Another Place to sell Hampshire hotel amid Scottish expansion

Another Place is to sell its Hampshire property, Amport House, as it sets eyes on its first hotel in Scotland.

Amport House is a Grade II-listed country house dating back to 1857 featuring gardens designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyl. It was the former Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre until March 2020, when it was sold by the Ministry of Defence to Another Place for an undisclosed sum.

The property was due to launch in 2022 as Another Place, the Garden with 50 bedrooms, two restaurants and bars, and a swim club.

Will Ashworth, chief executive of Watergate Bay in Cornwall and founder and executive director of Another Place, said: “During the delayed planning process over the last 30 months, we have doubled down on what the Another Place brand stands for, and have decided to focus on other opportunities.

“It has been a privilege to work on this unique property and we’re very grateful for the support from the local community. We hope to find a buyer who can deliver the exciting plans we’d developed for this unique location.”

The first Another Place property, the Lake in Cumbria (pictured), launched in 2017 with 47 rooms. The hotel recently acquired a pub, which is due to open as the Brackenrigg Inn in February 2024 following an extensive refurbishment.

The hotel collection is also due to expand with its first property in Scotland. Terms have been agreed to add the Machrie in Islay to the group after a month-long pop-up was run at the hotel in August this year.

The Machrie has 47 bedrooms and lodges as well as a Championship Links golf course built along the beach at Laggan Bay.

Ashworth said: “The Machrie is the perfect fit for Another Place, providing a stunning island setting for active yet relaxing breaks, from wildlife boat trips to whisky tasting, sea loch oyster shacks to surf spots.

“We’re excited to share that feeling with our growing Another Place community, while also bringing lifestyle hospitality to the golf market and expanding the Machrie’s offer to include a range of other outdoor experiences.”

Ian Ferguson, who was previously general manager at Dundonald Links golf course in Ayrshire and hospitality director at the Loch Lomond golf course, has been appointed general manager of the Machrie.

David Vaughan, general manager of Another Place, the Lake, has also been promoted to hotels director.