Delight at new owner for Ludlow's Feathers Hotel
Its closure was described as a “disaster”, but just two months after it shut its doors the historic Feathers Hotel has been sold.
The hotel in Ludlow closed down in August, citing trading difficulties as a result of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in 2017 in which a guest died.
The loss of the 17th century 40-bedroom hotel was a dark day for the town, with 16 employees made redundant and fears raised that tourism would irreparably damaged.
But Christie & Co, which was marketing the property, today confirmed an offer had been accepted.
Councillor Andy Boddington, who represents Ludlow North, said: “It is clearly very good news. The Feathers is one of our most important hotels and it is a tourist attraction in its own right.
"There were quite a few people working there when it closed so it is also an important employer.
“It is going to need a lot of work before it can reopen, but because of the time of year I would hope there is plenty of time to refurbish it by next summer.”
The sale price has not been revealed, but the hotel was put on the market for £2.6 million in January by the previous owners before it went into administration.
Christie & Co said there had been a lot of interest and the buyer would be revealed in the coming weeks.
Councillor Boddington added: “I never thought it would be the end of the Feathers, I thought someone would buy it.
"But I must admit I thought it would take a bit longer. It is brilliant that it has been bought so soon.”
Guest Elaine Brown, 69, died on August 26 last year after suffering a stroke as a result of contracting Legionnaires’ disease, which was linked to bacteria in the plumbing at the hotel.
Another guest, who contracted the disease and was diagnosed in April 2017, has recovered.
