Shropshire and Mid Wales is becoming a hotbed for entrepreneurs who are escaping to the country to live out their dream of succeeding in the hospitality industry, a leading commercial property expert said today.
The region is a popular destination for tourists with a wide variety of B&Bs, hotels, caravan parks, cafes, restaurants and attractions all benefitting from the many thousands of people who visit each year.
James Evans, of Halls Commercial based in Shrewsbury, said the area’s idyllic rural settings and picturesque market towns are drawing visitors from all over the world with the result of more people moving into the hospitality industry to cater for increasing demand.
“We have been involved in a growing number of sales involving hospitality ventures over the last year – many people moving to the area with the intention of living and working in such a wonderful area of the country,” he said.
“Some properties have been bought and converted to this industry and other existing businesses have been bought and expanded. People are choosing Shropshire and Mid Wales as the ideal place to live their dream, and make a living in the process.
“As well as the completed transactions we have negotiated, there are several others ongoing. We have received a great deal of interest in them and are hopeful of concluding sales before the holiday season gets into full swing.
“The leisure and hospitality industries are buoyant at present and, despite the ongoing uncertainties over Brexit, it is clear that people are getting on with the job of creating and operating successful businesses.”
Mr Evans properties and venues were not staying on the market long with immediate interest and also pre-listing interest from clients they have registered looking for their dream business.
“One of the businesses we are acting for is Roden View at Dobsons Bridge, Whixall, a four-bedroom detached property with caravan park which is bringing in more than £20,000 per year in revenue.
“There is potential to develop the almost four acre site with a view to increasing this revenue and it’s on the market for £700,000.
“Dolforwyn Hall at Abermule is another commercial venture we are involved with, an already profitable B&B business which offers 3 Star accommodation. It’s a Grade ll listed building but there is scope for creating more rooms and increasing income.
“The current owners have been in business for 24 years, enjoying a high level of repeat custom and are selling due to retirement. Turnover over the last 12 months was about £84,000 and it is on the market for £725,000.
“Bacheldre Watermill at Churchstoke includes a licenced caravan park, holiday apartments, watermill and house and we are seeking offers in the region of £1.2m for the purchase of the freehold.
“The caravan park is licenced for 38 pitches, there are four letting apartments and the three bedroom house is also used as a holiday let. Turnover is about £20,000 per year and there is an excellent commercial opportunity available through the fully operational flour mill.
“A popular coffee shop, restaurant and two-bed holiday let is another excellent business venture based at 6 Tower Street in Ludlow. Part of the property has a valuable A4 Planning Consent to the commercial section and is a long-established business trading as The Bakers of Tower Street.
“There is an opportunity for expansion within the property, in the heart of one of Shropshire’s most popular tourist towns and it is on the market for £699,000.”
Mr Evans said these properties were all successful but it was vital for the next generation of hospitality entrepreneurs came through.
“We see people in their 40s who have moved away from Shropshire desperate to come back once they have started a family – they want their own children to enjoy the upbringing they had, whilst running their own business for that perfect lifestyle.
“This is great news for the county and surrounding area.”
For more information about these properties, telephone 01743 450700, email james.evans@hallsgb.com or visit the website https://www.hallsgb.com
