Pine Trees Hotel sold to Apex Hotels

Apex Hotels has acquired Pine Trees hotel in the Scottish Highlands for an undisclosed sum.

Pine Trees hotel is a family-owned country house hotel in Pitlochry, which is set in a Victorian mansion within 10 acres of woodland.

It has 29 ensuite bedrooms, a bar and a restaurant, complete with traditional furnishings and log fires, and was owned by Major and Mrs Barlow for the past five years.

Apex Hotels now operates eight luxury hotels across Dundee, Glasgow, London, Bath and Edinburgh.

Angela Vickers, chief executive of Apex Hotels, said: “The acquisition of Pine Trees hotel illustrates our commitment to delivering sustainable growth in the UK market and we are delighted to add the Pine Trees hotel to the Apex family. This move was the perfect fit in seeking to diversify the Apex Hotels brand in more rural locations to provide our guests with greater choice alongside existing city centre locations.”

Brian Sheldon, regional director – hospitality Scotland of Christie & Co, who brokered the deal, added: “The sale of the Pine Trees hotel epitomises the demand for quality and established country house hotels in good locations throughout Scotland. The hotel has been meticulously looked after by the family, although being run under management, with no expense being spared in decoration and refurbishment over the years of their ownership, Major and Mrs Barlow look forward to a well-deserved break before their next venture.”

It comes after Apex Hotels reported a post-pandemic return to profitability earlier this year.