Business
CoGoGo is delighted to welcome to the market this very popular and busy guest house business in the vibrant city of Canterbury, Kent.

The business was originally established as a guest house in 1980 and has been in our client’s careful ownership since 2008. Only now is the business being offered to the market due to our client’s desire for a well-deserved retirement. The business currently operates all year round and as per the 2017 accounts generated a healthy turnover of £81,758 with gross profit at 91%.

Our client offers very high quality guest accommodation on a bed and breakfast only basis. The property covers approximately 68 sq. metres and boasts 7 guest bedrooms, all of which are either double and family rooms with en-suite facilities, as well as a single room with its own private facilities. Each bedroom features a TV, refrigerator, hairdryer, clock radio and tea/coffee making facilities.

The business has built up an excellent reputation within the city, which has resulted in a very loyal client base, with a very high volume of repeat trade and word of mouth recommendations. The business has received excellent reviews on various websites, including the very popular Trip Advisor.

We feel there is scope to increase the turnover by embarking on a modest marketing campaign to promote the excellent services offered. A new owner could also introduce extra food services, such as offering evening meals. The guest house already has an excellent and very informative website in place, which offers online booking facilities at www.clareellenguesthouse.co.uk.

This is an excellent opportunity for a new owner, perhaps a husband and wife team or partnership, to take this already popular and thriving business to the next level; therefore early viewing must come highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

Location
Clare Ellen Guest House is a charming Victorian town house dating back to the 19th century, it retains its period character, whilst offering all the modern conveniences expected from a four star establishment. The three storey premises is ideally located within the popular cathedral city of Canterbury, Kent. The property is just 10 minutes’ walk from the centre of Canterbury and benefits from a high volume of footfall and passing trade. The university is also very close by and the business also benefits from guest who work and visit the university, as well as friends and family visiting students. There are good car parking facilities within the area and the property benefits from a secure car park for six vehicles and two large garages that are accessed from a side street.

Canterbury is a historic English cathedral city in Kent. The city is a very popular tourist destination, consistently one of the most visited cities in the UK. There are many historical structures within the city, including a city wall, which was founded in the Roman times and rebuilt in the 14th century, the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey and a Norman castle. The city’s cathedral became a major focus of pilgrimage following the martyrdom of Thomas Becket.

The area of the business is very well served by the public transport system, with several bus stops within easy walking distance of the guest house. The nearest railway station is Canterbury East, which is just over 5 minutes’ walk away. The area is also well served by the A-roads, with the business located just off the A28, which links to the national A-road and motorway networks and offers easy access to the guest house. Dover is approximately 16½ miles away and Ramsgate is 17½ miles away.

Premises
Substantial Victorian guest house in a prime trading location, briefly comprising:

Lower ground floor with:

Large bedroom (currently used as staff accommodation).

Ground floor

Hallway with stairs to access upper floors.
Guest WC.
Private owners’ lounge with original fireplace and access to two private double bedrooms.
Guest dining room with 14 covers.
Fully equipped kitchen.
Utility room.
Private bathroom with bath and shower unit.

First floor:

Room 1: Young Family room includes wall mounted bunk beds with en-suite
Room 2: Single with private bathroom facilities.
Room 3: Double with en-suite.
Room 7: Double with en-suite.

Second floor:

Room 4: Triple room with three single beds, en-suite and separate WC.
Room 5: Double with en-suite.
Room 6: Family room with double bed, two single beds and en-suite.

External with:

Guest seating area.
Garden.
Secure car park for six vehicles.
2 x large garages, which are accessed from a side street.

Tenure
We are advised Freehold.

Hours
The business operates all year round.

Staff
The business is owner run and managed with 2 x staff members.

Financial Profile
The business currently operates all year round and as per the 2017 accounts generated a healthy turnover of £81,758 with gross profit at 91%.