Family-owned Apex Hotels has made its second rural property acquisition with the purchase of Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course in Aberdeenshire, details of the deal were not disclosed.
After acquiring the Pine Trees Hotel in Pitlochry in July last year, the group is looking to expand its footprint in rural areas.
For more than three decades, Meldrum House, a 13th-century manor house set in 250 acres of picturesque countryside, has been privately owned by Aberdeenshire businessmen Bob Edwards and Terry and David Buchan. The property has 51 bedrooms and a rich historical heritage.
In 2022, Meldrum House earned recognition for its outstanding marketing efforts and received the prestigious Best Marketing Campaign award at Cateys.
Meldrum House Country Hotel is the tenth addition to Apex’s portfolio. This expansion comes for Apex, which secured a £60m refinancing package in August specifically designed to facilitate its expansion into rural locations.
Following the sale, Jordan Charles will continue in his role as CEO and oversee the day-to-day operations of Meldrum House.
Angela Vickers, CEO of Apex Hotels, said: “The acquisition of Meldrum House Country Hotel provides an opportunity to continue diversifying the Apex Hotels range, giving our guests even more choice between urban and more relaxed countryside.
“This is an exciting time for Apex and after getting to know the team at Meldrum House it was clear that they share the same vision and ambitions that we have at Apex Hotels.
“Meldrum House will become one of our flagship hotels and we are delighted to be the next custodians of this historic property.”
Bob Edwards added: “After 31 years of ownership of Meldrum House with David and Terry Buchan, the time is perfect to hand over the reins to a new chapter where the hotel and property will become part of the expanding portfolio of Apex Hotels.”
Scottish entrepreneur Norman Springford founded Apex Hotels and launched the first property, the Apex Grassmarket Hotel in Edinburgh, in 1996.
