Family-run Whitchurch hotel on market for £550,000
A family-run hotel in a town in Shropshire has gone on the market with a £550,000 price tag.
Owners of the grade II-listed Dodington Lodge Hotel in Whitchurch say they are selling up to concentrate on their other business in the town.
They said there had already been some interest in the hotel, which lies on the edge of the town.
The hotel has been run by the Wainwright family since 2004. It dates back to the 1800s and has been trading as a hotel for about 70 years.
The town's mayor Rob Hewson today said he hoped new owners could be found and that the hotel would continue to trade for years to come.
Jason Wainwright, the owner of the hotel, said that he had fond memories of running the venue but said trade had become harder over the past 10 years.
He added his parents Sue and Philip were now in their 60s and were keen to cut down on their workload and concentrate on their security business.
The hotel has a restaurant and function room and 10 bedrooms.
There is also an outdoor barbecue area and a space for an outdoor marquee for weddings.
"It has been good fun," Mr Wainwright said. "We have celebrated some family occasions here, such as my 40th birthday, my dad's 60th birthday and my daughters' christenings.
"We have had one burglary which caused quite a lot of damage but they didn't manage to get hold of anything. Trade is harder now than 10 years ago. The price of beer has gone up so people don't come out for a drink as much.
"My parents have been heavily involved in the business. They are in their 60s now and want to cut down on the work and focus on the security business we have in the town.Running a hotel is for 24 hours, seven-days-a-week.
"We are all local to the town and it has been nice helping people to celebrate special occasions. Some of the staff have also been here since day one."
Mr Wainwright, 42, added: "It will be nice for the town to keep it as a hotel. There has been a little bit of interest in it."
Councillor Hewson said: "It's a nice hotel and it's a hotel we need to keep in the town.
"The Age UK luncheons used to be there. I recently went to the town's twinning luncheon and the food was very good there.
"I hope a buyer comes forward and I hope the sale goes through quickly for the people wanting to sell it."
Kay Clark, commercial property assistant at selling estate agents Barbers, said that a two-bedroom cottage situated next to the hotel was also available for a separate additional fee.
