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Leisure facility
22 bed
bath
Property description & features
- 16th Century Grade II Listed 4-bedroom farmhouse
- 8 holiday cottages, with indoor pool, rated 4* by the AA
- Prime holiday location on a popular coastline
- Highly profitable 'turn-key' business
- Turnover (excluding VAT) in the 12 months to 31st March 2022 was £370,000
- Gardens, land and outbuildings, in all 2.42 acres
- The highest rating of guest reviews on numerous platforms
- Freehold
Premier holiday cottage complex providing a highly profitable business within 3 miles of the sea, with a spacious thatched farmhouse, indoor pool with spa, 8 holiday cottages, gardens and paddocks, in all approximately 2.42acres.
Introduction - This established home and income opportunity has been run by the present owners since their purchase in 2014. Since then the business and property has been greatly improved and shows consistent turnover and profits. The property is ideally situated in coastal West Dorset in a picturesque village setting only 3 miles from the World Heritage Jurassic Coast in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is easily accessible for guests from London and the Home Counties.
The 16th century period farmhouse has a high degree of privacy from the holiday cottages and has a wealth of character and charm with spacious rooms and private gardens. With the more recent addition of the glamping enterprise proving popular, there is potential for further development in this area, subject to consents.
Situation - Berehayes Holiday Cottages is located in the pretty village of Whitchurch Canonicorum on the South side of Marshwood Vale. Facilities include a church, public house and village hall.
The property is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the Dorset coastline now having World Heritage status and known as the 'Jurassic Coast'. Fossil hunting on Charmouth Beach (3 miles) is popular with families.
The property has easy access to the A35, 1 mile, to explore the Dorset and East Devon coastline with the resorts of Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, West Bay, Lyme Regis and Weymouth being close by. The picturesque villages of Lulworth Cove, Beer and Branscombe are easily accessible. Abbotsbury with its Priory, Swannery and Sub Tropical Gardens are popular day trips within the area.
There are golf courses at Lyme Regis, West Bay, Chard, Honiton, Axmouth and Exmouth. Sailing and boating along the coastline is available at West Bay, Weymouth, Lyme Regis and Axmouth.
The popular market town of Bridport is 5.5 miles away and Axminster is nearby with mainline rail services to London.
The Farmhouse - Period Dorset farmhouse dating from the 16th century together with the original stabling and barns were developed into 8 self-contained holiday cottages. The house is Grade II Listed and built of stone under a recently thatched roof (2015). The farmhouse provides well-proportioned family accommodation and retains many features including the original rounded front door, inglenook fireplace, window seats, window shutters, flagstone floors and beamed ceilings.
The accommodation in brief comprises, hall, cloakroom with WC, family room, study, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room (gas hob/electric oven) and utility room. On the first floor is a landing, four bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room and a recently refurbished family bathroom with roll top bath.
Outside, to the rear of the farmhouse is a delightful, secluded southerly facing garden mainly laid to lawn with patio areas and 3 sheds. Running along the edge of the garden is a small stream. To the side of the garden is a greenhouse, vegetable patch and separate lawned area with duck pond.
The Cottages - The 8 self-catering cottages are converted from traditional barns built of stone and brick. Each cottage offers full amenities which have been carefully incorporated into the buildings to maintain the original characterful features and charm. These include vaulted beamed ceilings, natural exposed stone walls and narrow slit windows. An improved road entrance has been introduced to the cottage complex to provide a good first impression.
Each cottage has an open plan living area with Smart TV, dining area, fully equipped 'country' kitchens, in-cottage WiFi and electric heating, some with log burners. The cottages share a charming courtyard with tables where families can enjoy 'al fresco' dining and a glass of wine.
Smugglers Cottage (sleeps 2)
Single storey end of terrace converted stone barn with double bedroom, newly fitted en-suite bathroom with double sized walk-in shower. The sitting room has a wood burning stove.
Apple Cottage (sleeps 2)
Single storey mid terrace cottage with king-size bedroom, an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower over. French doors from the lounge/kitchen open out to a private south facing patio.
Honeypot Cottage (sleeps 3)
Single storey end of terrace stone barn with a double and single bedroom. The newly fitted bathroom has a double sized walk-in shower. The living area has a wood burning stove.
Cider Barn (sleeps 4)
Single storey mid terrace stone barn with wood burner and Velux roof windows. One king-size bedroom and one twin bedroom.
Dairy Barn (sleeps 4)
Single storey mid terrace converted barn with double and bunk bedrooms, wood burning stove and bathroom with bath and shower over.
Squirrels Drey (sleeps 5)
Thatched two storey mid terrace converted stone barn with double bedroom (en-suite toilet), single bedroom and bunk bedroom. Spacious bathroom with bath and shower over.
Barley Store (sleeps 5)
Thatched two storey mid terrace converted stone barn with double bedroom (en-suite toilet), single bedroom and bunk bedroom. Bathroom with bath and shower over.
The Hayloft (sleeps 7)
The largest cottage providing an end of terrace thatched two storey barn with king-size bedroom, twin (with en-suite bathroom), single and bunk bedrooms. Newly fitted family bathroom with double sized walk-in shower.
The Business - Operated as a home with income and lifestyle business, the cottages are open for a limited season of 8 months as the owner's lifestyle choice and the occupancy rate was 48% in 2021. Potential exists to increase the turnover by opening all year.
Turnover (excluding VAT) in the 12 months to 31st March 2022 was £370,000, providing a net profit of £301,000. Turnover in the 12 months to 31st March 2020 (Pre-Covid) was £195,000, providing a net profit of £134,000. The turnover forecast for the current year is £270,000.
Costs include a part-time, self-employed caretaker and a professional cleaning and laundry company.
The current owners purchased Berehayes Farm in a run-down state of repair in 2014 and have transformed the look and comfort of the cottages along with the Berehayes Spa with renovation costs of approximately £300,000.
Working with the market leaders such as Airbnb and Booking.com the present owners have redesigned their website and have introduced an intelligent booking and management software system to automate the booking system. By providing potential guests with more flexible stays, most bookings come direct from the website: . The business targets couples and families who are looking for premier holiday cottages. Glamping has recently been added to provide a new revenue stream and has further potential for growth within the top paddock. The business is VAT registered using the Flat Rate Scheme. Certified summary accounts for the past 7 years are available to bona fide purchasers.
Berehayes Spa And Guest Facilities - The recently refurbished indoor pool complex has a 10m oval heated pool, Jacuzzi spa pool, sauna with seating area and changing room with shower and WC. An eco-friendly air source heat pump has been installed which reduces running costs with an emergency back-up gas fired boiler. No mains water is used in the pool, rainwater from the roof is now filtered. Pool plant room with storage.
Games Room 5m x 5m with pool table, table football, darts, table tennis, toys and games. Recently built laundry/store 6m x 4m with commercial washing machine, tumble dryer, sink, storage cupboards, linen and spare stores. In addition, there is a separate small guest laundry.
Timber built garage/workshop 8m x 6m built in 2019 with three siding doors and room for 4 cars. Scope to re-develop into further accommodation or a reception building, subject to gaining the relevant planning consents.
Guest car park with parking for approximately 14 cars. Each cottage has its own designated space. Recently added EV charging points.
Planning permission was granted in April 2018 for a change of use of the agricultural land in the paddock to site a Shepherds Hut and another similar unit.
Situated on the highest point of the site, the paddock offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Currently guests can feed the alpacas, sheep and chickens and play games like badminton or try bowling on an outdoor skittle alley. There is a large timber shed providing additional storage.
Designations - Whitchurch Canonicorum is situated in the Heritage Coast and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the edge of the Marshwood Vale Landscape Character Area.
Method Of Sale - The property is offered for sale by private treaty, inclusive of trade inventory to include furnishings, equipment, fixtures and fittings within the holiday letting cottages and in relation to the business, excluding any personal items. The shepherd's hut and animals are not included within the sale but could be available by separate negotiation.
Local Authority - Dorset Council
Services - Mains electricity and water is connected to the farmhouse and cottages.
Oil fired central heating in farmhouse.
Electric heaters in cottages.
Private sewerage.
Outgoings - Farmhouse - Council Tax Band G
Cottages business rateable value £17,750
Rights Of Way - The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of any public or private rights of way or boundaries, in particular a right of way exists for a neighbour to pass over the drive to their property.
Directions - From the A35 traveling West, at Morcombelake, turn right into Tizards Knap. Continue along this road as it continues into Goodens Hill and then right into Lower street. Continue into the village bearing left at the junction to continue in Lower Street and Berehayes can be found on the left just after the war mamorial.
Viewings - Strictly by appointment with Stags Holiday Complex Department on[use Contact Agent Button]
Disclaimer - These particulars are a guide only and should not be relied upon for any purpose.
Introduction - This established home and income opportunity has been run by the present owners since their purchase in 2014. Since then the business and property has been greatly improved and shows consistent turnover and profits. The property is ideally situated in coastal West Dorset in a picturesque village setting only 3 miles from the World Heritage Jurassic Coast in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is easily accessible for guests from London and the Home Counties.
The 16th century period farmhouse has a high degree of privacy from the holiday cottages and has a wealth of character and charm with spacious rooms and private gardens. With the more recent addition of the glamping enterprise proving popular, there is potential for further development in this area, subject to consents.
Situation - Berehayes Holiday Cottages is located in the pretty village of Whitchurch Canonicorum on the South side of Marshwood Vale. Facilities include a church, public house and village hall.
The property is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the Dorset coastline now having World Heritage status and known as the 'Jurassic Coast'. Fossil hunting on Charmouth Beach (3 miles) is popular with families.
The property has easy access to the A35, 1 mile, to explore the Dorset and East Devon coastline with the resorts of Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, West Bay, Lyme Regis and Weymouth being close by. The picturesque villages of Lulworth Cove, Beer and Branscombe are easily accessible. Abbotsbury with its Priory, Swannery and Sub Tropical Gardens are popular day trips within the area.
There are golf courses at Lyme Regis, West Bay, Chard, Honiton, Axmouth and Exmouth. Sailing and boating along the coastline is available at West Bay, Weymouth, Lyme Regis and Axmouth.
The popular market town of Bridport is 5.5 miles away and Axminster is nearby with mainline rail services to London.
The Farmhouse - Period Dorset farmhouse dating from the 16th century together with the original stabling and barns were developed into 8 self-contained holiday cottages. The house is Grade II Listed and built of stone under a recently thatched roof (2015). The farmhouse provides well-proportioned family accommodation and retains many features including the original rounded front door, inglenook fireplace, window seats, window shutters, flagstone floors and beamed ceilings.
The accommodation in brief comprises, hall, cloakroom with WC, family room, study, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room (gas hob/electric oven) and utility room. On the first floor is a landing, four bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room and a recently refurbished family bathroom with roll top bath.
Outside, to the rear of the farmhouse is a delightful, secluded southerly facing garden mainly laid to lawn with patio areas and 3 sheds. Running along the edge of the garden is a small stream. To the side of the garden is a greenhouse, vegetable patch and separate lawned area with duck pond.
The Cottages - The 8 self-catering cottages are converted from traditional barns built of stone and brick. Each cottage offers full amenities which have been carefully incorporated into the buildings to maintain the original characterful features and charm. These include vaulted beamed ceilings, natural exposed stone walls and narrow slit windows. An improved road entrance has been introduced to the cottage complex to provide a good first impression.
Each cottage has an open plan living area with Smart TV, dining area, fully equipped 'country' kitchens, in-cottage WiFi and electric heating, some with log burners. The cottages share a charming courtyard with tables where families can enjoy 'al fresco' dining and a glass of wine.
Smugglers Cottage (sleeps 2)
Single storey end of terrace converted stone barn with double bedroom, newly fitted en-suite bathroom with double sized walk-in shower. The sitting room has a wood burning stove.
Apple Cottage (sleeps 2)
Single storey mid terrace cottage with king-size bedroom, an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower over. French doors from the lounge/kitchen open out to a private south facing patio.
Honeypot Cottage (sleeps 3)
Single storey end of terrace stone barn with a double and single bedroom. The newly fitted bathroom has a double sized walk-in shower. The living area has a wood burning stove.
Cider Barn (sleeps 4)
Single storey mid terrace stone barn with wood burner and Velux roof windows. One king-size bedroom and one twin bedroom.
Dairy Barn (sleeps 4)
Single storey mid terrace converted barn with double and bunk bedrooms, wood burning stove and bathroom with bath and shower over.
Squirrels Drey (sleeps 5)
Thatched two storey mid terrace converted stone barn with double bedroom (en-suite toilet), single bedroom and bunk bedroom. Spacious bathroom with bath and shower over.
Barley Store (sleeps 5)
Thatched two storey mid terrace converted stone barn with double bedroom (en-suite toilet), single bedroom and bunk bedroom. Bathroom with bath and shower over.
The Hayloft (sleeps 7)
The largest cottage providing an end of terrace thatched two storey barn with king-size bedroom, twin (with en-suite bathroom), single and bunk bedrooms. Newly fitted family bathroom with double sized walk-in shower.
The Business - Operated as a home with income and lifestyle business, the cottages are open for a limited season of 8 months as the owner's lifestyle choice and the occupancy rate was 48% in 2021. Potential exists to increase the turnover by opening all year.
Turnover (excluding VAT) in the 12 months to 31st March 2022 was £370,000, providing a net profit of £301,000. Turnover in the 12 months to 31st March 2020 (Pre-Covid) was £195,000, providing a net profit of £134,000. The turnover forecast for the current year is £270,000.
Costs include a part-time, self-employed caretaker and a professional cleaning and laundry company.
The current owners purchased Berehayes Farm in a run-down state of repair in 2014 and have transformed the look and comfort of the cottages along with the Berehayes Spa with renovation costs of approximately £300,000.
Working with the market leaders such as Airbnb and Booking.com the present owners have redesigned their website and have introduced an intelligent booking and management software system to automate the booking system. By providing potential guests with more flexible stays, most bookings come direct from the website: . The business targets couples and families who are looking for premier holiday cottages. Glamping has recently been added to provide a new revenue stream and has further potential for growth within the top paddock. The business is VAT registered using the Flat Rate Scheme. Certified summary accounts for the past 7 years are available to bona fide purchasers.
Berehayes Spa And Guest Facilities - The recently refurbished indoor pool complex has a 10m oval heated pool, Jacuzzi spa pool, sauna with seating area and changing room with shower and WC. An eco-friendly air source heat pump has been installed which reduces running costs with an emergency back-up gas fired boiler. No mains water is used in the pool, rainwater from the roof is now filtered. Pool plant room with storage.
Games Room 5m x 5m with pool table, table football, darts, table tennis, toys and games. Recently built laundry/store 6m x 4m with commercial washing machine, tumble dryer, sink, storage cupboards, linen and spare stores. In addition, there is a separate small guest laundry.
Timber built garage/workshop 8m x 6m built in 2019 with three siding doors and room for 4 cars. Scope to re-develop into further accommodation or a reception building, subject to gaining the relevant planning consents.
Guest car park with parking for approximately 14 cars. Each cottage has its own designated space. Recently added EV charging points.
Planning permission was granted in April 2018 for a change of use of the agricultural land in the paddock to site a Shepherds Hut and another similar unit.
Situated on the highest point of the site, the paddock offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Currently guests can feed the alpacas, sheep and chickens and play games like badminton or try bowling on an outdoor skittle alley. There is a large timber shed providing additional storage.
Designations - Whitchurch Canonicorum is situated in the Heritage Coast and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the edge of the Marshwood Vale Landscape Character Area.
Method Of Sale - The property is offered for sale by private treaty, inclusive of trade inventory to include furnishings, equipment, fixtures and fittings within the holiday letting cottages and in relation to the business, excluding any personal items. The shepherd's hut and animals are not included within the sale but could be available by separate negotiation.
Local Authority - Dorset Council
Services - Mains electricity and water is connected to the farmhouse and cottages.
Oil fired central heating in farmhouse.
Electric heaters in cottages.
Private sewerage.
Outgoings - Farmhouse - Council Tax Band G
Cottages business rateable value £17,750
Rights Of Way - The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of any public or private rights of way or boundaries, in particular a right of way exists for a neighbour to pass over the drive to their property.
Directions - From the A35 traveling West, at Morcombelake, turn right into Tizards Knap. Continue along this road as it continues into Goodens Hill and then right into Lower street. Continue into the village bearing left at the junction to continue in Lower Street and Berehayes can be found on the left just after the war mamorial.
Viewings - Strictly by appointment with Stags Holiday Complex Department on[use Contact Agent Button]
Disclaimer - These particulars are a guide only and should not be relied upon for any purpose.
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