Christie & Co, a specialist business property adviser, has announced the sale of The Craiglands Hotel in the picturesque West Yorkshire town of Ilkley, close to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The iconic Victorian hotel, which also serves as a popular wedding venue, has been purchased by Aura Hotels, the luxury hotel division of Rambler Group Holdings.
The Craiglands Hotel is renowned for its superb spa, impressive function and banqueting space, and its future development will see it offer 100 en-suite bedrooms. This acquisition marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the hotel, with plans for a comprehensive and sensitive refurbishment that aims to restore the property to its former grandeur while enhancing its appeal as a premier destination.
Qasim Ahmed, CEO of Rambler Group Holdings, said: “The Craiglands Hotel is a property of remarkable heritage and untapped potential. This purchase marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, not only for the hotel but for our growing presence in the UK hospitality sector. Our goal is to restore Craiglands to its former grandeur, while creating something truly special for both Ilkley and our guests. The hotel will undergo a comprehensive and sensitive refurbishment, with the aim of repositioning it as a leading 4-star wellness destination.”
Aura Hotels, which is building a curated collection of elegant and experience-led properties across the UK, is working alongside Mark Chambers of OneCall Hospitality in the acquisition and brand development process. Mark commented: “This acquisition is the first of several for Aura Hotels as it builds a curated collection of elegant, experience-led properties across the UK.”
Christie & Co’s hospitality director, Mark Worley, who handled the sale, added: “Craiglands is an excellent hotel in a fabulous part of the world, ideally placed for The Yorkshire Dales, Leeds, Harrogate, and the wider West Yorkshire area. The level of interest was very strong, with multiple offers received. However, it was very important to our seller client that the hotel should be sold to an experienced hotel and hospitality owner. We were delighted to be able to reach an agreement with Rambler Group Holdings, and we are sure that the future of the hotel is in very safe hands. We wish them all the best.”
Mark also noted: “Like many sectors, the hotel industry is currently facing challenges, however, this sale illustrates the ongoing demand for hospitality businesses of this magnitude, particularly those in prime locations.”
The Craiglands Hotel is now set for an exciting future, as Aura Hotels works to revitalise the property and cement its place as a leading destination in West Yorkshire.
