One of Yorkshire’s oldest hotels, the Rose & Crown Hotel, has been put up for sale in the scenic Wensleydale village of Bainbridge. Dating back to 1445, this historic, grade II listed establishment is regarded as one of the oldest pubs in the region. The property has been listed by commercial property estate agent Ernest Wilson with a guide price of £550,000.
The Rose & Crown features an impressive 11-bedroom hotel, a restaurant, and three separate bars, making it a significant landmark in the area. In addition to the hotel, prospective buyers will have the chance to acquire an adjoining seven-acre plot of paddock land, which extends to the banks of the River Ure. This additional land holds potential for tourism-related developments, including glamping pods or shepherd’s huts, providing an attractive opportunity for enterprising buyers.
Mark Czajka, a director at Ernest Wilson, expressed enthusiasm about the property. “The Rose & Crown is a really cracking business that’s being run at quite a low level currently,” he stated. He noted that the current owner, who previously had a distinguished career as an RAF pilot and an airline captain, is preparing for a well-deserved retirement after 25 years of managing the establishment.
The Rose & Crown has long been a beloved venue for both locals and visitors alike, situated in a village known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant tourism. Bainbridge serves as a fantastic base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales, with attractions such as Aysgarth Falls and Hawes just a short distance away. Furthermore, the village gained fame as a filming location for the original BBC adaptation of “All Creatures Great and Small,” adding to its allure for tourists.
The hotel retains many original features from its extensive history, including stone-flagged floors and timber ceiling beams, which contribute to its charm. The restaurant can seat up to 85 patrons, while the bedrooms can accommodate 26 guests, offering ample capacity for visitors.
Czajka highlighted the potential for growth and development, stating, “The hotel has enormous potential to be escalated to become a much more dynamic and profitable business. There is great scope in this beautiful area of the Yorkshire Dales, which is a real honeypot for visitors.” He added that there has been considerable interest from potential buyers, emphasising that opportunities to acquire a historic venue like the Rose & Crown are rare.
As Yorkshire continues to attract tourists year-round, the Rose & Crown Hotel presents an enticing opportunity for those looking to invest in a historic property with a promising future in the hospitality and tourism sector.
