Birch Selsdon Hotel

Moorfields were appointed as Administrators over a 19ᵗʰ century mansion-turned-hotel, a prestigious property set within 198 acres of parkland. The estate, formerly a historic country residence and golf course, featured 181 rooms, two restaurants, and three bars.

The hotel, located near London, was subject to £29 million of bank debt. Despite its prime location and extensive amenities, the business faced financial pressures due to rising operational costs and market challenges within the hospitality and leisure sectors.

Objectives

• Preserve trading operations to maintain asset value and goodwill.
• Protect employment and ensure continuity of guest services.
• Manage stakeholder relations and safeguard the lender’s position.
• Prepare the asset for marketing and sale as a going concern.

Moorfields’ Actions

• Continued to trade the hotel to stabilise cash flow and preserve brand reputation.
• Implemented operational oversight and cost controls to improve financial performance.
• Engaged specialist hotel agents to market the property to potential buyers in the luxury hospitality sector.
• Coordinated due diligence, negotiations, and sale structuring to maximise recoveries for creditors.

Results

• The hotel was successfully traded and marketed for sale, ensuring business continuity.
• Employment was preserved, and guest operations continued without interruption.
• Value maximised through proactive asset management and targeted marketing.
• The process secured a strong outcome for the secured lender while protecting the long-term viability of a landmark heritage asset.