The historic Queens Court Hotel in Exeter has been acquired by a family-run business, marking a new chapter in its storied existence.
- New ownership comes from the Harries-Jones family, known for their operation of the Galaxie Hotel in Oxford.
- The hotel, a Grade II listed property near key Exeter transport links, features 20 guest rooms and currently operates as a bed and breakfast.
- The sale was handled by business property specialists Christie & Co, and generated considerable competitive interest.
- The new owners plan to integrate the hotel into a broader strategy of expanding unique accommodation offerings across the UK.
The Queens Court Hotel, a prominent Georgian-era establishment located in the heart of Exeter, has been sold. This transaction heralds the start of a new phase for the hotel, which has a long-standing reputation among travellers.
Acquired by the Harries-Jones family, the new owners are noted for their management of the Galaxie Hotel in Oxford. According to Charlie Harries-Jones, ‘We are delighted to announce the purchase… as the first step in our growth strategy to provide differentiated hotel accommodation across regional cities in the UK’. Their acquisition suggests a commitment to expanding their footprint in the hospitality sector.
Situated near Exeter St David’s and Central station, the Queens Court Hotel is a Grade II listed property with 20 guest rooms. Although it is currently operating solely as a bed and breakfast, the venue holds potential for more, having previously included a restaurant, which closed in 2020. The site still offers a lounge bar and a function suite, preserving its potential as a full-service hotel.
Business property advisory firm Christie & Co facilitated the sale. Stephen Champion, director of the South West Hotels team, acknowledged the significant interest the property attracted, resulting in a sale price exceeding the advertised asking price. ‘We are thrilled to have acted for our client…’, he stated, highlighting the competitive nature of the bidding process.
The strategic acquisition by the Harries-Jones family signifies their ambition to expand unique accommodation options within the UK’s regional cities, integrating the hotel into a broader portfolio. This move promises to revitalise the Queens Court Hotel, leveraging existing relationships with the current management team.
The acquisition of Queens Court Hotel by the Harries-Jones family marks a promising development in regional hospitality offerings.
