Lawyers from our Corporate, Commercial Property and Employment teams assisted Solley Hotels in the sale of Pitbauchlie House Hotel, completing a trio of transactions with the client in an off-market deal.
Dunfermline’s Pitbauchlie House Hotel has been sold by Solley Hotels to Smar Hotels Ltd. The 53-bedroom hotel was sold in an off-market deal through the specialist Hotels team at Colliers. This is the latest deal for the family-owned hotel group after disposing of the Kings Manor Hotel, in Edinburgh and Balgeddie House Hotel in Glenrothes earlier this year which our team also supported on.
Pitbauchlie House Hotel benefits from several food and beverage areas as well as four flexible function rooms. The property sits in around 2.5 acres of grounds with ample car parking and has been trading under the Best Western brand.
Edinburgh-headquartered legal firm Lindsays advised Solley Hotels on the deal, as well as the Balgeddie House and Kings Manor transactions. Colliers handled the confidential sale.
Alastair Smith, a director in our Corporate team who worked alongside Kenny Gray, Commercial Property Partner, Gavin Buchan, Banking Partner and Employment law Partner, Kate Wyatt on the deals, said: “The Solleys have a hard-earned reputation for good, well-run hotels, as has been reflected in the interest seen in acquiring them. It has been a pleasure for us to advise the family in all three sales. The acquisition of Pitbauchlie House is another example of not just the resilience of Scotland’s independent hotel market, but the interest there is in investing in it when good opportunities emerge.”
Occupying a prominent position just off one of the main roads in the quiet fringes of Dunfermline, Scotland’s ancient capital, the hotel benefits from several food and beverage areas as well as four flexible function rooms. Despite being close to the centre of Dunfermline, the property sits in around 2.5 acres of grounds with ample car parking. The hotel which has been trading under the Best Western brand is also popular with business guests due to the number of corporations located nearby.
Sam Surani, of Smar Hotels Ltd, which now owns three hotels in the UK, said: “We are thrilled to add the Pitbauchlie House Hotel to the Smar Hotels portfolio. Its prominent location, just under 30 minutes from Edinburgh airport, and excellent facilities, including the food and beverage areas and flexible function rooms, make it a valuable addition for both leisure and business travellers. The hotel’s close proximity to major corporations and Dunfermline’s rich history align with our goal of offering unique experiences while catering to a diverse clientele.
“This acquisition continues our strategic expansion following recent sales, allowing us to focus on building a strong presence in key locations across Scotland. We look forward to investing in the property and working with the talented team at Pitbauchlie House to enhance its offerings while maintaining the charm and service that guests have come to love.”
Julian Troup, Head of Hotels Agency at Colliers handled the sale. He said: “We’re pleased to have managed the confidential sale of another outstanding Scottish hotel asset. The Pitbauchlie House Hotel generated interest from buyers based in Scotland and further afield as it’s a very well-known hotel and hospitality business in the region. It is an excellent purchase for Smar Hotels Limited as their operation in Scotland grows.”
Published 8 October 2024 and featured in The Herald.
