, PH33 6SE

Unique restaurant with rooms in a beautiful location with views over Loch Linnhe. Comprises of 5 en-suite boutique letting bedrooms with modern facilities.

• Modern and unique Highland restaurant with boutique bedrooms in a stunning rural location with views over Loch Linnhe.

• Irresistible and historic trading location equidistant between Fort William and Glencoe and adjacent to the popular Corran Ferry.

• Exceptionally stylish business premises benefiting from a complete re-build in 2017 designed to a high specification with outstanding features offering chic letting bedrooms and excellent public areas.

• Operating 6 from 7 days generating a strong level of turnover, the business has undoubted potential for new owners to increase trade.

• Offering 5 exceptional quality en-suite letting bedrooms with modern facilities throughout.

• Superb public areas offering a unique dining experience plus modern service areas.

DESCRIPTION

The Corran Restaurant with Rooms has a long and distinguished history with an Inn being present on the site for centuries in support of the short ferry crossing across Loch Linnhe to the Ardnamurchan peninsular. The subjects have been built anew on the site of the former hotel being finalised in 2017, now presenting a property which seamlessly blends modern facilities whilst paying homage to the natural beauty of this part of the Highlands. The building has been constructed utilising a mix of modern and traditional materials with a strong influence of natural / wooden features. The Corran is fast becoming a destination location for the many discerning visitors to the West Coast of Scotland. Enjoying a stunning trading location set on the shores of Loch Linnhe, the restaurant has made excellent use of full aspect, ground to ceiling, glazed frontage offering uninterrupted views over water and toward hills beyond. Some of the letting rooms also benefit from superlative vistas. The property has a truly mystical backdrop but is within an easy-to-locate setting benefitting from a close proximity to the A82 and within an area where there are many campsites, self-catering properties, and bed and breakfasts (many within walking distance) generating a high level of potential trade. This striking and distinctive building demonstrates the vision and flair of the owners to provide an exceptional level of comfort and service to its clientele. This is a truly unique property for anyone wishing to own a prestigious business opportunity within the heart of some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK, close to both Fort William / Ben Nevis and the mystical Glencoe.

The property has an outstanding ambience generated by excellent use of views, timbers and modern facilities. The restaurant area is split between a ground level service area and a first-floor balcony seating area. The main restaurant seats 42 utilising a mix of free-standing tables and chairs. The feature bar adds to the general ambience plus the customer facilities are of an exceptional standard. The first-floor area seats 19 diners plus areas of soft furnishings for those guests just wishing to enjoy a relaxing drink after a busy day's activities. Externally, there is an area of decking set to bistro-style tables and chairs which comfortably accommodate 20 guests. The extensive use of glass allows for the full benefit of the glorious environment to be appreciated by all. The business has 5 outstanding letting bedrooms which are all presented to an exceptional standard with beautifully appointed en-suites. The whole business is maintained with excellent support areas including a highly functional and well-appointed kitchen, chilled cellar and a variety of storage rooms including an office, staff room etc. The business would be an ideal acquisition for a couple with catering experience wishing to drive the business and food trading elements to the next level.

TRADE

The Corran Restaurant and Rooms commenced operation after a full rebuild programme in April 2017 and has operated on a restricted basis from time to time since opening. The business operates 6 from 7 days through choice, allowing staff to take days off ensuring that service standards are maintained. The present trading model is based upon generating revenue from the 5 exquisite en-suite letting rooms and the operation of a modern restaurant and bar. The restaurant is currently open Wednesday to Monday midday until 10 pm. Cooked breakfasts are currently not provided to guests staying in the rooms. The business has generated turnover of around £300,000 (net of VAT 2017) but the current owner accepts that a new motivated owner with some hospitality experience could substantially increase trade further. This could be achieved by extending opening hours during the summer months. Trading as a small independent business, the owners endeavour to trade a quality establishment providing a high level of service and facilities.

The Corran Restaurant and Rooms is developing a strong reputation but due to family issues the current owner feels that the business would be best served under the stewardship of new owners. The quality of the building, fixtures and fittings make this an undoubted turn-key operation with virtually no requirement for any immediate capital expenditure by new owners. The business is establishing itself as a popular destination venue benefiting from a growing level of repeat trade. Trading from an active modern website which uses 'Freetobook' as its on-line automated booking format, the business also has a strong social media presence and utilises a number of portal websites.

The businesses' clientele is derived from the many holiday makers and business people who visit Fort William and the surrounding areas. Tourism is the main driver of trade and includes the many visitors who play golf, fish, undertake walking and climbing holidays or partake in a more sedate excursion of the West Coast taking in the many sites, castles and historical features. Other visitors include ornithologists and naturalists who find an abundance of wildlife to keep them busy for an extended stay. The location and stature of the building is such that it is easy to locate for those who have booked via the internet or for the casual passer-by. The vast majority of room occupancy is booked in advance and forward bookings are always strong.

LOCATION

Located just off the A82 on the road leading to the Corran Ferry, the Corran Restaurant and Rooms benefit from a high level of passing trade. The business is well positioned to offer an excellent base to explore the Highlands and benefits from being equidistance from Fort William and Glencoe and about 20 minutes from both the Nevis Ski Range & Glencoe Ski areas. The West Coast of Scotland is famous for its spectacular countryside, rugged mountains, stunning coastline and beautiful beaches. The idyllic scenery and open spaces combine to make the area highly popular with those seeking a relaxing holiday in the Scottish Highlands. The area is renowned for its outdoor activities and there are Munro's aplenty on the doorstep plus many more leisurely walks close by. The Ardnamurchan peninsula offers some of the most breath-taking scenery on offer and is accessed from the Corran Ferry adjacent to the business. Ben Nevis and Glen Coe are two of the major mountaineering centres in Scotland and nearby is the 5-Star visitor attraction, The National Ice Climbing Centre. Mountain biking is also a favoured pass-time with the Nevis Range and the surrounding area of Lochaber which boast a large number of mountain bike trails, from cross country trails to white-knuckle downhills to relaxing forest trails, suiting every level of experienced riders. There are many places of historical interest one being the Glenfinnan Monument, at the head of Loch Shiel, and another is Glen Coe where the massacre of Glencoe took place.

The coastal location supports sea-fishing, sailing and kayaking, with the area also being a renowned fishing location (sea, loch & river). The wide range of birdlife and animals roaming wild are a great attraction. The Corran is close to the village of Onich and benefits from services including a hotel, grocer shop, garage and a full range of social and welfare facilities in Fort William, 8 miles away. Primary schooling is available in Onich and both primary/secondary schooling is available in Fort William. The Corran is located adjacent to the Glenrigh Forest and a 15-minute walk from the popular & impressive Inchree Waterfalls.

REASON FOR SALE

The present owners purchased The Corran Hotel in 2011, completely demolished it and then subsequently developed the existing business. The project has offered challenges and a great deal of personal satisfaction. Unfortunately, due to changes in family circumstances, the business is prematurely offered for sale.

THE PROPERTY

Of contemporary design and construction under pitched roof, the business offers a highly attractive modern building in a stunning setting. The Corran draws together modern design features which hark back to the character and feel of a more traditional building with the significant use of timber features.

PUBLIC AREAS

Access to the main restaurant is from the side of the building with some steps and a ramp for those less-able guests; disabled parking is immediately next to the ramp. Access is via a fully glazed door into a vestibule and thereafter into the spacious restaurant. This highly attractive trading space is laid out to free-standing tables and chairs which are well-spaced offering ample room for guests and staff. An immediate impact is the floor to ceiling glazed feature wall with picture views to Loch Linnhe and the hills beyond; a true destination setting. The quality of the fixtures and fittings within the restaurant are of an exemplary standard and set the scene throughout. The expansive feature bar servery is a standout focal point. A further feature are the bi-fold doors which lead out onto an area of decking which is set to bistro-style seating. On the ground floor are ladies and disabled bathrooms. Stairs, with embedded spotlights, lead to the first-floor customer area which is also set to some free-standing dining tables plus a mix of soft furnishings. This splendid space looks into the dining area below and has the benefit of full length glass wall. Set to the rear of this area is a compact staff service point which has the benefit of a 'dumb-waiter' direct from the kitchen facilitating an ease of service. Off this area are beautifully appointed gents and ladies' bathrooms.

LETTING BEDROOMS

The Corran has 5 quality guest bedrooms all benefiting from modern en-suite facilities plus a unique character and charm. Each room is spacious and comfortable with seating areas, television / DVD player, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, tea / coffee hospitality trays, fridges and are delightfully furnished and attractively decorated. A cooked breakfast is not presently offered to guests but complimentary breakfast items are located in the in-room fridges. The rooms are configured as follows:

Room 1 - Ground floor suite with en-suite shower room and private decking area offering views over Loch Linnhe. Inter-connecting to:

Room 2 - Ground floor suite with en-suite shower room and private decking area with views over Loch Linnhe.

Room 3 - Double en-suite bedroom set to the first floor with spacious sitting area offering views to Loch Linnhe.

Room 4 - Spacious double room set to the first floor with en-suite shower room and spacious seating area.

Room 5 - Attractive double room set to the first floor.

PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION

There is no owner's accommodation set aside with this property. However, there is scope for new operators to utilise one of the letting bedrooms. However, the current owner would be content to rent or sell his present home if required, by separate arrangement.

SERVICE AREAS

An attractive feature of this sale is the exceptionally well-appointed trading elements. The equipment is new and has been well considered in terms of layout etc. The modern kitchen boasts a large extraction unit above the cooker, fryers and griddle units and is well provided for in terms of basic equipment and ample preparation spaces. There is a double sink next to the dishwasher plus there is ample storage. A 'dumb waiter' sends meals to the first-floor dining area. A freezer / fridge storage room is off the kitchen with adequate storage units. There is a staff bathroom off the storeroom. Access for deliveries is from the side of the building directly into the kitchen. In addition, there is secondary storage buildings external to the kitchen. Off the bar is a chilled cellar which has an internal door and an external door facilitating ease of deliveries. On the first floor there is the aforementioned staff preparation area which has an open-plan aspect to the upstairs diners. Down a corridor is a staff restroom, office and a further storeroom.

GROUNDS

The Corran is a substantial property and benefits from a prime roadside trading position. There is off-road parking for up to 20 cars; ample for business needs and owners use.

SERVICES

This new property benefits from mains electricity, water and drainage plus LPG gas for cooking. There is air-to-air heating and air conditioning for the restaurant areas. The letting bedrooms have underfloor heating and uses an air to water system. The property is double-glazed throughout. The building benefits from an integral zonal fire alarm system which meets all fire compliance requirements. The business also conforms to all EHO building standards.