Historic Luttrell Arms in Dunster sold to Hall & Woodhouse in confidential off-market transaction
The historic Luttrell Arms in Dunster, one of Exmoor’s best-known heritage hotels, has been acquired by Hall & Woodhouse Ltd following a confidential off-market transaction handled by Charles Darrow.
The Grade II* listed, 28-bedroom hotel occupies a prominent position at the top of Dunster High Street, within Exmoor National Park, overlooking Dunster Castle and its deer park.
Charles Darrow, working alongside joint agent Simon Stevens Associates, identified the opportunity and facilitated the acquisition without the property being brought to the open market.
The Luttrell Arms is a particularly notable example of a character-led West Country hotel, combining a long history with an established hospitality business. The sale highlights the continued demand for high-quality, distinctive hotel properties in the South West, particularly where opportunities can be handled discreetly and matched with appropriate buyers. The hotel has been owned and operated by Nigel and Anne Way, together with their daughter Becca, who have been long-standing custodians of the property and have established a strong reputation within the West Country hospitality sector.
Charles Darrow Director Jon Clyne commented: “The Luttrell Arms is an exceptional property with a unique combination of history, character and an established trading business. It was important to both the sellers and the purchaser that the transaction was handled confidentially, and we were pleased to identify the opportunity and bring the parties together without the property coming to the open market. “Nigel, Anne and Becca have been excellent custodians of the Luttrell Arms and have built a highly regarded hospitality business. We wish them every success for the future and continued success with the Porlock Weir Hotel. “Hall & Woodhouse is an excellent fit for the property and we look forward to seeing the business continue its long association with hospitality in Dunster.”
Hall & Woodhouse, the Dorset-based independent brewer and hospitality business, has acquired the hotel as part of its ongoing investment in its estate of pubs and hotels across the South of England.
Charles Darrow specialises in the sale and acquisition of hotels, pubs and leisure businesses throughout the South West and across the UK. The company regularly advises owners and operators on confidential and off-market transactions, as well as openly marketed disposals.
Jon Clyne added:
“There continues to be strong interest in quality hotel and leisure assets, but many owners prefer to explore their options confidentially before considering an open-market sale. We are always happy to have an initial confidential conversation with owners who are considering their future plans, whether that is an immediate disposal, an acquisition or simply understanding the current market.”