RedCat acquires ‘most famous British inn’
The acquisition is on top of recent purchases such as two venues from Berkeley Inns, sites in the New Forest and two properties in Norfolk.
Its latest additions mean the number of pub hotels owned by RedCat subsidiary The Coaching Inn Group is now at 32.
The three sites are the Mooreland Hotel in Dartmoor, Devon; the Swan Hotel in Wells, Somerset and the iconic Jamaica Inn, Launceston, Cornwall.
Dartmoor’s the Mooreland Hotel is at the base of Haytor and has seen guests such as Agatha Christie who is rumoured to have written her first novel during a two week stay at the venue. It was renovated five years ago and has panoramic views across the moorland and tor tops.
The sale was brokered by Knight Frank, acting on behalf of the owners.
Acquisition details
A four-star boutique hotel, the Swan has recently had investment to restore and extend its 50 bedrooms, suites and apartments.
It is thought to be the oldest permanently trading hostelry in the UK and welcomed its first guests more than 600 years ago.
Contracts have been exchanged, pending completion. This sale was brokered by SSA Hotels, acting on behalf of the owners.
The Jamaica Inn was made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel she was inspired to write it in 1930 after her and a friend became lost in fog while riding on the moors and were lead back by their horses to the inn.
It has 36 bedrooms and suites as well as a Smuggling Museum. This sale was brokered by Knight Frank, acting on behalf of the owners.
Portfolio expansion
The Coaching Inn Group chief executive Kevin Charity said: “I am pleased to have increased our presence in the south west with this trio of acquisitions including potentially the most famous inn in Britain with the Jamaica Inn.
“All three inns are incredibly high quality additions to The Coaching Inn Group and we are continuing to work alongside Redcat to expand our portfolio in popular holiday locations in the UK, focusing on areas of natural beauty.
“We look forward to preserving the history of each inn, which has served as an attraction for tourists and guests.”
Executive chairman Rooney Anand said the RedCat and The Coaching Inn Group were delighted to be increasing its footprint.
He added: “Together we have nearly doubled the portfolio since RedCat acquired the business last year and it continues to go from strength to strength.
“We are confident our strategy to invest in high-quality pub hotels, offering the best possible service and good value is the right one for customers.”
Since its inception in February 2021, RedCat has grown and has acquired more than 100 pubs and pub hotels, now amounting to a bedroom estate of over 1,200 rooms.
