HOLYWOOD-based investment company Wirefox has paid an undisclosed sum to acquire the historic Bushmills Inn Hotel and restaurant on the north coast.
The property was acquired from owners Alan and Zoe Dunlop by Wirefox's Marram Hotel Partners entity.
The former coaching inn, which dates back to 1608, has been extensively restored and extended in recent years and is considered one of the north's best-known tourism assets, located within the stunning Causeway Coast and Glens area of outstanding beauty.
The award-winning four star boutique hotel encompasses more than 40 rooms and suites and a popular restaurant, bar and loft, and the property will continue to operate in its current form with the existing team in place.
Kathryn Robinson, investment director at Wirefox, which was advised in the deal by Belfast-based Davidson McDonnell Solicitors, said: “We're delighted to welcome this fantastic team and impressive property to our growing portfolio of interests and look forward to acting as custodian of such an iconic asset in the months and years ahead.”
“The Bushmills Inn Hotel, with its enviable location, is one of Northern Ireland’s best-known luxury hotel destinations, renowned for its warm hospitality and award-winning restaurant.”
Alan Dunlop, who has been managing director of the Bushmills Inn Hotel for more than three decades, said: “The Bhotel has played an important role in Northern Ireland’s tourism development for generations and we’re proud of the role we have played in supporting its success and in creating value, jobs and economic wealth for the community and region.
“We’re pleased that we are transferring ownership to a leading investment company like Wirefox and are delighted by the visionary plans it has for its future which will ensure it will remain a major tourism focal point for the region to be enjoyed by visitors for many years ahead.”
Last year, Wirefox acquired one of the UK’s most famous hotels – The Scores Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland, a historic 36-room establishment with a bar and restaurant - next to the oldest golf course in the world.
Wirefox is undertaking an extensive 18-month refurbishment and repositioning to enhance the property. The hotel plans to employ approximately 70 local staff members when it reopens.
Wirefox is currently also in the final stages of completing a major development of The Paper Exchange, a 200,000 sq ft grade A professional office and mixed-use development in Belfast city centre, revitalising the former Oxford and Gloucester buildings at 46-63 Chichester Street, adjacent to Victoria Square shopping centre, just south of the City Hall.
Founded in 2014, Wirefox is one of the UK and Ireland’s most successful real estate investment and development companies focused on driving asset value and creating long term capital value.
