12.18 Investment Management confirms site will operate as SCHLOSS Roxburghe.
Düsseldorf-based project developer and hotel operator 12.18. Investment Management GmbH has acquired the Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course alongside plans for its development.
Located in Heiton on the outskirts of Kelso in the Scottish Borders, 12.18. says it wants to take the historic property into a new era while maintaining its traditional charm when it reopens next year following a €35 million investment.
Managing Partners Jörg Lindner and Kai Richter signed the purchase agreement with former owner theDuke of Roxburghe in Edinburgh on March 26th.
12.18. will be engaging Kitzig Interior De-sign with whom they have worked extensively throughout their existing hospitality portfolio. Edinburgh based company ISA architects has been engaged for the architectural design and master-planning of the new buildings.
Significant Expansion
The 19th century property currently comprises 22 rooms, restaurant and bar; 12.18. says it aims to enhance this with an extensive refurbishment, building a separate extension to feature 57 additional rooms as well as a luxurious spa and a state-of-the-art meeting space.
In addition, 60 lodges will be built on the surrounding estate and be made available for sale to private investors through a sale-and- lease-back concept that will allow the new SCHLOSS Roxburghe to extend its room inventory further to holiday-makers.
Kai Richter said: “We are excited about our newinvestment in Scotland and are confident that the acquisition of the Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course will not only enrich our portfolio but will also be profitable for the entire region.”
The Duke of Roxburghe said: “The plans which the new owners have for major investment in the Roxburghe are very exciting indeed. We wish 12.18. every success with the new development and the operation in future and I have no doubt that it will become one of the most outstanding resort destinations in Scotland. I would like to pay particular thanks to all the staff who have worked with great dedication to deliver exceptional standards of service to our guestsover the years.”
Temporary Closure
The hotel will be closed during the period of redevelopment (the Golf Course and Clubhouse will continue to operate as normal). Some hotel staff will be redeployed during this time or offered alternative employment at other 12.18 properties. All staff will have the opportunity to be re-engaged when the hotel re-opens. Detailed consultation with staff will be undertaken in advance of any closure.
Lindner said: ‘We expect that after the complete redevelopment of the celebrated Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course and the new available rooms on the ground, the number of staff being employed with us will be more than doubled [current 50 people including hotel and golf course]. Regional business, restaurants and shops will economically benefit from the touristic development in the region.”
12.18. is experienced in regenerating historic properties, having launched castle hotel SCHLOSS Fleesensee in the Mecklenburg Lake District together with one of Northern Europe’s biggest golf resorts including five courses and a golf academy.
Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course will be the second property under 12.18.’s new brand ‘SCHLOSS Hotel’.
The company says it is interested in acquiring additional historic touristic properties within the UK to complement the portfolio.
