The Birch Cheshunt hotel and estate in Hertfordshire is being sold nearly a year after entering administration.
- Knight Frank is leading the sale of this historic 55-acre property at a guide price of £12.5 million.
- Previously known as De Vere Theobalds Estate, the hotel was relaunched as Birch Cheshunt in 2020.
- Financial difficulties led to the closure of the hotel in November 2023, affecting both the Cheshunt and Selsdon properties.
- The sale presents potential buyers with a redevelopment opportunity, described by Knight Frank as a ‘blank canvas’.
The Hertfordshire estate, home to the former Birch Cheshunt hotel, is currently being marketed by Knight Frank almost a year following its administration status. With a guide price set at £12.5 million, the property is attracting significant interest from prospective buyers.
Originally operating as the De Vere Theobalds Estate, the hotel rebranded as Birch Cheshunt in 2020, reflecting a fresh approach in hospitality. The establishment included 140 rooms, two restaurants under the direction of chef Robin Gill, along with comprehensive meeting and event facilities, all nestled within 55 acres.
Despite its promising setup, the Birch Cheshunt, alongside its sister estate Birch Selsdon, ceased operations in November 2023. Administrators cited ‘cash constraints’ as the primary reason for the closures. This financial turmoil marked the end of a joint venture led by Chris Penn, former managing director of Ace Hotel London, and entrepreneur Chris King.
Performance Hotels, in partnership with the real estate investment firm Aprirose, managed the property following its acquisition in 2018 for £8.5 million. Henry Jackson from Knight Frank remarked, ‘The sale represents an exciting opportunity for buyers to acquire a premium asset with a strong history of success.’
The estate offers a unique chance for future owners to explore potential redevelopment or repurposing. Knight Frank envisions the 18th-century manor and extensive grounds as a ‘blank canvas,’ ripe for new developments or adaptive reuse. The Birch Selsdon property was similarly put on sale earlier this year.
The sale of Birch Cheshunt highlights significant opportunities for transformation and reinvention within the real estate market.
