If you know where to look you might be very surprised to see how many properties are currently on the market locally, many of them are openly available but there are also a good number available ‘discreetly’ particularly shops, businesses and hotels which for obvious reasons don’t want any marketing to affect their businesses adversely.
The owners may be selling for a variety of reasons, so just because a business is for sale doesn’t mean it’s is in trouble or it has to be sold. The sellers may be retiring, ill health may be a factor, releasing capital may be a requirement perhaps to support family members or there may have been an unforeseen change in circumstance which has initiated the need to sell. Whatever their reasons for selling, they are looking for buyers with the ability to pay a fair price, who will proceed with the least inconvenience and in a mutually agreeable timeframe to suit both parties.
Throughout East Sussex there are a huge number of pubs, restaurants, hotels and commercial property available to buy but due in part to the uncertain financial climate and the sums of money involved, buyers in some sectors of the market are in limited supply and in many cases sales are taking longer than ‘normal’ to secure.
Readers may be aware that in Rye, the Hope Anchor Hotel has been available to buy. The selling agents are delighted to have confirmed that a sale has just been concluded. The 13- bedroomed hotel stands proudly at the foot of Watchbell Street, a fine building, old- fashioned in many ways but an attractive proposition to someone who knows the local market and can move the business forward to the next level.
This takes time, skill and a substantial investment coupled with an element of calculated risk but thankfully the local buyers of the Hope Anchor have a proven track record in the hospitality business. They believe in Rye and are happy to invest to make a success of their businesses, all of which provide employment for locals and attract additional much needed visitors to the town.
The hotel has been openly marketed by two commercial agents and with an equal opportunity for anyone to secure it. Thankfully its new owners, Alex and Katie Clarke have the expertise and commitment to ensure the business reaps the benefit of their investment and knowledge. We wish them every success with their venture.
Image Credits: Nick Forman .
I’m not sure how you write a story and omit the fact Alex and Katie Clarke already own The George and The Lookout. Obviously it’s good that someone has bought the Hope Anchor, but I don’t view this monopoly of the town by the Clarke’s as positive.