike.”

The hotel has been purchased by couple, Adam and Caz Edwards.

Caz Edwards said: “Adam and I are very excited about the future and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to take the business and the building to the next level, and to build upon the great reputation which Paul and Wendy have earned.

“We have planned a sympathetic refurbishment in the New Year, while maintaining the ambiance and much-loved character of the property and promoting traditional values of a warm welcome, good service and a comfortable stay. ”

Mark Worley, hospitality director at Christie & Co who handled the sale, added: “I am pleased to have been able to help Paul and Wendy with the sale,  and also wish Adam and Caroline all the best with their new venture.

“The sale is another example of the demand for hotel and leisure related businesses in national parks, coastal towns and tourist led locations from buyers both from within the industry and from other walks of life.”