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NC500 hotel goes on the market for ‘relatively modest’ £450,000

Co-owner Karen Twist outside Kinlochewe Hotel.
Former co-owner Karen Twist outside Kinlochewe Hotel.

A hotel on the now world-famous North Coast 500 (NC500) route is up for sale for £450,000.

Commercial property agent Drysdale & Company is marketing Kinlochewe Hotel, in Wester Ross, after its owners decided to retire.

The nine-bedroom, “traditional coaching inn” includes the Stag Highland Restaurant and Bar, plus a beer garden.

One of its biggest selling points – apart from the spectacular scenery surrounding it at the southern end of Loch Maree, in Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve in Wester Ross – is the NC500, which is consistently named one of the best road trips in the world.

The road to Kinlochewe on the NC500.
The road to Kinlochewe on the NC500.

For the past five years the award-winning hotel has been run by David and Karen Twist.

Mr Twist said he and his wife had fulfilled a lifelong dream to live in the Highlands and operate a successful hospitality business.

He added: “We feel we have achieved this dream, having put Kinlochewe Hotel on the map with numerous awards and accolades.

“We had no prior hospitality experience, with myself having spent many years working abroad in a corporate role for Ikea, but simply took our own values and beliefs that what we looked for in terms of good service in a hotel or restaurant would be our minimum standard here at Kinlochewe Hotel.

Karen and David Twist, who are selling Kinlochewe Hotel.

“From a warm and friendly welcome to a plug by your bedside to charge your phone, we  have worked tirelessly to meet our guests’ expectations as if our own.

“To then have people comment on how much they have enjoyed their stay and return each year is the best accolade for the both of us.

“Time away from daily life is precious and it should be as special as is possible for everyone.”

Mr and Mrs Twist had initially planned to take on a B&B but were pleasantly surprised at prices in the Highlands.

Kinlochewe Hotel turned out to be “much more affordable to us than originally thought,” Mr Twist said.

The dining area in the hotel

The couple are looking forward to seeing the hotel continue to move forward under new owners.

They believe the “relatively modest” purchase cost – offers over £450,000 – will appeal to many people who are reassessing their careers and lifestyles due to the pandemic.

Mr Twist said: “The price point of the hotel does indeed offer a great deal of opportunity, with it being less than the price of many three-bedroom semis elsewhere in the UK.

“If homeowners have no mortgage or a small one, owning this hotel, in this stunning part of the world is well within their reach.”

He added: “We will miss the many wonderful people that we have met and that continue to pass through the hotel.

“We have members of staff and returning guests who have become lifelong friends.”

The exterior of the hotel

As well as the nine ensuite letting bedrooms, the property includes two rooms for staff and a separate owners’ flat, with two bedrooms a bathroom, lounge and dining room.

There is also a bunkhouse which can sleep 12 people, aimed at hillwalkers and large groups.

According to Drysdale, whish specialises in the hospitality sector, the business would be perfect for an owner operator couple.

A spokeswoman for the Stirling-based company added: “Kinlochewe Hotel also benefits from development potential, with a detached stone garage available next to the bunkhouse which could be converted to additional letting or staff accommodation, subject to planning consent being granted.”

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