By Ian McConnell

The only hotel on a Scottish island renowned for sandy beaches and long sunshine hours has been put up for sale, with a guide price of £650,000. 
Christie & Co has been appointed to sell The Colonsay Hotel, an 18th century drovers' inn which, the property agent notes, offers “spectacular sea views towards Jura”. 
The property dates back to 1750 and has received what Christie & Co describes as a "number of sympathetic modern extensions over the years". It now has nine boutique-style bedrooms and suites, along with a bar, conservatory and dining room as well as extensive outbuildings and separate staff accommodation.

Christie says the hotel “enjoys strong levels of trade and is the sole serviced accommodation offering on the island”.

It adds: “Located in the Inner Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland, Colonsay is renowned for having the longest hours of sunshine and the best white sandy beaches in all of Scotland, making it a highly popular holiday destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.”

Owner Jane Howard describes Colonsay as one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

She says:“The hotel presents a fantastic opportunity to build on an already successful business and take it to the next level on one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

"The Isle of Colonsay is becoming more and more desirable as a unique tourist destination for guests looking for remote and beautiful landscapes, beaches, ancient history and stunning wildlife. The hotel offers the most comfortable and welcoming base to enjoy the island and huge potential to develop its offering.”

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Christie & Co notes that, since it was purchased by the current owners in 2005, The Colonsay Hotel has undergone a further extensive refurbishment, internally and externally.

Brian Sheldon of Christie & Co, who is handling the sale, says: “As the island's only hotel and pub, the business enjoys excellent occupancy as well as good levels of local trade and is considered to be the hub of the island’s social life. We believe this will be a very successful business for a buyer going into 2021 and beyond.”

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The Colonsay Hotel is on the market with a guide price of £650,000 for the freehold going concern. There is an option to purchase or rent a two-bedroom cottage adjacent to the hotel "via separate negotiation", Christie & Co noted.

Christie & Co notes Colonsay "is easily accessible via the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry which sails from Oban every day between March and October, plus twice-weekly from Islay and Kennacraig, and four times a week from Oban during the winter".

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It adds: "Hebridean Air also operates a flight twice-daily on Thursdays and once a day on Saturdays and Sundays between April and October."