Well-known hotel sold by Scottish family business – latest in series of deals

Colliers, which conducted the sale, noted Pitbauchlie House Hotel had been trading under the Best Western brand, and attracted business as well as leisure guests.

The property agent said: “The 53-bedroom hotel with its impressive range of public areas was sold in an off-market deal through the specialist hotels team at Colliers after inviting offers. This is the firm’s 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.”

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Colliers noted there had been interest in Pitbauchlie House Hotel from potential buyers based in Scotland and “further afield”.

Sam Surani, of Smar Hotels, 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.”

Colliers said: “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.”

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Julian Troup, head of hotels agency at Colliers, 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 as their operation in Scotland grows.”

Edinburgh-based law firm Lindsays advised Solley Hotels on the deal, as well as on the Balgeddie House and Kings Manor transactions.

Alastair Smith, a director in Lindsays’ corporate team, 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.”

Thorntons Solicitors acted for Smar Hotels in the Pitbauchlie House Hotel deal.